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SPRING 2020
Increasing our face-to-face customer service
in a digital age
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Advertise with us in Summer 2020Rushcliffe Reports goes out three times a year to 50,000 homes. Advertising with us will get your company noticed – if you’re interested in promoting your business in the next edition, due out in June 2020, contact us at [email protected] or call 0115 914 8555 for our competitive rates.
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Contents
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COUNCIL NEWS New opening hours across our customer contact points 3 Support smokefree sidelines... 4 Meeting our 2020 vision 16 years on 5 Car park prices frozen for a third year 6 Rushcliffe named best place to live in Notts 7 Development Corporation could deliver thousands of jobs and investment 8 Continue to Shop Local with the help of West Bridgford Way 9
HEALTHCARE Reaching further into our communities to tackle loneliness 10 Pledging our commitment for wider mental health support 11
FACILITIES Great venues for your event, meeting or exercise class 12
RECYCLING Garden waste collections 13
BUSINESS Among the best for business unit occupancy and business rate relief 14 Shop front funding transforms look of businesses 15
BINGHAM MARKET Thursday mornings can only mean... 16
ENVIRONMENT Carbon neutral target set... 17
THE FRIARY Thank you for an incredible 13 tonneof donations... 18
LEISURE Find a free running session... 19 Membership soars at thriving Rushcliffe Squash Club 20 Join Calverton and Bingham Swimming Club 21
COMMUNITY Gain peace of mind with a Home Alarm 22 Have your say on the Police and Crime Commissioner 23
EVENTS Lawn party to celebrate VE Day’s 75th anniversary 24
ARMED FORCES Acknowledgement for commitment to support members of the Armed Forces 25
LEADER'S UPDATE Update from Cllr SJ Robinson 28
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Rushcliffe Reports on CDAn audio version of Rushcliffe Reports is available for blind and partially-sighted people. Contact us to get the latest edition by emailing [email protected] or call 0115 914 8555.Cover picture: Members of our Customer Service team outside our new Customer Service Centre on Gordon Road in West Bridgford.
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We welcomed new opening hours for our customer services across the Borough in February whilst also setting up a new base in West Bridgford.
Our Service Points at Bingham, Cotgrave and East Leake all now have a full-time presence with extended hours from Monday to Friday, ensuring our services can be accessed face to face at each site from:
Monday 8.30am – 5pm
Tuesday 8.30am – 5pm
Wednesday 9.30am – 5pm
Thursday 8.30am – 5pm
Friday 8.30am – 4.30pm
The West Bridgford facility has a new even more accessible Customer Service Centre for residents to access our key services, contact Nottinghamshire Police and connect with a host of local partners.
The new office is based on Gordon Road in the town centre opposite Gordon Road car park and is even closer to bus routes and car parks.
New opening hours across our customer contact points
You can drop in to see to a friendly advisor during opening hours, or access partner services by appointment for the Police, Nottinghamshire County Council, Metropolitan Thames Valley Housing, Homesearch and Citizens’ Advice.
You can contact us otherwise visiting the website rushcliffe.gov.uk calling 0115 981 99 11 or emailing [email protected]
Our Leader Cllr Simon Robinson, said: “The new centre in West Bridgford is still your one stop shop for local services and is now based in an even more accessible location on one of our great bustling high streets.
“It’s just yards from public transport stops and car parks. We can’t wait to give a warm welcome to customers, or if you can’t call in, why not visit our website at rushcliffe.gov.uk
“We know our face to face services across the Borough are still vital to so many people even in such a digital age, so we’re now delighted to offer extended opening hours on weekdays in Bingham, Cotgrave and East Leake.”
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We’re encouraging more spectators to act as positive role models and not smoke when attending games or training involving both children or adults participating in the sport.
It’s part of our drive to ensure sports clubs are healthy and inclusive places, where the wellbeing of all, but particularly children and young people, is a priority.
Vaping is included in the initiative to help guard against younger age groups being exposed to the activity which still carries a health risk.
The campaign is empowering parents and club officials to report smoking or vaping on the sidelines or in the view of children to a nominated club official who can work with those identified on quitting the habit when spectating.
Prominent local clubs including West Bridgford Colts, Keyworth United, Edwalton Cavaliers, Cotgrave Colts, East Leake Bantams and Radcliffe Olympic have pledged their support to the scheme
Support smokefree sidelines at your local football clubSmokers who cheer on family and friends playing football are being encouraged to leave cigarettes and vape pens at home to create Smokefree Sidelines across the Borough.
16 years ago we set out our 2020 vision as a Council in our 2004 Corporate Strategy.
We’re proud we feel we have achieved much of what we set out to, not least through our subsequent corporate strategies that we feel have delivered high quality services and listened to your thoughts, such as in the most recent residents’ survey in 2018.
The vision in 2004 set out its aspirations for the Borough to:
• continue to confirm its reputation as an excellent place to live, work and visit
• ensure the population to be decently housed
• seek locally focused, publicly supported environmental policies to preserve the character of the Borough
• sustain emphasis on recycling and reducing global environmental problems
• ensure the local environment is clean and safe
• continue effective partnership working between the public, voluntary and commercial sectors
• ensure public services are high quality and inclusive
Meeting our 2020 vision 16 years on
installing banners at their respective grounds and players are now wearing campaign bibs during training to spread the message.
Our Deputy Leader Cllr Debbie Mason said: “It’s heartening to see so many clubs commit to this project that will provide even further protection from smoking to young people and all footballers when they take to the field.
“We know the vast majority of family members and spectators who watch local sport are always good healthy role models but this effort is helping even more play their part in being responsible spectators.”
There is a wide range of free support you can access which can help you quit smoking.
The most effective way to quit for good is to use the local stop smoking service, which is normally free of charge. Visit nhs.uk/smokefree or call Smokefree Life Nottinghamshire on 0115 772 2515.
• guarantee that the availability of broadband across the Borough ensures there are no barriers to the development of high technology services.
Our Portfolio Holder for Transformation Cllr Andy Edyvean said: “2004 may seem a long time ago but we are pleased to have achieved much of what the administration at the time was seeking, not least through many environmental initiatives and a financial footing that sees the Council remain self-sufficient.
“There is of course much more to achieve to maintain and improve life in the Borough for residents but as this exercise highlighted, as a Council we will always look to set out plans that we and partners consider are ambitious but achievable.”
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We’ve frozen parking prices across the Borough for a third year running.
Our 2020/21 budget was passed in March and included the proposed freeze, recognising the continued pressures on the local retail sector close to many sites.
Charges have not increased since 2017 and remain lower than other areas of the wider Nottingham conurbation.
Our strategy is balancing the needs of local businesses and motorists in each location as demand changes, structuring daytime parking tariffs to meet the various needs of visitors and shoppers during the day.
Car park prices frozen for a third year
Our council tax levels remain low as our 2020/21 Budget and Financial Strategy set in March saw us remain in the lowest quartile of Council tax charges in the country.
Set at £142.39 for a band D property from April, an increase of £4.95 from last year, or less than 10p a week, the raise was introduced to ensure we maintain and improve services wherever possible, despite a £3.25 million cut in government funding in the last six years.
As ever, only a small percentage of the bill is received by us, with the remainder distributed to the County Council, emergency services and your local town and councils in precepts.
Our Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance Cllr Gordon Moore said: “Those in a Band D
Rushcliffe named best place to live in Notts
Motorists can still park for free at all car parks after 8pm each evening and usage has increased at sites across the Borough in the last 12 months.
The cashless RingGo scheme is also available at our car parks, allowing users an even easier way to pay for parking or extend their stay via its mobile app, website or phone service.
Our Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance and Contracts Cllr Gordon Moore said: “We launched our Off-Street Car Parking Strategy in 2018 with a focus on supporting the right balance of duration, charging and other factors to support local economic prosperity.
“The popularity of our car parks continues to highlight we are striking the right balance and listening to feedback from retailers and local motorists.
“Charges are set not to increase for a third year and we continue to reinvest back into this service with for example lighting, resurfacing, new ticket machines and improvements for more attractive facilities at Needham Street car park in Bingham.”
property in the Borough still pay among the lowest figures of anywhere in the County despite this increase.
“Our Revenue Support Grant from central government is being reduced for another year but we continue to remain self-sufficient with no cut in services.”
Meanwhile the Borough was named the best place to live in Nottinghamshire earlier this year, according to a national survey that assesses employment, health and personal wellbeing.
The Halifax Quality of Life survey 2020 again highlighted the Borough as the 22nd best place to live nationally, highlighting our continued reputation as a great place, offering great sport and great lifestyle for residents.
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We have now set up a councillor working group to be regularly consulted on the progress of the project over the next two years.
Central Government previously announced funding of up to £2m to explore the business case for the project that will equally assess options for investment at Toton and Chetwynd Barracks and East Midlands Airport.
Our Leader Cllr Simon Robinson said: “This is a hugely significant project that could deliver up to 20,000 jobs at the power station site alone and enhance and improve the environment, taking into account the
Development Corporation could deliver
thousands of jobs and investmentThe Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station site is set to cease operation by the end of 2025 and could deliver thousands of new jobs and investment as part of a wider Development Corporation across the region.
need to reduce emissions and achieve net gains in natural capital.
“We’re delighted Rushcliffe could be at the forefront of driving climate change with a potential National Centre for Integrated Zero Carbon Futures.
“The connectivity between the sites could also have great benefits to our green infrastructure and local public transport, minimising the impact on the environment.
“Our working group will be regularly consulted so we can guide further the huge impact this could have for Rushcliffe and the region.”
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Continue to Shop Local with the help of
West Bridgford Way West Bridgford Way, the town’s marketing project, continues to thrive.
The West Bridgford Growth Board launched the initiative last year at westbridgfordway.co.uk and across social media that means visitors and residents can now quickly and easily locate businesses, places to eat and events.
With shopping trends constantly changing, the nature of the high street has to change with it, to enable us to continue to shop local so @westbway on twitter @westbridgfordway on facebook and West Bridgford Way on Instagram are continuing to promote great offers and updates.
Funded from our existing council funds, the project provides updates from retailers, businesses, and local councils with the aim to drive further footfall to the town.
It allows businesses such as Forde’s coffee and sandwich bar to promote their business by connecting and engaging with the media channels. There is support available for businesses on getting the best from their online engagement from local marketing guru Shamshad Walker.
In conjunction with the Rushcliffe Business Partnership, it builds on one of the
recommendations of the West Bridgford Commissioners’ Report that suggested development of a brand identity for the town to be among the initiatives to further drive its economy.
Chairman of the West Bridgford Growth Board Cllr Roger Upton said: “The West Bridgford Way initiative goes from strength to strength online and on social media signposting more and more residents and visitors to the great local businesses and events we have in the town.
“Keep an eye out on the channels for updates on how we’re looking to further enhance the town centre’s retail and leisure offer.”
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Being connected with other people matters and research shows social isolation is bad for our mental and physical health.
It’s fast becoming one of the greatest challenges in the UK and whilst often associated with older people who live on their own, it can affect anyone of any age.
It can be linked to issues such as obesity, smoking and can increase risk of dementia.
Therefore we’re looking at working with partners at Rushcliffe’s GP practices and Rushcliffe Community Voluntary Service to identify those who may need support or just a friendly face to engage with more often.
Our Leader Cllr Simon Robinson said: “In the coming weeks and months we’ll be looking at ways we can directly improve the quantity and quality of connections residents have with each other and with local groups.
Reaching further into our communities
to tackle lonelinessWe’ve launched Rushcliffe Reach to reach further into our communities and tackle loneliness among individuals.
“We’ll be assessing funding to help with initiatives for how transport and technology can create and sustain relationships such as with lunch clubs, a befriending service, community door knocks, community connectors, and meet up Mondays at local cafes.
“We’ll be exploring opportunities to support existing voluntary transport schemes so residents can access these new projects.”
We want to hear from you too about what may help us reach out to more people who may benefit from Rushcliffe Reach.
Call our Customer Services team on 0115 981 9911, email [email protected] or contact us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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Pledging our commitment for wider mental health supportWe signed the Time to Change employer pledge earlier this year, led by charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness to support any of our staff who may suffer mental health problems.
The commitment has already seen us invest in Mental Health First Aid training for members of staff, establish an internal mental health steering group and develop Personal Wellbeing Plans to support staff in managing their wellbeing at work.
We also continue to review the approach taken to mental health in the workplace, with further work planned to facilitate regular wellbeing walks, annual health fayres and additional training for staff.
These efforts follow our partnership with Public Health England last year in a commitment to better mental health across Rushcliffe communities and encourage other organisations to follow suit with their employees.
Business owners, voluntary group and organisations can find out more at time-to-change.org.uk
In signing the pledge our Deputy Leader Cllr Debbie Mason and Chief Executive Kath Marriott committed to help break the silence surrounding mental health in the workplace.
Cllr Mason said: “It is vitally important that everyone knows where they can seek support, advice and guidance about their mental health, especially in the workplace.
“This was led by Time to Talk Day in February that highlighted the importance of our commitment to change and reminding us that staying silent on these issues only increases the number of challenges facing those who are attempting to access help.
“We have now joined over 1,300 organisations including many NHS trusts, universities, and fellow local authorities in signing the Time to Change pledge.”
Estimations place the cost of poor mental health to UK employers between £33 billion and £42 billion, according to the Thriving at Work Report published in 2017.
Set up to create a positive shift in public attitudes towards mental health problems, Time to Change supports communities, schools and workplaces to open up to mental health problems, to talk and listen.
Chief Executive Kath Marriott and Deputy Leader Cllr Debbie Mason.
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Garden waste collections
For under 77p per week we’ll collect your garden waste saving you time, money and hassle:
No need for trips to the recycling centre
No need to mess up your car with bags of garden waste
No cleaning up afterwards
Pay online at rushcliffe.gov.uk/rushcliffegwor over the phone on 0115 981 9911
Thank you if you are an existing customer. Remember to renew your subscription to ensure you get your 2020/21 sticker.
£40per year
Additional bins just £25 per year
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Great venues for your event, meeting or exercise class
Rushcliffe Arena – an ideal venue for meetings, training and conferences. The rooms are fully furnished with Wi-Fi and technology for presentations, set out in a range of layouts for up to 100 people. Hot and cold drinks are available, refreshments can be provided by our partner Lex Leisure, with free on-site parking.
Lutterell Hall – this 1920s building in central West Bridgford is ideal for wedding receptions and celebrations of all kinds, especially as it’s next to St Giles Church and within walking distance of West Bridgford Registry Office, West Bridgford Methodist Church and Holy Spirit Catholic Church.
Sir Julien Cahn Pavillion in West Bridgford – an attractive and spacious pavilion with a cricketing heritage and a great view overlooking the cricket pitch. This venue has plenty of parking space, making it a great choice for parties, discos and community gatherings.
Gamston Community Hall – handily located near the Morrisons supermarket, this is a multi-purpose facility, popular for indoor sports, fitness classes, playgroups, children’s parties, community gatherings and educational classes.
For more details on our competitive prices or to book any of our venues: go to rushcliffe.gov.uk/venues email [email protected] or call 0115 914 8553
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It assists businesses to match contributions to improvements, up to the value of £5,000.
Recipients of the grant include Cut N Curl in East Leake who installed a new door and double-glazing and Ash Accounting in Bingham who installed new glass windows and secured new external paintwork to their premises.
Instep Podiatry and Footwear on Melton Road in West Bridgford is also among those who have benefitted from the grant, installing new shop signage to the front and side of their building.
Owner Claire Dul met our cabinet Portfolio Holder for Business and Transformation Cllr Andy Edyvean to showcase the improvements.
She said: “The Shop Front Improvement Grant contribution has enabled us to
Shop front funding transforms look of businessesBusinesses across the Borough have transformed their appearance on the high street and made essential improvements to their shop fronts thanks to our Shop Front Improvement Grant.
reinvigorate our shop front signage following our recent rebrand.
“We have been able to transform the area at the front of the business, clearly showcasing our specialist services on Melton Road.
“We would thoroughly recommend that any business making changes to their shop front consider applying for the support the grant can provide.”
Cllr Edyvean added: “It is great to see so many Rushcliffe businesses benefit from this brilliant scheme that can assist with the renovation, re-design or general improvement of their shop front.
“The funding not only allows businesses to make necessary changes, but also offers the potential to rejuvenate their shop front and improve experiences for their customers.”
Among the best for business unit occupancy and business rate relief A report from the BBC has highlighted the Borough having the sixth least empty business units in the country with low business rate tax relief losses, showcasing its small number of vacant business premises.
further sites for business unit provision linked to the Council’s own drive to support commercialism in the Borough.”
A further report has revealed we are among the best performing councils in the county when distributing business rate relief.
In figures released by Chartered Surveyors Bankier Sloan assessing the financial years 2017/18 and 2018/19, only £27,293 was returned to central government from the funds we received, demonstrating our commitment to supporting local business.
We received £396,081 and have since returned £368,788 to local businesses most affected by the revaluation made by central government in 2017.
Our Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Finance Cllr Gordon Moore said: “The statistics demonstrate our commitment to support local enterprise and our teams proactively made efforts to ensure businesses were given the relief knowing the difficult trading environment of recent years.
“This drive to support commercialism in the Borough highlights Rushcliffe is truly open for business and we’ll continue to work hard to distribute the grant even more effectively.”
It backs up our investment in business units and office space in the Borough in order to cater for demand for small businesses to locate and thrive here.
Our Portfolio Holder for Business and Transformation Cllr Andy Edyvean said: “It’s heartening the statistics confirm the great place Rushcliffe is to work and set up business and also the great businesses we are proud to have in the Borough.
“There is always scope for improvement and we continue to monitor the right mix of retail and commercial space and seek
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We have hosted and led a Nottinghamshire Environmental Strategy workshop to align delivery with the D2N2 Energy Strategy as we aim as an organisation to be carbon neutral by 2030.
Officers have taken part in webinars and attended climate change events held by the Carbon Trust, Nottingham City Council, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Local Authority Energy Partnership, Midlands Energy Hub, private training providers and Western Power Distribution.
An internal officer group, with representatives from 11 different service areas now meets to identify and develop co-ordinated actions across our Carbon Clever project.
Action plan themes include assessing property assets, our fleet and transport, contracts and procurement, policy and regulation, waste and recycling, operational activities, and where we can also influence our wider communities and businesses.
Meanwhile at a meeting of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire Council leaders facilitated by D2N2 earlier this year, our Leader Cllr Simon Robinson issued a call for councils to work together to lower carbon levels from housing developments across the two counties.
He called for more measures to reduce emissions from vehicles during new developments by working locally, retrofitting existing housing stock and
Carbon neutral target setwith call for lower carbon construction of homes
further influencing the supply chain to be more carbon neutral with the recycling and sourcing of raw materials involved in construction.
He asked Council leaders to support a proposal to produce supplementary planning documents to assist the councils to work to higher environmental standards than currently provided in the National Planning Policy Framework.
He said: “Rushcliffe is among the councils committed to ensuring future development is as low-carbon as possible and I was delighted with the support shown at the meeting that ties directly with D2N2 strategy for a more sustainable future for our communities.
“Minimising carbon in the construction phase is key to councils overseeing further energy-efficient new homes across our two counties.”
Chair of D2N2 Elizabeth Fagan CBE said: “We’re excited to see Councillor Robinson and Rushcliffe Borough Council embracing our Energy Strategy and helping our region move towards a carbon-free tomorrow.”
Bingham’s historic Buttercross Market Square is the place to be every Thursday morning!
A visit to the Buttercross promises a traditional market offering a wide range of fresh produce, locally-sourced goods and everyday essentials.
The friendly traders arrive from 7.30am and are always keen to provide advice that will help you make a supremely tasty meal, find the perfect gift or discover something entirely new.
Whether you’re aspiring to eat more healthily, want a range of stunning, fresh produce at your fingertips, like to shop locally and support small businesses, or if you’d simply like to grab a bargain – Bingham Market is for you!
Every third Saturday of the month, you can also explore Bingham Farmer’s Market and discover the homemade cheese, bread, fresh vegetables, meat, fish and treats that fill the market square of a weekend!
The Buttercross will also be undergoing some changes later this year, with the addition of some new tree planting.
Thursday mornings can only mean…
Bingham Market!
The mature trees at the Buttercross are set to be replaced with younger, smaller saplings that can grow without disturbing the paving slabs in the square.
The new trees will be planted in specially designed tree pits which use ‘soil cells’ that help support the market place floor whilst still holding sufficient un-compacted soil to help the trees establish and mature.
Make sure you receive regular updates about the market by following us on social media
@rushcliffeborough on Facebook, @Rushcliffe on Twitter and @rushcliffe_bc on Instagram.
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Our waste team busily collected the charitable gifts, many from its most needed list with thousands of drinks, snacks, tins of food, hats, scarves, gloves, socks, trousers, underwear and shoes now distributed to those in need.
The items were stored for free, thanks to Edwalton Golf Centre, in containers courtesy of Concept Accommodation Ltd and was over a tonne more than in a similar effort in January last year, and an increase of three tonnes on the same initiative in 2018.
Our Leader Cllr Simon Robinson said: “Residents’ generosity has again been astonishing. We thank everyone who has taken the time to place items out with their bin.
“It’s not just the volume of items that everyone has so kindly given but the thought so many
people have gone to and checked the most needed items list that will benefit those in need who use the Friary’s services.
“Last year our waste teams collected a phenomenal 12 tonnes so to surpass that figure this year is a real achievement and praise must also go to them, dedicating extra hours to collect so many items.”
Paul Randle, vice-chairman of the Friary said: “A thank you to the exceptional generosity of the people of Rushcliffe who have come up trumps again and the work of the Borough Council.
“It raises the profile of the charity in the Borough and it’s just the most superb initiative, we couldn’t survive without the support of the community, we can’t thank them enough.”
Thank you for an incredible 13 tonnes of donations to the FriaryThank you for your exceptional generosity when you donated an incredible record 13 tonnes of food and clothing in January to those in need at homeless charity the Friary when you placed your bin out for collection.
The funding helped volunteers train to become ‘Run Leaders’ who are supporting sessions in Ruddington and West Bridgford based on the Couch to 5k programme, some of which are already fully booked.
Our Deputy Leader Cllr Debbie Mason said: “This is yet another wonderful example of the Healthy Futures Fund supporting local groups to provide further opportunities for people in Rushcliffe, following our work to support the community group Rushcliffe All Ears last year.
“The new sessions have been exceptionally popular, and we hope more women will now find a local running group to help them improve their fitness, socialise and regularly engage with their community.”
The fund helps groups or activities sustain themselves financially, expand their efforts and positively impact the health and wellbeing of residents in Rushcliffe.
For further information visit rushcliffe.gov.uk/health/healthyfuturesfund
Find a free running sessionthanks to our Healthy Futures FundNotts Women Runners are now offering new free beginners’ sessions for those hoping to increase their fitness levels in Rushcliffe.
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We have a great breadth and depth of sports clubs that use the sports facilities at our leisure centres across the Borough.
Calverton and Bingham Swimming Club (CABSC) are one such highly successful outfit who have been established for over 30 years and co-ordinated by a large team of enthusiastic coaches and volunteers.
They train at Bingham and Cotgrave Leisure Centres where scores of budding swim stars hone their skills in a competitive, fun environment.
The club has squads of all abilities, an active water polo section, an exciting hybrid between swimming and football for those who want something different and a very well-respected master’s section.
The Stingrays as they are nicknamed offer trials to swimmers who are at stage six within swimming lessons and have members as young as six-years-old within its junior groups.
Join Calverton and Bingham Swimming Club at one of our great venues!
CABSC are always welcoming new members of any age and ability to get into the sport, offering a wonderful opportunity to make new friends, be healthy and learn valuable life skills.
The club enters swimmers, water polo and masters at local county championships through to national level competition.
Acting Chairman Kath Needham said: “In an Olympic year, we’re looking to continue to build on the wonderful legacy of 2012 and inviting new members to come and join our friendly club.
“There’s a real family feel to the club here and some of our older swimmers have gone on to work at Bingham Leisure Centre and in the community to help give something back to new generations of those who enjoy the sport.”
Any future Stingrays interested in being part of the team can access two free taster sessions. To find out more information email [email protected]
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Rushcliffe Squash Club has seen its membership levels soar in recent years, thanks to the great work of club members to create a competitive but friendly and fun environment at Rushcliffe Arena.
Over 130 members now compete across their 17 internal leagues with many also stepping up to take part in Nottinghamshire County Leagues and continue to put the club on the map as one of the best in the County.
The club has an ever-growing women’s section, has extended its coaching set up to train increasing numbers of players and prides itself on having an active social side that creates a great culture on and off the courts.
Membership soars at thriving Rushcliffe Squash Club
Chairman Pete McGavin said: “The club is thriving and it’s inspiring to see how it continues to gel to welcome members new and old.
“The facilities at the Arena are great and many people from the club must be thanked for their work to secure them when the Arena was being built in 2016.
“We’ve gone from a more male dominated club to now having a far more balanced set-up and we hope to get more and more ladies into the county leagues in the years ahead.
“Squash is a wonderful sport, it improves stamina and strength and overall exercise and we all couldn’t recommend it enough!”
To find out more about the club visit westbridgfordsquash.org.uk or to book a game at the Arena visit leisurecentre.com/rushcliffe-arena
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In a recent survey, to which over 500 people responded, those who use the service across the Borough gave it a satisfaction rate of 100%.
The alarm can benefit anyone living alone, young, elderly, or people with disabilities to provide safety and peace of mind for their family.
If callers are within hearing distance of the alarm they are able to talk to the operator and explain what is required.
However, even if the caller is not able to hear or speak to the operator, action will still be taken to ensure that the caller is safe and well.
The current charge for the service is £49 per quarter, with a one-off installation fee of £35.
Gain peace of mind with a Home AlarmOur Home Alarms service provides peace of mind, security, reassurance and independence for hundreds of people across the Borough.
They wear a pendant on a neck cord or a wrist band with a trigger that can be pressed to call for help in the instance of a medical or other emergency.
For a free demonstration or to find out more about the service, contact the Council’s Housing Support Team on
0115 981 9911 or visit
Rushcliffe.gov.uk/homealarms
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Have your sayon the Police and Crime Commissioner on May 7Some counties across England and Wales will elect a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) on Thursday May 7 who will be responsible for how crime is tackled in their police force area.
PCCs are elected by the public to hold Chief Constables and the police force to account, effectively making the police answerable to the communities they serve.
They are elected for a four year term under the terms of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 and must:
• secure an efficient and effective police for their area;
• appoint the Chief Constable, hold them to account for running the force, and if necessary dismiss them;
• set the police and crime objectives for their area through a police and crime plan;
• set the force budget and determine the precept;
• contribute to the national and international policing capabilities set out by the Home Secretary; and
• bring together community safety and criminal justice partners, to make sure local priorities are joined up.
More detailed information on powers and responsibilities is also available at www.gov.uk
Details of the candidates’ election messages will be available after April 17 at choosemypcc.org.uk
In the meantime, make sure you’re registered to vote by Tuesday April 21 to ensure you can have your say at gov.uk/register-to-vote
You can register if you’re aged 16 or over and a UK citizen or an Irish, EU or Commonwealth citizen with a permanent UK address. However, you won't be able to vote until you are 18.
If you’re a student, you can register at both your university and home address but can only vote once.
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Meanwhile Remembrance poppies will be installed on lamp columns in Central West Bridgford from May 1 to 15 to reflect on all those who served their country during the conflict.
Incahoots piano vocal duo are set to provide wonderful period musical backdrop to the event.
Please also see our website at rushcliffe.gov.uk which will host a dedicated page listing local events, national commemorations and local history links.
Lawn party to celebrate VE Day’s 75th anniversaryWe’re set to mark the 75th anniversary of VE Day with commemorative and celebratory activities.On May 8 1945, after six long years of conflict, World War II ended in Europe. Joyous celebrations took place on streets across Britain.
In West Bridgford this important anniversary will be marked by a traditional street party on Central Avenue on Friday May 8 from 1pm to 4pm.
Flags and bunting will line the street and there will be a patriotic 1940s style knees-up on the adjacent croquet lawn with music, nostalgic games and refreshments.
Make sure you bring a picnic and join in on the celebrations and help recreate the 1940s spirit!
Acknowledgement for commitment to support members of the Armed Forces
We have been given a golden endorsement for our commitment to supporting serving and former Armed Forces personnel and their families, along with Charnwood Borough Council.
We were awarded the Gold Award from the Armed Forces Covenant Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme in November that acknowledged our awareness of the variety of transferable skills reservists, veterans and current personnel can bring to the civilian workplace.
The Award is the highest accolade given to employers who demonstrate forces-friendly credentials through a rigorous application
process, including adjusting HR policies to allow flexibility for reservists and supporting individuals transitioning out of the Armed Forces into a new career.
The accreditation also recognised that both councils proactively demonstrate that service personnel or those in the Armed Forces community are not unfairly disadvantaged as a result of their service.
Our Deputy Leader and Armed Forces Champion Cllr Debbie Mason and Executive Manager for Communities Dave Mitchell joined fellow East Midlands representatives at a ceremony at the National Army Museum in London to collect the Award.
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Welcome to the first edition in 2020 of Rushcliffe Reports.
This looks set to be a crucial year here in Rushcliffe – with our exit from Europe confirmed, we await to see what deal if any is agreed with the EU.
This will have a material impact on the Council’s finances and our businesses throughout the Borough.
We have now agreed our budget for 2020/21. I am delighted we have kept the Council Tax increase to a minimum, frozen car park charges and only implemented a small increase in our green bin charges.
This is despite our ever-increasing costs in delivering front line services. Once more, Rushcliffe remains the lowest council tax in the county and in the lowest 25% of all councils in the UK.
It has been an awful winter for flooding, with many homes and businesses affected across the Borough. I would like to thank the volunteers and council staff, who without their efforts, the damage and impact, would have been much worse.
Leader’s Update
We continue to work with our partners to improve our flood resilience in the face of these extreme weather conditions.
In January, I proposed to all council leaders across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire to implement new environmental standards for all new homes built in the area.
This would ensure that all new developments will have to adopt designs and builds which limit their carbon footprints both in construction and how the homes are run.
On the Abbey Road development in West Bridgford, we will be building over 70 homes to high environmental standards including a large number of affordable homes.
Finally, please review the article on page 10 reducing loneliness and isolation across our Borough.
We want to build on some of the excellent work done to make sure we get more people out of their homes, meeting people and socialising. The effects of social isolation on people is devastating. It can happen to anybody, regardless of age, wealth or circumstance.
I hope you find this edition of Rushcliffe Reports interesting.
Cllr SJ Robinson Leader of The Council
Rushcliffe Reports is the newsletter of Rushcliffe Borough Council. It is distributed to every home in the Borough.
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