GRA PROTEST WINS GAS DANGER PROTECTION 19.08.08
The vandalalised gas supply substation at the top of Eddison Park Avenue which controls gas to the Ashes Park estate has been secured following a GRA protest to National Grid that it had been left with the door open over a weekend. It is currently being surrounded by a large pallisade.National grid Operaations Engineer,Carl Burton ,has admitted in a letter to GRA that the decision to leave the substation with an unrepaired lock for over 48 hours ,when all around it was evidence of drinking and vandalism and a used candle inside the building, was "questionable" He will, after holding an investigation with sub-contractors and employees who are responsible for maintenance, be including"the lessons learned from this unfortunate set of circumstances in regular briefings to ensure that all of our employees and contractors are fully aware of the importance of the security of our installations"
GATEFORD WIDOW'S POSITIVE APPROACH TO GRIEF 05.08.08
When Camilla Moloney,50, lost her husband Patrick last year in March, she decided to honour his memory with positive action.The Gateford man had died of a brain tumour at the young age of 49. So she started to raise donations to a little known Charity, Brain Tumour UK.She has already raised hundreds and now proposes on Friday 29th. August to walk the streets with relatives and friends in wedding dresses collecting cash.
HOME HAS FUNDAY SUNDAY 04.08.08
If you would like a pleasant afternoon in the grounds of Gateford Hall- the Care Home then next Sunday 10th August from 2.30 pm will hopefully be fine for you. The stalls and bargains are usually good and there are garden party games, attractions and attractions. Above all if you wish to , it is a great opportunity to make elderly people happy.Remember that is the direction you are heading to.
OLD GATEFORD ROAD PLANNING APPEAL DISMISSED.29.07.08
On 24th. June Mr Machin , owner of land to the rear of Ivy Cottage off the Old Gatefod Road and his Agent, Savills,together with a representative of BDC Planning Dept attended a site meeting on that land with Zoe Hewitt, a Planning Inspeector from Bristol HQ. She was deciding on the appeal made against the BDC decision to turn down Mr Machin's application to build yet more houses.
Larry Read, the then Chair of GRA, objected to the proposal because of the probable toxic nature of the falling away ground and the increase in traffic onto Ashes Park Ave.The inspector informed the GRA in a letter dated 28th July that the Appeal was dismissesd.
VANDALS CAUSE FEAR OF MAJOR GATEFORD GAS EXPLOSION 27.07.08
While inspecting the area on Saturday,25th.July, David Larder, GRA Communications Officer came across the substation in a grafirtti covered brick building just off Eddison Park Avenue.Vandals, who had obviously been drinking in the area had lifted paved steps and used them to smash the metal locks and heavy duty hasps off the door ,that they had dented.They had got access to the pressure valve mechanisms for gas supply to the area. Internal damage had begun.All vent plates were destroyed.
Labour County Councillor Sybyl Fielding and Labour Councillor Bill Barker were also in the area on a roving community Surgery. This included looking for rare blue butterflies,which could need wildlife protection. The damage was reported to them and they immediately telephoned the police and emergency services. On Sunday evening late Mr Larder looked again. "It'as disgraceful that nothing had been done to effect the buildings's urgent security! "he said. It was still open.
David Larder checked again at Monday lunchtime and then rang 999 for the Fire Brigade who attended.They stood by until emergency workmen from Gas National Grid arrived to put on a new lock. They confirmed that the situation was dangerous for the Gateford estate. Mr Larder informed the local paper, saying "Heads should roll for this incompetence. No-one responded to this emergency for 48 hours with a secure fixing. The concrete could have been used again to smash the gas pressure instrumentation"
By 4th Aug most of the concrete was removed- but a brick was still there and had been used on the new hasp- so far without success.
NEW SAINSBURYS EXTENSION OPENS 25.07.08
Last Thursday, the newly extended Sainsburys opened. I was extremely busy with a rival offer to Tesco- 5p off petrol for a 50£ spend in one go!It is worth pointing out that although Sainsburys consistentently has the cheapest petrol in the immediate area of Gateford, the petrol stations in Anston on the A57 to Sheffield are usually 4p cheaper.
Our former Chair, Larry Read, wrote the poem below to celebrate his confusion on being faced with a totally changed store. Put your thoughts in the FORUM.
Ode of a Senior Citizen
On Sainsbury’s newly extended Supermarket
I wandered lonely as a cloud
Gazing at things I’m not allowed.
Among the biscuits and the Chocs
Should be gravy, cubes and stocks!
Up the isles and down the rows
Dodge the trolleys – mind your toes
Tins in a pile, bread in a stack
Now she’s found someone to chat.
Some bright spark’s redesigned the store
Can’t find anything anymore.
Moved around all the stock
Now takes twice as long to shop
With the new extended layout
Will we ever reach the checkout ?
'BIRDS' FLOODING PLANS IN JEOPARDY? 02.07.08
The builders - Taylor-Wimpey, who are responsible for the prevention of flooding on "The Birds" Estate are in serious financial trouble. Their share value was halved today when they learned that the markets had refused to give them a £500million cash injection according to the financial press today. They have slashed their forecast of earnings for 2008. They state that they are closing one third of their 39 regional offices and axing 900 jobs. This has grave implications for the spending of a considerable amount of money that is necessary for the prevention of flooding on The Birds Estate. It is important that every resident there who was affected by the flooding last year writes to the Bassetlaw District Council. They need to ask the question "What firm action date has been agreed for the start of any flood prevention work on our estate with the builders Taylor-Wimpey who promised last year that it would be done?
"NO" TO TESCO 28.06.08
Mrs J Wood of Gateford Meadows has made her position quite clear in her letter to the Worksop Guardian this week.She is so incensed about the potential traffic chaos at the proposed roundabout for a new Tesco on a new siteoff Carlton Rd., that she has publically stated that she will not use it once it is built.It would appear from other correspondence that people would like to see a cinema complex on the current Tesco site on Gateford Road,which aready had the entrances and parking.But there is little chance of that as Tesco will want it for more housing with no facilities like in Gateford estates.And it will stay empty and derelict in the current credit crunch economy for years like the old factory site on Retford Road Manton,a home for druggies and fire-raisers.Well ,Mrs Wood perhaps there are others in Gateford who see no point in the new Tesco site and will start a public campaign of refusal to use it now that the Conservative Council has renaged on the former Councils' promise to keep the old Regal Cinema and couple any new development for a new Tesco with a leisure facilitie that Worksop needs so much.
PAVEMENT POTHOLES REPAIRED 25.06..08
A number of potholes reported by Larry Read to Cllr.Steve Brown hat were in the Celtic Park and Gateford Rd.area have now been repaired. Please send to News on this site if you find more or have any concernor news about Gateford to share.
GATEFORD MAN FOUND DEAD IN WOOD 13.06.08
Regretably,Stephen Craven,56, an inmate of the the Gateford Hill Care Home,who disappeared from there after walking out without medication on Thurs.May 22nd,was found dead in a wood off Owday Lane on Sunday last.Police led a widespread hunt by volunteers and care home staff. Police thought there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Stephen's death. An Open Verdict was recorded at an Inquest on Thursday 12th June.
ST.JOHN'S PLAYSITE REJECTED 10.06.08
Residents surrounding the proposed football and all-weather pitches behind the Sure Start Centre by St John's School have now starseeted a petition to get it stopped.They are saying that a Gateford chidrens' play area should be in Gateford . They point out that the Counil held a survey in Gateford conducted by the GRA. Ther St Residents agree with the outcome of that which put a majority favouring the end of Ashes Park Ave as the best site.It is also proposed to put a small childrens play ground on the same t John's site. One mother commented "Which mothers from the extremities of Gateford Ashes Park will want to take small ones through Stillwell Gardens and meet a loads of big lads and adults playing football there?"
ELDERLY MAN MISSING FROM GATEFORD HOME 30.05.08
56- year old Stephen Craven,who walks with a limp, is of stocky build and with short grey hair and a beard, went for a stroll around the grounds of the Gateford Hill Care Home on Thursday 22nd May and has not been seen since.He suffered a stroke about eight years ago which left his left arm paralysed and gave him brain damage. In addition he had bouts of epilepsy. Apparently he took no tablets with him to control fits.Police and family are concerned that Stephen might hurt himself severely. A major search revealed nothing.His only clothes were a red polo shirt,brown lace-up shoes a grey wool j v-neck jumper and some old blackish jogging bottoms. Call 500999 if you find or see him.
CLOTHING COLLECTION 30.05.08
If you have old clothes to get rid of and do not wish to take them to a Charity Shop of your choice, look carefully at the leaflets appealing for clothes that come through your door.There are leaflets circulating again on the estates which are not from a charity but appear to be so. It is better to help a registered charity which will put its Charity registration number on any leaflet.
SEIZE GATEFORD MINI MOTOS 27.05.08
Children have been seen in the evening riding around Gateford pavements on mini-motorcycles. This is illegal-even with a helmet. They can't go on a road until 17 years old and then must have a licence and insurance.They are not allowed on the parkland either unless parents have written to Bassetlaw Council and been given permission as it is classified as private land. So for the sake of their safety and that of others ring 999, The police have seized 5 bikes in Manton-so why not here? Why is no properly organised track being put in by BDC for the many cyclists to have fun on? Or a skateboard ramp- as in other places- to encourage children off the roads?
IT'S WRAGWORT RAGE TIME AGAIN.25.05.08
All over the estates Wragwort is rearing ugly heads again. Fight back! You may consider that these 18''high plants wth feathery type leaves and small branching stems with many yellow daisy-like flowers are pretty.They are pretty deadly to young children and can kill horses.They are classified by DEFRA as a pernicious weed. If they are not pulled before they send their fluffy seeds onto the wind, you can rest assured that they will spread like wildfire in your gardens. Tackle them with gardening gloves. Don't cut them as it makes them spread underground.Pull the root up with both hands near the bottom- and bag them for the bin.Thanks.
ADOPTED ROADS 15.05.08
County Cllr. Sybil Fielding reported to the open meeing prior to the AGM on May 12th of GRA that on the North Estate all but 4 roads had been adopted ,but on the Birds side the total was 19, because difficulties were still being experienced with developers over getting national standards for road widths and underground services rectified.Severn Trent Water were also still in negotation over the two lakes soakaways to alleviate flooding in heavy rain.
NEW CONSTITUTION AGREED 12.05.08
Please refer to the Constitution page and List of Officers page to se changes agreed at the AGM on 12th May 2008
SMALL BUSINESSES CAN NETWORK .06.05.08
A Gateford consultancy plans to help small businesses in the local area grow by setting up a series of neworking meetings for them.Morgan Black is doing this inconjunction with Business Link and Barnsley and Rotheram Chamber of Commerce. For further details ring 07527 865060.
SCAMPTON ROAD : YOBS STRIKE AGAIN! 06.05.08
The yellow and white bollards which light the Ashes Park roundabout where the Avenue joins Scampton Way were repaired again today.Workmen confirmed that the two bollards had been wrenched off their bolt,set in concrete, for the 5th. time in 8 months. These bollards, which are lit at night to show the existence of the roundabout, showed no signs of a traffic collisionThe workmen are convinced that this is a dangerous game of vandalism by older youths who must be strong to pull the bollards out of very secure moorings. If you see anything suspicious, ring 999.
ELECTION RESULT 02.05.08
The Conservatives made a gain in the election for a Gateford Councillor in the Bassetlaw Local Election. Vicky Wanless achieved 907 votes over her Labour opponent David Potts with 843.
BREAK-IN AT TEA-TIME 29.04.08
At 5pm on 29th April a 15year old was upstairs having a bath. He heard the patio door at the rear of his house near the junction of Conisby Ave and Scampton Road on the Ashes Park Estate being smashed in. Two thieves had come through the unlocked side gate and had slung a heavy garden ornament through the glass. They quickly got into the house. The TV was on upstairs, but the plasma one in the lounge was soon loaded onto the backseat of the car.Understandably, the boy rang his Mum at work.He did this on his mobile as he had locked himself in the en-suite. When she got back, the thieves were still in the drive,loading a digital camera, laptop and other goods,including mother's wedding ring as she gets married this Saturday.They had opened every drawer.
As she arrived they reversed out and raced up around Mountford Way and back onto Manston Way and Scampton Way to make a fast getaway towards Sheffield .The police could not catch them. They were in a car stolen the night before. The occupier told GRA News that she has now put a lock on the back gate, but she feels that the house must have been checked to see when she returned.ADVICE :Lock all side gates,windows and doors.Leave a radio playing loudly when you go out. Look out for cars going slowly around the estates on the look-out fot large TVs seen through open curtains.Phone 999 before Mum! In spite of it all, we wish the victims a Happy Wedding
LOCAL ELECTION:innaccurate Statement 28.04.08
Gateford residents are reminded that the election for a Bassetlaw District Council councillor takes place this coming Thursday1st.May at the Gateford Park Primary School.
The GRA is a nonpolitical organisation. However, it is interested in accuracy about Gateford in statements made by political candidates. Vicky Wanless, the Conservative candidate, has seriously drawn into question the matter of Road adoption and the work of the County Councillor Sybl Fielding, who it has been suggested, has done virtually nothing to get roads adopted in Gateford. "This is totally untrue. Councillor Fielding has worked tirelessly with the GRA ever since she was elected to get roads adopted as quickly as possible,"said David Larder, the Communications officer for GRA.
He pointed out that on the Ashes Park estate seven roads were adopted prior to 2005, 8 roads were adopted in July 07, 4 roads in November 07, nine roads on March the 28th 08. He said that it was anticipated that five more would be adopted after May 6h.and only two recently built roads were still in the process of adoption. He added that over 20 roads had been adopted on the Birds estate roads and a further 21 were still in the process of adoption due to difficulties between the many builders involved,who sold on parcels of land and drainage below roads because of flooding issues .
"It is clear that many people do not understand that the adoption of roads in this country is a long winded development and legal process, even at the best of times"Mr Larder said. It is expected that Councillor Fielding will in due course be issuing a statement directly to householders.
PARK BENCHES:24.04.08
After raising £300 by GRA from Tesco and being given a grant by BDC, the Parks Dept will be putting in four benches on Ashes Park green land this summer.
ROADS ADOPTED :28.04.08
The following roads have now been adopted as from March 28th 2008
Abingdon View
Alconbury Way
Boscombe Road
Old Gateford Road (new build)
Somerton Road
Scofton Close
Swinderby Close
Winthorpe Road
DO YOU WANT THE GRA TO COLLAPSE?
Please read this post in the forum - URGENT assistance is required to prevent the GRA being disbanded
David Larder (Hon Treas. and Communications Officer)
Worksop cinema start date announced - 15.04.08
A MULTI-MILLION pound retail park with a six-screen cinema, a huge Tesco store and a KFC is finally coming to Worksop. Work on the much-awaited development on Carlton Road will start in June this year after years of hope and anticipation. Developers Henry Boot Developments confirmed the eagerly-awaited start date this week and said they anticipated that the outlets will open their doors for trade in summer 2009. Supermarket giants Tesco will relocate from Gateford Road to the all-new 71,000 sq ft store to form a centre piece for the whole site. The big screen will also be coming to town with Apollo Cinemas and a multiplex six-screen cinema.
CARS AND HOUSE BREAK-INS - 25.03.08
Occasionally organised gangs of thieves drop off the A57 onto Ashes Park Avenue, which provides for a quick getaway onto Carlton Rd.They target cars or houses on roads off like the incident on March 20th. Between 7-9pm two doors of houses at the top end of St Marks Close were kiched in by robbers who took electrical items and left no finger prints. The occupants and neighbours either sde were out and nobody heard a thing. A small number of cars outside in nearby roads have been broken into. UPDATE 15.05.08 - A house on the birds side of the estate was hit in exactly the same way on Sunday night around 9pm! Occupants where upstairs when the gang hit and stole flat screen television. Be very careful with locked doors, however this gang dont see a door as a valid barrier and they just kick them in. Very scarey when they seem to just do this when its highly likely that you are going to be at home!
WEBSITE CONTINUES TO GROW-01.04.08
While figures for the first part of the year are down,they are iincreasing fom March.See ct stephens statistics on the FORUM page.We still have regular contributors to the Forum and thousands of hits since we started. It is essential that you tell your friends to Google us.
Don't CARP ON ABOUT IT ! 01.04.08
No,it's not an April Fool joke! The best kept secret around here is at the roundabout leading to Dinnington on the A57--just up the road from Gateford. Go towards Sheffield for about 50 yards and turn into the small entrance on your left. There families can show their children a wide range of wild ducks and moorhens and see celandines soon.There is a lovely lake made from Woodsetts Quarry.It is for your public pleasure- but guess what,although Bassetlaw Council own the land, little is done to improve what could be a visitor attraction. There is not even a single boardwalk or hide for birdwatchers. Local fishermen know that you can catch 20lbs carp there. The law says that all fresh water fish should be thrown back once caught.However our Polish friends in Worksop eat carp in Poland and thought you could in the UK,angering the regular anglers. Now there is an Environment Agency Notice up on a tree at the lake in Polish. What it says is not known as there is no English translation.!
ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (posted 01.04.08)
This is a Formal Notice to all residents of Cetic Park, the 'Birds' Estate and all roads off Ashes Park and Eddison Avenues that The AGM of Gateford Residents Association will be held at 7pm in the Gateford Park Primary School on Monday 12th. MAY. ALL are WELCOME.The new Committee and Officers will be elected.Closing date for Nominations is MONDAY 28th. April. Send your nominations in writing ,proposing and seconding an individual, who should sign to agree to stand Click here for a NOMINATION FORM
PELICAN PERKS UP AT LAST 01.04.08
The GRA was told that the new Pelican crossing near the Romans'Rest was going to be installed for last Autumn term 2007..We are pleased to see that it is now working for the start of the Summer Term 2008. Take a little time to teach your children how to use it safely.
RATS 17.03.08
The Gateford Residents Association has been asked to give a public health warning by Environmental Health about the presence of rats in the area. We have large expanses of green fields and park land and water running through. These are ideal conditions for rats to breed and they are being found near houses in the area now where people are throwing loads of bread and other scraps for birds. It is advised that birds should only be red from feeders hung from a bird table which does not necessarily make easy access for rats. On no account waste food be thrown on the ground outside. If you see any rats call Environmental Health at Bassetlaw District Council.
BOLLYWOOD COMES TO WORKSOP 17.03.08
A new dancing class for ladies only is starting at The Crossing on Tuesday 8th April from 1 pm to 2.30 pm. You will have the chance to learn how to dance Bollywood style. Its stylish, fun, and good exercise too. If you fancy this new class for beginners, just turn up. We only have 15 places and we already have lots of interest from Gateford. It costs £6 a week. For more information call Linda on 01909 530766.
CLEANERS TO CLOSE 17.03.08
The nearest dry cleaners to Gateford is at the Sainsbury's Supermarket. Sainsbury's have decided to take away the concession at the end of March and the staff in the dry cleaners will lose their jobs. Sainsbury's will use the space and refurbish the store by extending aisles and make more space available to sell clothing.
QUAD BIKING DANGER 12.03.08
Recently a blue quad bike was being driven by an adult(?) along the pavement on Kingfisher Walk Gateford. On The man's lap was a small child. Neither wore helmets. If you see this behaviour, please call the police.
GATEFORD RADIO PRESENTER SURVIVES IN "MIRACLE" CRASH 04.03.06
Victoria Larder of Boscombe Rd Gateford had a lucky escape with her life on Monday,3rd March.
She was driving her Renault Clio around the Ponds Forge roundabout in Sheffield in her correct lane when a large Mercedes articulated lorry signalled to mke a left turn as it drew up alongside on her right.Vicyoria,with traffic behind her, was then pushed off into the bushes of the embankment.Police and ambulance arrived and she was taken with shock and whiplash to the Northern General Hospital from which she was collected by her mother some hours later.The accident occurred at 4pm and brought parts of the city's roads to a standstill.Her car was severely damaged and written off.
Victoria,29,is known as VIX and broadcsts on all commercial radio stations across Yorkshire in a programme called "The Confessional",where nightly between 10pm-1am she hears listeners's innermost secrets.
RUMBLES AND GALES 01.03.08
March certainly came in with some style in Gateford. In the early hours of Saturday gale force winds blew across Gateford waking many up. These were hard on the heels of the Wednesday early morning experience when an earthquke (5.2 0n the Richter Scale) shook houses in Gateford. It started just before 1am and lasted some 10 seconds. We wonder if anyone suffered damage.Tell us on the Forum.