Nottingham City Council reduce free parking + start charging Sundays

Changes to on-street parking charging confirmed 

Changes to the way on-street parking is charged and regulated will come into effect in Nottingham City Centre from 14 November.

On-street car parking charges will be introduced on Sundays and extended to 8pm in the evenings during the week. This will help tackle the problems caused by people parking for long periods of time in parking bays designed for short-term, high turnover parking for shoppers and visitors.

Since September, the council has consulted with 20,000 residents and stakeholders including the emergency services, retailers and faith groups.

Cllr Jane Urquhart says: "The comments and objections that we received have been very valuable and have helped shape the outcome. I have personally met with the city centre church group and we have had a productive on-going dialogue. A number of measures have been agreed to help alleviate their concerns and we have come up with helpful solutions for each church. This is consistent with parking offers already offered to other faith groups who worship throughout the week."

Measures introduced to support churches and faith groups include discounted parking in multi-story car parks and reduced price parking tickets for on-street parking for congregations of churches which are not located near car parks.

Furthermore, in response to the criticism of the Sunday charging times not coinciding with shop opening hours, the council has introduced a cheaper 50p tariff between 8am and 10am and similarly between 6pm and 8pm on Sundays.

With Sundays now being a busy shopping day, the introduction of Sunday on-street parking charges will help address the issue of  short-stay visitors being put off from visiting the city centre by people parking for much longer periods - sometimes all day. It will help stimulate growth for local businesses and bring Nottingham in line with other major and neighbouring cities.

Cllr Jane Urquhart continues: "Nottingham is a key retail and visitor destination and our parking needs to be flexible to meet the needs of those who drive into the city. The new charges will help us better manage our on and off-street parking provision making it easier for short-stay visitors to pop in and out of the city centre."

HOSTING NOTTINGHAM'S HALL CRAWL 6th Dec

COMING UP:

The Only Way Is Nottingham Host's 

HALL CRAWL 

THIS DECEMBER Keep an eye open for the first 

"The Only Way Is Nottingham HALL CRAWL"

Plan of the Night:
* A Fully organised bar crawl between Student Halls
* Banter - To be expected
* Games - To commence
* FREE ENTRY & DRINK OFFERS throughout the Night


Check out the event at: http://www.facebook.com/TheOnlyWayIsNottingham?sk=events
>>> And Don't Forget to Join YOUR HALL!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> A Brief insight of what is to be expected at: <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> The Only Way Is Nottingham T-Shirt Party <<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

 https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=257164117655961

Stay Tuned...
T.O.W.I.N.

Nottingham Dragons!

You voted the Dragon as your favourite pet. Fantastic Nottingham! Although the following images aren't from Nottingham necessarily, here's a few photos/images of your beloved "pets".


***WARNING*** The video at the bottom of this blog contains scenes of a graphic nature (its a dragon eating a pig!) and viewer discretion IS advised!

***VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED***

Are you coming to our big party?!: www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=257164117655961

T.O.W.I.N.

MMMMMMMMM Krispy....

Enough said...




T.O.W.I.N

Nottingham City Council to change bin collection dates...

Bin day changes in Nottingham

From 21st November, many households in Nottingham will have a new bin day. That's because the Council is making changes to its bin collection routes to make them quicker and more efficient. This will help us save fuel and therefore save money.

If these changes affect you, we will be letting you know by letter from 7th November. Your letter will contain information about your new bin day or your new collection cycle (if applicable). We'll also be sticking a sticker on your bin during the week beginning 14th November to remind you of the changes.

If you are on an alternate weekly collection, we'll also be sending you a new calendar taking you through until the end of 2012.

It's important to note that whilst you may have gotten used to having your bin emptied at a certain time of the day, this may change when we begin our new routes. Please make sure you put your bin out for collection before 7am on your collection day and we promise we'll empty it by 7pm that same day. If you think we've missed you, you can report a missed bin collection online or call 0115 915 2000.

Why are we making these changes?

Bin collection routes haven't been changed in a number of years. In this time, kerbside recycling has been introduced to nearly all households in the city. We're taking the opportunity to modernise our bin routes to reflect the additional services we now offer you and at the same time make our routes more efficient, save fuel, speed up collections and reduce the number of trucks on the road.

All this means that the average cost of your bin collection service is just 76p per household per week. It also means that we can save hundreds of thousands of pounds a year to pump back into other services.

New postcode finder tool

From Monday 7 November, you'll be able to type in your postcode here and we'll give you all your bin collection dates for the year ahead, including Christmas and Bank Holidays. Keep an eye out on this page for this new tool.

We understand that the change might take a bit of getting used to. Local bin crews and other people working in your area will be out and about and on hand to offer you help and support. Hopefully this will make any change easier for you. If you do forget to put your bin out on your new day, please let us know on 0115 915 2000 and we'll try our best to get back out to you to collect within 24 hours. We will also collect additional waste, which you can not fit into your bin. This should be placed in strong refuse sacks, tied and left out with the green bin.

If you have any questions about the changes that will be taking place from 21 November, in the first instance please click here to view our Frequently Asked Questions where you'll hopefully find what you're looking for. If not, please email the team on waste.manager@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or call 0115 915 2000.

Original Article: http://nottinghamcity.gov.uk/index.aspx?articleid=16318

Nottingham City Council (c) All rights reserved; no infringement intended.

T.O.W.I.N.

Promotional video to visit Nottingham

An interesting take on Nottingham as a 'holiday destination' by Britain's Best Breaks from a few years ago. We're not sure whether anyone visited Nottingham as a result of it, or even if the company that made the promo are still in business. Nevertheless, the video's still fairly decent, and paints Nottingham in a decent image. A nice Sunday afternoon watch if you ask us!

We hope you enjoy their cheesy, but informative and easy-watching video! Comments welcome!


T.O.W.I.N.

Nottingham's twins

We didn't know Nottingham was twinned with some many interesting places! Get a little culture in your life, take a peak at this...


Ghent - Belgium (since 1985)

Ghent's 'Trent'?!

Ghent's version of the Nottingham castle?!

Ghent's Cathedral?!

We can't help but think this looks like the Waterfront in Nottingham, but much more cultured!

Harare - Zimbabwe (since 1981)

Skyline of Central Harare, Capital of Zimbabwe - WOW!

Harare's International Airport

Karlsruhe - Germany (since 1969)

Karlsruhe Palace - WOW!

Karlsruhe Institution of Technology

Ljubljana - Slovenia (since 1963)

Riverside

Skyline

Mountain View

Minsk - Belarus (since 1966)

National Library of Belarus, in Minsk - WOW!

Skyline

Flats - Much nicer than the tower blocks of Nottingham!

Ningbo - China (Since 2005)

Ningbo rivers, similar to Lady Bay bridge & Trent Bridge??? 

Zhao bao shan Bridge, Ningbo, by day...

...and by night!

Timişoara - Romania (since 2008)

Victory Square

Timişoara

Timişoara, market square

And finally, Nottingham - England

Nottingham's Robin Hood

Skyline of Nottingham

Nottingham Castle's Gatehouse

We really want to go to some of these places. Maybe a free trip to one of these can be one of our prizes in the near future... Keep your eyes pealed, we've already said too much!

T.O.W.I.N. ("twin" get it?!)

No copyright infringement intended. All rights reserved.

Directions for Fitness for Less NOTTINGHAM!

Fitness4Less Nottingham 

Fitness4Less > Check IT OUT it's dead easy to find! 

Bottle lane behind Tantra (bar/night club). 

More reasons to be proud of Nottingham!

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Fitness4Less Nottingham has been shortlisted in the category of ‘Best Budget Gym 2011’ at the National Fitness Awards.

Fitness4Less, the Nottingham based health club has been shortlisted as one of the Best Budget Clubs in the Country at the National Fitness Awards which recognises the nation’s Best Value Clubs. The Awards are to be held at the International Convention Centre, Birmingham on Friday 25^th November.

The director of the National Fitness Awards, Andrew Harrod stated – “The National Fitness Awards were launched to honour operators and individuals from across the industry and that is exactly what we achieved at the First Awards Night in 2010 which was a spectacular success’.

The Category of ‘Best Budget Gym’ is described by the Awards.

‘In order to qualify for this category, your membership fees must be £20 per month or less. You can be an independent or a chain, but you will be required to provide full details of why you decided to enter the budget sector, your marketing campaign and the facilities you provide’.

Owen Barton (Club Manager) said “I believe that Fitness4Less is the only truly transparent and complete budget training facility that Nottingham has to offer. With our vast range of Free Weight, Resistance and Cardiovascular Equipment, Free Classes in 2 Studios, A Ladies Only Area, a Night Club Themed ‘Powerzone’ Area and Luxury Changing Rooms, all for just £14.99 a month with No Contract and No Notice Period. And with our priorities based around providing great customer service, a clean facility and flexible Personal Training options, we really do have all the bases covered when it comes to providing a budget training facility. We are very proud of the level of service we provide all our members.  We believe we offer excellent value for money and this scheme is a great way to prove it.”

As a fan of The Only Way Is Nottingham, you can take advantage of the Fitness4Less special **no joining fee** offer. Simply go to their website bit.ly/sBXWiw and complete the first two stages of sign up and try it for free (quote ref: TOWIN102) this Saturday 29th October 2011

Where's your local Firework display?

Below is a list of the local firework displays which will be happening over the following weeks

BRAMCOTE

The Trent SN scouts at Bramcote are holding a family fireworks event on Hemlock Campsite on Common Lane on Friday 29th October. It will include a bouncy castle, hot food and drinks, free parking, two fires and two sets of fireworks. It is priced at £4 per adult and £2 per child, or £10 for a family of two adults and two children. 

CARLTON

4th Carlton Scout group will be organising a bonfire and fireworks display from 7pm on Saturday 5th November at Standhill road park (also known as King George 5th park). The fire will be lit at 7.15pm with the fireworks at 8pm. Entrance is £4 for adults, £2 for children and £10 for a family of two adults and two children. Refreshments will be available.

KIRKBY-IN-ASHFIELD

The Duke of Wellington pub in Kirkby will be holding a bonfire and fireworks display from 7.30pm on Friday 29th October.

LONG EATON

Erewash Borough Council's annual bonfire and fireworks display in Long Eaton will take place on Friday 4th November at West Park. Family tickets for two adults and three children are £9.50 in advance or £12.50 on the night. Adult tickets are £3.90 in advance or £5 at the gate, and over-60s and under-16s can buy tickets for £1.70. Admission for under-5s is free. Advance tickets can be bought from at West Park Leisure Centre or at Ilkeston and Long Eaton town halls.

MAPPERLEY

The Friends of Coppice Park will be holding their annual free firework display on Friday 4th November from 6.30pm to 9pm, in association with First Galaxy Fireworks and Nottingham City Council. Light refreshments will also be served, with limited on street parking nearby. Access to Coppice Park is off Ransom Road.

NOTTINGHAM - FOREST RECREATION GROUND

Nottingham City Council will be holding its annual free Bonfire Night celebration at the Forest Recreation Ground on Saturday 5th November, with the bonfire lit at 7.45pm and the fireworks at 9pm. 

NOTTINGHAM CASTLE

The NRSB will hold its annual Charity Fireworks Display at Nottingham Castle on Saturday November 5th. The gates open at 7.30pm and fireworks will be at 9.30pm. There is also a Sponsored ‘Firewalk’ to raise money for the charity along with Fire performers, live music and a licensed bar provided by Castle Rock Brewery.

Tickets are £10 for adults, £7 for concessions, £4 for under-16s and £25 for a family ticket.

OXTON

Oxton's Bonfire Night celebration will be held on 5th November at the Village Hall on Main Street.

From 6pm, youngsters are invited to bring along their best jack-o’-lanterns (carved pumpkin) to be entered into a competition to win a cash prize of either £20, £10 or £5.

The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm and will be followed by entertainment from the Unique World drummers, Halloween stilt walkers and fire and light jugglers, with a 20-minute firework display to follow 7.30pm.

Earlier in the day youngsters will have the chance to get into the Bonfire Night mood early by taking part in a lantern-making master class in the Village Hall from 10am until 12.30, led by artist Jess Kemp, at a cost of £10 each. Children who take part will gain free entry to the evening event.

Tickets for the evening celebration are £5 for adults and £3 for children, with all money raised goes to help fund the Village Hall. Hot food and drink will be available.

STAPLEFORD

A bonfire and fireworks display will be held at the George Spencer Academy site on 5th November. The event, organised by Stapleford Fire Station in conjunction with the school, will feature fireworks and laser light displays at 7pm and 7.45pm. The bonfire will be lit at 6.30pm, and hot food and drinks will be available. Advance tickets can be bought from the George Spencer Academy, Bramcote Farm Shop or the Sherwin arms pub, and are picred at £2 for adults, £1 for children and £5 for a family of two adults and two children. Tickets on the night are £2.50 for adults and £1.50 for children.

WILFORD

The annual Wilford Rotary Fireworks will be held at Nottingham Moderns Rugby Ground, Wilford Village, on Saturday November 5th.

For more information, please visit: http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/Bonfire-fireworks-displays-area/story-13656681-detail/story.html

T.O.W.I.N.

Goose Fair returns....

It’s Goose Fair time again!

No one knows where Goose Fair got its name. Legend has it that it comes from the hundreds of geese, which were at one time driven from Lincolnshire and Norfolk to be sold in Nottingham...

Every year, Forest Fields plays host to an amazing night of amusements, entertainment, fair-ground foods (including hot dogs and candy floss), prolific rides, and thousands of people. This event captures Nottingham’s imagination and drags in massive crowds over its short but well-lived time in Nottingham.

Although there’s not much goose anymore, with the exception of a few burger bars selling Goose burgers, it can be said that anyone who doesn’t go is a Goose…berry… Everyone else will be there! (Our apologies for the appalling pun!)

Here are some of our favourite pictures from Goose fair years past…

This year, the Goose fair will be open for FIVE days! Opening times are as follows:

• Wednesday 5 October 5.30pm - 11pm
• Thursday 6 October 12noon - 11pm
• Friday 7 October 11am - 11.30pm
• Saturday 8 October 11am - 11pm
• Sunday 9 October 1pm - 9pm

Make sure you get it in that diary!

Here’s the link to the vouchers…

http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/CHttpHandler.ashx?id=30353&p=0

Hope to see you there!

Unemployed? Nottingham City Council tackles unemployment

The new Nottingham Jobs Fund will provide job placements primarily to help 18 to 24s, who are finding it particularly difficult to get on the jobs ladder in this difficult economic climate.

The last time this scheme ran, the City achieved securing employment for approximately 1000 people, with periods of employment lasting on average around a year. So, is the scheme worth it?

For example, the Council plan  to spend £1.5m on the new scheme. Assuming the scheme secures employment for a further 1000 people, would it be worth it? It equates roughly to £1500 per person.

Nottingham City Council is committed to reducing unemployment in the City (heard the cheesy "get Not-ting-ham working" radio campagin, annoying, right?!), with a commitment to pay up to half of each participant's salary.

Increased employment would lead to a decrease in benefit claims and arguably a decrease in crime, an increase in tax revenue and hopefully more local services/better local services. This can surely only be a good thing? What say you?!

We're all for reducing unemployment. If you were one of the people secured a job through the Jobs Fair event, let us know your thoughts below. Was it worth it? Or were you financially better on benefits?

As the ad goes, "get Not-ting-ham working."

PS. Keep your eyes pealed for our upcoming discount and freebies...

A taster of what NTU Freshers are in for tonight...! T-R-E-N-T WE ARE THE TRENT ARMY!

Nottingham: A peaceful video

Nottingham can be photogenic...

Canalhouse

The Trip to Jerusalem

Nottingham Castle

Market Square

 

T-shirt of pride!

The Reds

A mystery place in Nottingham!

The beach

Forest v Newcastle: 20/09/11 19:45

After a generally disappointing result against the Rams at the weekend Forest fans will once again make the trip to the City Ground, full of beer and cheer ready to back the local lads.


Forest will be without the injured Chris Cohen, along with Anderson and Boateng, although we have information that McGugan may be back... we sure hope so!


We understand that goalkeeper Paul Smith could be handed a rare start while defenders Brendan Moloney and Joel Lynch could also see some action tonight.


Show your support to the lads. We saw a minibus of Newcastle fans on their way through town today, who only brings a minibus full?


Nottingham locals can be a helpful '12 player' today, we can't see many Newcastle fans making the trip...


T.O.W.I.N predicts a Forest 2-1 win. With odds at 9/1 we reckon it's pretty good value for money, with only a 1-1 draw at shorter odds (11/2). But don't take our word for us. Let us know your own thoughts!


Newcastle may be flying high in the Premier League right now, but these types of games can throw up all sorts of results. We wouldn't be surprised to see the mighty Reds nick it at the City Ground tonight, particularly if McGugan's involved.


BRING IT ON! (And let's hope the rains keeps away!


T.O.W.I.N.


PS, Charlie Sheen roasted tonight, 10pm on Comedy Central (after the game!) winning!

Nottingham retains its Purple Flag status - but just WHAT is "Purple Flag" and what does it mean?

NOTTINGHAM RETAINS ITS PURPLE FLAG STATUS


Nottingham City Council has confirmed that Nottingham will retain its Purple Flag status. But what does it mean for the city?


Purple Flag accreditation


Local Authorities can apply for accreditation by completing an application form and paying a fee. Nottingham's size means it pays the highest fee (£3000) and £1000 'touchlite' fee each year it wishes to retain its Purple Flag status.


The fee, according to Purple Flag, is to cover administrative costs. But in a country still heavily in a recession and with Nottingham having to cut £10m from its budget, does the Purple Flag scheme offer value for money?


If an area is accredited with the scheme, it is able to fly, quite simply, a purple flag. The Purple Flag is a mark of status. Its benefits, according to www.Purpleflag.org.uk are:

• that it raises the area's profile and portrays an improved public image
• increases visitors
• increases expenditure
• contributes to a lower crime rate and lower anti-social behaviour
• promotes a more successful mixed-economy

But we're not convinced. Until this evening, we hadn't ever heard of the Purple Flag scheme. And now we have, we're not quite sure whether it adds anything to the city. But, let's have a think about this.

Sure, it means we can fly a purple flag to show that we passed the test to become accredited, and it is testament to the great policing Notts police do, particularly in on a busy weekend night, but does it make us feel safer? In a nutshell, we're not convinced.

See the people that cause trouble (of which their behaviour no doubt lead to the creation of the scheme) aren't going to be deterred by a purple flag flying area. If they want to cause trouble, they will. It's only thanks to the police and their intel that the streets of Nottingham are becoming a safer place to be.

Does it encourage visitors? No. Perhaps the unwitting couple will pinpoint a night out in a new area for a change of scenery, but we can't see how having a purple flag would be the icing on the cake. Certainly a group of 18-30 year olds looking for a new scene this weekend aren't going to be influenced by Nottingham's accreditation on the scheme.

On the other side, we're all for improvement, and if this scheme spurs on the powers that be to achieve greater things, then we're right behind it. But to those mindless idiots intent on ruining a night out, it probably doesn't have an effect.

We should be proud of what Nottingham has achieved. And if it is in some way due to our £3000 purple flag, its maybe something that should stay. If our accreditation saves the city a few quid and reduces and deters criminality, then yes, it should stay. That's why we've written this article in purple.

T.O.W.I.N