POLICE are on the hunt for a man after an elderly couple fell victim to fraud.

The couple, who are in their 70s, of Carlton, were called by a man claiming to be from the police in August.

He told them he was investigating fraudulent transactions on their bank card and had a suspect in custody. 

He also said he would send a courier to pick up their card so they could use it for evidence. The couple agreed and gave the 'courier' their card the next.

Afterwards the card was used in Leicestershire to draw out cash.

Nottinghamshire Police are now hunting for the man in this image who they think could help further their enquiries. 

If you recognise the man in the image, or have any information, contact police on 101 quoting incident number 000303-13082014.

STUART Pearce sent Henri Lansbury a very clear, very public warning about his disciplinary record this week.

I have to admit I was taken aback to learn he had picked up nine bookings already.

It's something that clearly riles Stuart, as he said: "It is ridiculous for a midfield player to have nine bookings at this stage of the season. It is ludicrous.

"Some of them are very amateurish bookings as well. In fact, the majority of them are. It is ridiculous."

It doesn't come much clearer than that. I'm sure Stuart will have spoken to Henri privately about this before going public.

As he also said, he risks losing his place in the side because he'll pick up bans and others can come in and impress, as Robert Tesche did when he came on for him to score against Charlton.

Maybe Lansbury is just trying too hard to impress. He's not a Joey Barton or Lee Cattermole type player, he's a different type and he should stick to what he's good at.

We all know his manager used to fly into tackles and he'll demand maximum effort from the players, but that doesn't mean you have to play like Stuart did.

Forest can ill afford to lose a player for two matches due to suspension at this time of the year. We are coming up to a crunch time of the season.

When I was playing we always identified Christmas and Easter as important spells with a burst of games in short succession.

They go to Rotherham on Saturday and being realistic, it's one of those games where you've got to be taking something home with you if you're going to make the top six.

Don't get me wrong, it won't be easy. Rotherham got off to a surprisingly good start, but they've tailed off of late and while they'll battle for every inch, you've got to believe Forest can at least draw and hopefully win the game.

Most people will have been disappointed with the result against Charlton but I actually thought that it could prove to be a good point come the end of the season.

Charlton have proven to be a really resolute team so I wouldn't be too downbeat as a Forest fan with a 1-1 draw.

If the Reds can go on from that and beat Rotherham and then get decent results against Leeds, Middlesbrough and Birmingham then it might even help them strengthen in January, Financial Fair Play allowing.

If they go in for a player and he sees that Forest are not only a club with massive history but a massive chance of promotion then it could give them the edge.

Of course, Stuart might look from within to pep up the squad with a few players doing well in the academy like Oliver Burke and Jorge Grant.

Speaking of academies, this week Manchester City opened up their glittering new youth set-up.

You might think that is another nail in the coffin for clubs looking to develop their own players.

People may fear the big boys will sign the best young prospects before eventually letting them go in favour of big money foreign signings, but I don't think Forest should be worried.

To me it's a tremendous challenge. Forest already have a great reputation for unearthing talent. They might have to look that little bit harder to find those gems that can go on to have great careers but they're out there.

It's often been noted about Shaun Wright-Phillips being let go by Forest themselves, while Andy Cole is from Nottingham, but didn't play for the Reds until the back end of his career.

I was rejected by Aston Villa as a 16-year-old but was fortunate enough to do well in the game when I would have ended up laying floors for a living but for getting that second chance.

It just goes to show that talent isn't confined to the big clubs. It's also subjective. Who is to say that Manchester City and the like won't let the next big thing go?

Forest have a great reputation on the youth front and a fantastic facility at Wilford Lane so I'm sure they'll keep churning out talent even as big clubs spend of youth.

POLICE staff members of a trade union have voted to go on strike following a national dispute over pay.

This comes after 60 per cent of UNISON's members voted yes for industrial action in a ballot.

The 24 hour walkout is in support of a campaign to re-open pay talks to improve staff members 2014 pay offer.

The strike, taking place on December 22, will be followed by a four week voluntary overtime ban from January 5.

A Nottinghamshire Police spokesman said they had not been notified about specific striking days, but knew about the ballot.

He added: "All police forces in England and Wales have been notified and must now be given seven days' notice by the unions informing them of what action they intend to take.

"We are making contingency plans to deal with the effects of any action as is prudent to do so."

Dave Prentis, UNISON general secretary, said: "It is rare for police staff to take industrial action and the strike is a clear sign that they've had enough."

NEWARK'S Regis 'The First' Sugden exploded on to the professional MMA stage, taking victory by TKO just 38 seconds into round two of his fight in front of a sell-out crowd at BAMMA 17 in Manchester.

There was plenty of speculation about how the 19-year-old from Suggy's Gym would do in his pro MMA debut.

Up against Eagle MMA's Paul Bentley, Sugden was quick to demonstrate that he was ready to make his name in the pro MMA arena, scoring the first take down.

After dominating on the ground, he disengaged and stood back up to throw some great punches from all angles before the fight went to the floor towards the end of the first round, with Bentley desperate to find a way of unsettling Sugden.

Sugden was clearly on top at the end of the first round and left his opponent badly cut and bruised from some vicious knees to the head.

After a perfectly timed spinning back kick landed flush to Bentley's stomach in the second round, Sugden frustrated his opponent further with some equally well timed punches and kicks.

Despite looking the worse for wear, Bentley continued to push and come forward.

But after landing a low kick, Sugden moved off to the right to follow through with a massive overhand right and a lightning double left hook, which lifted Bentley off the floor and left him in a heap on the canvas.

Jumping on his opponent, Sugden proceeded to strike, and after a few seconds of ferocious punches landed, referee Marc Goddard stepped in to stop the contest.

"Looking up to see a world-famous BAMMA and UFC referee pulling me off my opponent was a really surreal moment," said Sugden.

"I think that was the point when I actually realised I'm now finally fighting on the stage I set out to make my own six years ago, when I was first introduced to MMA.

"This is just the beginning of my journey to the top and that's where I am heading.

"I'm determined to get to the point where I am unbeatable in all areas of MMA."

THE Nottingham-based Great British Short Track speed skating junior team enjoyed success competing in the second Star Class event of the season.

Young skaters Jack Burrows and Jennifer Pickering shone, with both athletes bringing home medals.

Nottingham-born skater Burrows (pictured) was the star, claiming two silver medals in the Men's Junior B, 500m and 1500m.

His top class performance also landed him a further victory, taking second place in the Men's Junior B overall classification.

Stuart Horsepool, Performance Director said: "I'm very pleased with how well Jack skated and overall it was his best performance to date.

"He has put a lot of hard work into his training and it's great to see it paying off for him."

Pickering also had a successful competition, skating her way to a bronze medal in the Ladies 1500m final.

Pickering also placed sixth overall in Ladies Junior A classification.

Senior skaters Farrell Treacy and Murray Cochrane also did well, with both skaters finishing in the top eight overall in the Men's competitions.

Horsepool added: "Overall the skaters did well and I'm happy with their performance considering that some of the junior skaters haven't been competing at an international level for very long.

"The fact that they are bringing home medals at this early stage is very encouraging and I'll look forward to seeing how they do for the rest of the season."

The next Star Class event will be taking place from January 9-11 in Nottingham.

The National Ice Centre will be hosting the international event for the first time, giving the public an opportunity to watch the elite skaters compete at their home rink.

Tickets are available via the Capital FM arena website: www.capitalfmarena.com

Jack Whelbourne and Elise Christie will be back competing in the ISU World Cup 3 in Shanghai, China from December 13-15.

A LOAN spell at Leicester Tigers has been a good learning curve for Nottingham Rugby back rower Paul Grant.

The New Zealander played two games for the Premiership club – an experience he relished.

But his focus now is very much on continuing his progress with his parent club.

And with that in mind, Grant says transferring what he learnt at Leicester back to the Championship will not necessarily work.

"Every rugby game is different," he explained.

"For me, it's about having belief when I get on the field that I'm ready to go and we're going to put on a good performance.

"Having self-belief is a big thing. Every game you have to think that and each game unfolds differently.

"So in terms of taking things from down there back to here, you pick up the odd wee thing, but not in general.

"I was just down there for a couple of weeks. They've got good facilities and a good set-up down there. It's very professional. I enjoyed being part of that.

"I learned a few things. It was good playing and training with some of their experienced guys, and they have good coaches down there – I found them really interesting to listen to.

"We won one and lost one when I played.

"The first game was against London Irish, which was a good team performance and a good win.

"The second one was against Barbarians, which was a fun, enjoyable game. It was good to be part of that one."

The 27-year-old has made a big impact since joining the Green and Whites in the summer.

Formerly with French side Montpellier and Otago, in his homeland, where he played with current team-mate Sean Romans, making the switch to these shores was always his goal.

"I was talking to Sean and he put me in touch with Martin Haag (Nottingham head coach); it just went from there," said Grant.

"It's worked out well.

"I'd always wanted to play in England, so I'm pleased I'm here.

"I felt like I'd done my time in New Zealand and I wanted to get overseas and play some rugby, and travel around when I can.

"I think I've been building into the season pretty well.

"I'm more comfortable with the team patterns and calls now."

Grant's experience as a New Zealand sevens international is also put to good use.

"I had a good couple of years in the sevens and I really enjoyed that, but it is a different game to XVs," he added.

"I'd like to think a lot of skills transfer over though, as far as wide passing, one-on-one defence, the wider channel sort of stuff."

A POLICE officer said he was "over the moon" after being cleared of misconduct while on duty.

PC Christopher Young had been suspended by Nottinghamshire Police and faced seven charges, which involved allegations of sexual contact with women he met while on duty.

A jury unanimously found the 47-year-old not guilty of three charges and he was cleared by a majority verdict of three more.

The jury at Derby Crown Court were unable to decide on the seventh charge, but the Crown Prosecution Service and police decided not to seek a retrial.

No evidence was offered and PC Young was found not guilty by Judge John Burgess, who told him: "You are free to go".

"It's an understatement to say I am relieved," said PC Young.

He had repeatedly denied inappropriate conduct with the women.

During the trial one woman claimed he had asked to see her breasts after responding to a 999 call.

But he told the court he had an unblemished record until he was suspended in 2012, had only missed one day through illness in eight years, had never been late and had arrested hundreds of people.

He worked as a response officer at Hucknall Police Station, usually driving a patrol car, dealing with 999 calls and "low level crime".

PC Young told the court he found the work rewarding, saying: "You do get a lot of job satisfaction from it. You do put a lot of work into the job."

He was backed by the Police Federation, who questioned whether the case should ever have been brought.

Notts Police Federation chairman Phil Matthews said: "Police officers expect to be under scrutiny and the public expect that.

"But time and time again, these cases proceed when there is not the evidence. "The prosecution of these officers often ends up at the crown court and they get acquitted time and time again."

He said PC Young's future would now been discussed with the force.

Mr Matthews added: "A lot of these cases should not have been proceeded with and he has had this hanging over his head for two and a half years.

"There is the effect on him and his family. He has been dragged through the media. He is still suspended and we have to look at that again."

Following the verdict a spokesman for Notts Police said: "The verdict is a matter for the jury on which it would be inappropriate to comment. 

"The internal conduct process in respect of the allegations against PC Young is yet to be concluded."

ALDI is bringing another jobs boost to the area after it announced plans for a major distribution centre in Sawley.

The supermarket chain said the 600,000 sq ft centre on land at Sawley Crossroads would provide 400 new posts and serve Aldi's existing and planned new stores throughout the Midlands.

Work will begin next year, subject to planning approval.

A spokesman from the budget retailer said discussions with the site's owners, Wilson Bowden Developments Limited, have been concluded and a planning application is set to be submitted early in 2015.

He added: "This is major investment for Aldi. The distribution requirements of the business need to keep pace with the growth of our retail outlets, and we therefore have an urgent need to deliver a new centre to serve our Midlands region.

"The site at Sawley is ideally placed to do this. We have been in talks with North West Leicestershire District Council to ensure that the scheme is deliverable, and we are hopeful that planning will be approved and we can be on-site during 2015."

The spokesman also hinted at more new stores, saying: "The Sawley site also provides a future expansion opportunity for the business and this too will be covered by the forthcoming planning application.

"This is a key site in our growth plans and will also be a major boost to the local economy."

The Aldi supermarket chain has achieved significant growth in the UK recent years and its ongoing expansion plans were announced last month when prime minister David Cameron visited the company's HQ in Atherstone.

Councillor Richard Blunt, leader of North West Leicestershire District Council, said it was great news for the East Midlands.

"The possibility of Aldi bringing at least 400 new jobs to our district is very promising.

"The ambition to drive prosperity for our communities is at the heart of the council, and we work hard to encourage new business and business in our district, so we are pleased that Aldi has recognised the benefits of locating in North West Leicestershire.

"The site at Sawley is ideally placed on the main road network and already has a history of mineral extraction and other development.

"As such, this site makes a suitable location to meet the immediate and future distribution needs of Aldi's growing, as well as providing significant new jobs and investment for the residents of the area.

"We welcome Aldi's interest and will be working with the company to secure this important scheme for the district."

HISTORY was made in a small register office in Newark as the first Nottinghamshire same-sex couple converted their civil partnership to marriage.

But for Deborah Storey and Carla Bradbury, it was a case of "dotting the 'I's and crossing the 'T's" – as well as being able to call each other "wifey".

Same sex couples have been able to marry since March 29 this year, but yesterday10/12 was the first day those already in civil partnerships could get hitched.

The pair, from Staythorpe, entered into a civil partnership last March and only opted to change it to a marriage late last week.

Deborah, a pet minder, said: "We've been together for 21 years now so a lot of this is just paperwork, but it feels good to be married.

"It means more. We can say to friends that she is my wife, rather than she's my partner."

The couple wore the same white jackets they wore to their wedding.

Deborah said: "We decided to do it today – come down, spend 45 minutes filling in paperwork.

"I guess other couples will come down and do it or not for their own reasons. For some people a civil partnership might be enough, but we wanted to be married."

But the confusion of their anniversary date has been cleared up by the registrar.

"She said that because it was a conversion, it's as if we had been married since March 20 – so that's when our anniversary will be," Deborah added.

Wife Carla Bradbury, 43, said: "Or we could have two parties – one for each date.

"It's a great feeling to be married – it's a thing we both wanted to do.

"We could be having conversion parties every year now too."

The couple said they were pleased the law had changed, but said the decision to get married was personal "rather than doing it for same-sex rights".

Deborah's mum Olive Storey, of Mansfield, said she was "really pleased" at being part of the couple's day.

"I've been the driver, but it's been really exciting to be part of their day. I'm very pleased for them."

Businesses have welcomed the news that a department store which has stood empty for five years has found a potential new owner.

The Arena Church in Ilkeston has been offered the chance to develop the former Woolworths store in Bath Street, which was closed in 2009.

The news was revealed over the Arena Church's Facebook page, which said that it had been "kindly offered to us."

According to the church, it has been given a six-month lease on favourable terms from a local businessman, who wishes to remain anonymous.

Among the ideas discussed for the building already are a furniture sales shop, a coffee shop, and a vintage goods and clothes.

But organisers say they will need significant funding of up to £20,000 in order to make this possible.

Kristian Thorpe, lead pastor, said: "As a church and charity we are excited by the possibility of re-opening this iconic building as a shop sales area once again.

"To see a tired building restored has to be good news for the High Street.

"The other driver is to see people who need a break gain confidence, training and skills that would lead to meaningful paid employment - this would be a real win. "

Chris Stacey, of Stacey's Bakery, which has a branch next to the Woolworths store, said he was relieved it was going to be put back into use.

He added: "Woolworths was quite a popular store.

"It's not going to have a negative impact - it's good that someone is trying to do something with it.

"It's right next door to our shop so if it brings footfall with it that will help but we need to be sure what they're doing."

Councillor Geoffrey Smith, Erewash Borough Council's liaison for the Ilkeston Chamber of Trade, has worked closely on schemes to help revitalise the town.

He said: "We've tried a lot. We're all in favour of taking over any empty shops like that as a group we encourage them to do that.

"The Arena Church is doing a superb job in Rutland Street at the moment, hiring out their function rooms and the food bank that they do in the town.

"Anything that they're doing like that would be encouraged."

Administrators closed all 807 Woolworths stores across Britain between December 27, 2008, and January 6, 2009, resulting in 27,000 job losses.

THEY are said to be a man's best friend and often dogs are relied upon for companionship by people who have fallen on hard times.

So finding support to make sure they are fit and healthy could be considered just as important as negotiating other everyday struggles.

A group of veterinary students have offered help for the past two years and on Wednesday they celebrated by holding a Christmas party with their clients, which includes homeless and other vulnerable people.

Members of the Vets in the Community group provided health check-ups and gave away pet toys, food, blankets and accessories, as well as a buffet and entertainment for their owners at Sneinton Old School Hall.

Group president Grace Slater, 22, of Wollaton, said: "It was really nice to get everyone together because many of them don't really get to celebrate Christmas.

"It was lovely to see the dogs as well and make sure they're being fed over the winter. They're so well-behaved and a joy to work with."

About 70 veterinary medicine and science students at the University of Nottingham work in a rota system to hold city centre clinics twice a month.

They are aimed at owners who do not get support from pet health care charity PDSA and include vaccinations and microchipping.

Up to 30 people attend each clinic, which is open to all pets and costs about £500 to run. The money is raised by students, who practise skills.

Student Victoria Woods, 25, of Sutton Bonington, said: "It's good practical experience in handling and communicating with the clients.

"It's crucial for them because it ensures the dogs are in good health and we remove any risks of diseases.

"Pets are a companion for them and something for them to care about."

Colin Arnold, 29, lives in Framework's hostel in London Road, Nottingham, and attends the clinics with his Staffordshire Bull Terrier Billy, four.

He said: "I lost my job as a window cleaner and lost my accommodation so the vets are a great help when I've got nothing.

"Billy is my everything and without him I'd be lost. It's nice when you've fallen on hard times to have someone there to offer that hand and it takes off a bit of pressure."

Stephanie Howarth, 27, of The Meadows, attends with her Staffordshire Bull Terrier Benson, three.

She said: "It helps to keep up to date with my vaccinations, flea treatment and get food. It's really important support and I'd struggle without it."

TRAIN season ticket fares have risen by about a quarter in the past five years, new figures show.

Passengers travelling on six routes including Nottingham have been hit by increases of up to £728 between 2010 and next month, when more price hikes are due.

Rail users say they can't afford high fares alongside other bills, while transport campaigners say they are "being held to ransom".

West Bridgford resident Luke Hopkins, 25, travels to Derby every day to work as a programmer and spends £131 on a monthly ticket.

It would cost £1,372 for an annual pass – set to increase by £32 next month.

Mr Hopkins said: "You don't save a lot of money by getting an annual ticket and it's already too much as it is.

"I've experienced times when they just cancel a train because they haven't got enough staff and I end up late for work."

Pattern cutter designer Lesley Atkinson, from Sherwood, spends £166 on a monthly pass to travel to Syston, Leicestershire.

An annual ticket would currently cost £1,732.

She said: "It's probably cheaper annually but it's a hell of a lot to pay out in one go when you have other bills to pay.

"It's just getting harder because not everyone's wages are going up in line with that."

David Thornhill, of the Nottinghamshire Campaign for Better Transport, said: "It's an example of the unacceptable face of the privatised railway where passengers are increasingly paying through the nose, but not necessarily for a better service.

"For many people they are seeing no increase in their wages at all. If you have a season ticket then you have to travel virtually daily and have no choice but to pay up, so you're being held to ransom."

Mr Thornhill said many services suffer from overcrowding, in particular the Nottingham to Birmingham line – where prices have been hiked by 24 per cent to £3,720.

Other Nottingham routes affected by increases include those travelling to Derby, Hucknall, Lincoln, Long Eaton and Beeston.

Nottingham South MP and shadow rail minister Lilian Greenwood, who released the figures, said: "It's just yet another example of the government failing to stand up for working people who are struggling with the cost of living crisis.

"Season tickets like Nottingham to Derby have gone up by 27 per cent when we know most people's wages have one gone up a fraction of that, if at all.

"People are sat or standing on increasingly overcrowded trains and it's becoming unaffordable."

The government will spend £500 million on electrifying the Midland Main Line, between London, Nottingham and Sheffield, by 2019 to speed up journey times.

Rail minister Claire Perry said: "We are taking the tough decisions needed to improve our railways.

"As part of this, from May next year passengers in the Nottingham area will see extra trains and improved journeys thanks to £2 million of government investment on the Nottingham to Lincoln route.

"I'm extremely aware that passengers are concerned about the cost of rail travel and that is why last year we announced a real terms freeze on regulated fares for the first time in a decade and this continues into 2015."

The government announced in last week's Autumn Statement that regulated season tickets and fares would increase by 2.5 per cent.

East Midlands Trains will increase train fares by 1.3 per cent on average, below the current inflation level of 2.3 per cent.

Season ticket price changes

Nottingham to Beeston: 2010 - £364, 2015 - £452, Increase - £88 (24 per cent)

Nottingham to Long Eaton: 2010 - £644, 2015 - £816, Increase - £172 (27 per cent)

Nottingham to Lincoln: 2010 - £1,792, 2015 - £2,208, Increase - £416 (23 per cent)

Nottingham to Hucknall: 2010 - £472, 2015 - £584, Increase - £112 (24 per cent)

Nottingham to Derby: 2010 - £1,108, 2015 - £1,404, Increase - £296 (27 per cent)

Nottingham to Birmingham: 2010 - £2,992, 2015 - £3,720, Increase - £728 (24 per cent)

FOUR more county care homes have been told to stop taking in residents due to concerns over standards of care.

However, social care chiefs say the public can be reassured that the majority of homes in the county are providing good service.

Despite Notts being named as having the worst performing care homes in England, the county council's service director, Caroline Baria, believes that standards are good and a team of quality development officers are fighting to drive up performance.

The team – which visits each care home annually and holds monthly monitoring meetings with health regulator the Care Quality Commission – can take a number of sanctions against homes, including asking them to produce action plans and suspending contracts.

It also sends in inspectors when relatives or other whistleblowers complain about standards of care.

"I hope it does give reassurance," Ms Baria said.

"The fact that we've got these visits happening is reassuring. It means we're able to assure the public that the majority of our homes are providing good care.

"You can't just put a suspension on a care home without good cause. It can cause distress to people who are waiting to go into a particular home. We don't do it lightly, it only happens after we have tried to work with the home and offered a significant amount of intervention and support from our staff."

The county's care homes have come under a lot of scrutiny in recent years and authorities and health chiefs have been forced into taking action on a number of occasions.

In September 2012, the county council was forced to suspend contracts with three homes after concerns were raised over standards of care. And in June last year, the authority suspended its contracts with three more.

Just four months later, one of those homes – St Andrew's Lodge in Riber Crescent, Basford – had its registration removed by health inspectors and was shut down.

However, Samantha Ely, who manages the Leen Valley Care Home in Hucknall, said the performance of homes could be changed quickly.

Just 18 months ago, Leen Valley Care Home, formerly Silverdale Care Home, had its contract suspended and enforcement action was being taken against it by the Care Quality Commission. But now the home's performance has turned around.

Ms Ely said: "I had the ban on my place when I arrived and it took us five weeks to sort it out. But it could take as little as two or three weeks. I think it's about how committed you are to having it lifted."

In January this year, the council took further action by setting up a task force dedicated to tackling the problem of struggling care homes.

And now, social care chiefs have suspended contracts with four more homes – and asked another to voluntarily stop taking residents.

A council spokesman said the step to suspend contracts is taken over standards of care and where there are ongoing concerns – but residents currently living in the homes are not moved.

The authority would not give details about particular problems at the homes.

Charnwood in Carlton, Hallcroft in Hucknall, and Sycamore and Poplars in Warsop are run by Four Seasons, and a spokesperson said: ""We're sorry that the care provision at these homes fell below the standards that we expect to deliver to all of our residents.

"We are strengthening the management in the homes and they are being supported by our senior regional management team."

Blyth Country House Care Home did not wish to comment.

Logan Logeswaran, managing director of Runwood Homes, which runs Jubilee Court, the home asked to stop taking residents, said: "We are confident that the areas of concern are being addressed."

A spokeswoman for the CQC said some of the homes would face further inspections "soon". She said: "We continue to work closely with the local authority and as with all services regulated by the CQC, we continue to monitor these services and will return in due course to check on standards."

ELEVEN Nottinghamshire care homes for the elderly now have contracts suspended by the council:

Albemarle Court, Mansfield Road, Woodthorpe.

Eton Park, Owthorpe Road, Cotgrave.

Blyth Country House Care Home, Spital Road, Blyth.

Bowbridge Court, Bowbridge Road, Newark.

Broadgate, Beeston.

Coppice Lodge, Coppice Road, Arnold.

Acer Court Care Home, Nottingham Road, Nuthall.

Clumber Court Care Home, Bolham Lane, Retford.

Hallcroft Care Home, Croft Avenue, Hucknall.

Sycamore and Poplars Care Home, High Street, Warsop.

Charnwood Court, Station Road, Carlton.

FOUR more county care homes have been told to stop taking in residents due to concerns over standards of care.

However, social care chiefs say the public can be reassured that the majority of homes in the county are providing good service.

Despite Notts being named as having the worst performing care homes in England, the county council's service director, Caroline Baria, believes that standards are good and a team of quality development officers are fighting to drive up performance.

The team – which visits each care home annually and holds monthly monitoring meetings with health regulator the Care Quality Commission – can take a number of sanctions against homes, including asking them to produce action plans and suspending contracts.

It also sends in inspectors when relatives or other whistleblowers complain about standards of care.

"I hope it does give reassurance," Ms Baria said.

"The fact that we've got these visits happening is reassuring. It means we're able to assure the public that the majority of our homes are providing good care.

"You can't just put a suspension on a care home without good cause. It can cause distress to people who are waiting to go into a particular home. We don't do it lightly, it only happens after we have tried to work with the home and offered a significant amount of intervention and support from our staff."

The county's care homes have come under a lot of scrutiny in recent years and authorities and health chiefs have been forced into taking action on a number of occasions.

In September 2012, the county council was forced to suspend contracts with three homes after concerns were raised over standards of care. And in June last year, the authority suspended its contracts with three more.

Just four months later, one of those homes – St Andrew's Lodge in Riber Crescent, Basford – had its registration removed by health inspectors and was shut down.

However, Samantha Ely, who manages the Leen Valley Care Home in Hucknall, said the performance of homes could be changed quickly.

Just 18 months ago, Leen Valley Care Home, formerly Silverdale Care Home, had its contract suspended and enforcement action was being taken against it by the Care Quality Commission. But now the home's performance has turned around.

Ms Ely said: "I had the ban on my place when I arrived and it took us five weeks to sort it out. But it could take as little as two or three weeks. I think it's about how committed you are to having it lifted."

In January this year, the council took further action by setting up a task force dedicated to tackling the problem of struggling care homes.

And now, social care chiefs have suspended contracts with four more homes – and asked another to voluntarily stop taking residents.

A council spokesman said the step to suspend contracts is taken over standards of care and where there are ongoing concerns – but residents currently living in the homes are not moved.

The authority would not give details about particular problems at the homes.

Charnwood in Carlton, Hallcroft in Hucknall, and Sycamore and Poplars in Warsop are run by Four Seasons, and a spokesperson said: ""We're sorry that the care provision at these homes fell below the standards that we expect to deliver to all of our residents.

"We are strengthening the management in the homes and they are being supported by our senior regional management team."

Blyth Country House Care Home did not wish to comment.

Logan Logeswaran, managing director of Runwood Homes, which runs Jubilee Court, the home asked to stop taking residents, said: "We are confident that the areas of concern are being addressed."

A spokeswoman for the CQC said some of the homes would face further inspections "soon". She said: "We continue to work closely with the local authority and as with all services regulated by the CQC, we continue to monitor these services and will return in due course to check on standards."

ELEVEN Nottinghamshire care homes for the elderly now have contracts suspended by the council:

Albemarle Court, Mansfield Road, Woodthorpe.

Eton Park, Owthorpe Road, Cotgrave.

Blyth Country House Care Home, Spital Road, Blyth.

Bowbridge Court, Bowbridge Road, Newark.

Broadgate, Beeston.

Coppice Lodge, Coppice Road, Arnold.

Acer Court Care Home, Nottingham Road, Nuthall.

Clumber Court Care Home, Bolham Lane, Retford.

Hallcroft Care Home, Croft Avenue, Hucknall.

Sycamore and Poplars Care Home, High Street, Warsop.

Charnwood Court, Station Road, Carlton.

FOUR more county care homes have been told to stop taking in residents due to concerns over standards of care.

However, social care chiefs say the public can be reassured that the majority of homes in the county are providing good service.

Despite Notts being named as having the worst performing care homes in England, the county council's service director, Caroline Baria, believes that standards are good and a team of quality development officers are fighting to drive up performance.

The team – which visits each care home annually and holds monthly monitoring meetings with health regulator the Care Quality Commission – can take a number of sanctions against homes, including asking them to produce action plans and suspending contracts.

It also sends in inspectors when relatives or other whistleblowers complain about standards of care.

"I hope it does give reassurance," Ms Baria said.

"The fact that we've got these visits happening is reassuring. It means we're able to assure the public that the majority of our homes are providing good care.

"You can't just put a suspension on a care home without good cause. It can cause distress to people who are waiting to go into a particular home. We don't do it lightly, it only happens after we have tried to work with the home and offered a significant amount of intervention and support from our staff."

The county's care homes have come under a lot of scrutiny in recent years and authorities and health chiefs have been forced into taking action on a number of occasions.

In September 2012, the county council was forced to suspend contracts with three homes after concerns were raised over standards of care. And in June last year, the authority suspended its contracts with three more.

Just four months later, one of those homes – St Andrew's Lodge in Riber Crescent, Basford – had its registration removed by health inspectors and was shut down.

However, Samantha Ely, who manages the Leen Valley Care Home in Hucknall, said the performance of homes could be changed quickly.

Just 18 months ago, Leen Valley Care Home, formerly Silverdale Care Home, had its contract suspended and enforcement action was being taken against it by the Care Quality Commission. But now the home's performance has turned around.

Ms Ely said: "I had the ban on my place when I arrived and it took us five weeks to sort it out. But it could take as little as two or three weeks. I think it's about how committed you are to having it lifted."

In January this year, the council took further action by setting up a task force dedicated to tackling the problem of struggling care homes.

And now, social care chiefs have suspended contracts with four more homes – and asked another to voluntarily stop taking residents.

A council spokesman said the step to suspend contracts is taken over standards of care and where there are ongoing concerns – but residents currently living in the homes are not moved.

The authority would not give details about particular problems at the homes.

Charnwood in Carlton, Hallcroft in Hucknall, and Sycamore and Poplars in Warsop are run by Four Seasons, and a spokesperson said: ""We're sorry that the care provision at these homes fell below the standards that we expect to deliver to all of our residents.

"We are strengthening the management in the homes and they are being supported by our senior regional management team."

Blyth Country House Care Home did not wish to comment.

Logan Logeswaran, managing director of Runwood Homes, which runs Jubilee Court, the home asked to stop taking residents, said: "We are confident that the areas of concern are being addressed."

A spokeswoman for the CQC said some of the homes would face further inspections "soon". She said: "We continue to work closely with the local authority and as with all services regulated by the CQC, we continue to monitor these services and will return in due course to check on standards."

DORIS Nattrass used to recruit soldiers and request tanks during the Second World War – but her son Frederick will never forget the moment she surprised him by adopting his brother, John.

Mrs Nattrass, who has died died on December 8 at the age of 101, had initially wanted to adopt a baby with her husband Frederick, but ended up falling in love with a five-year-old boy – also called Frederick.

But after taking him home he struggled to settle without his brother – so his new parents decided to adopt him too.

Frederick junior, now 65, of Bilborough, said: "I kept saying I wanted my brother, John. They talked about it and decided they would fetch him, but didn't tell me they plans. One day I left school and I saw mum, dad and John in a pram. I pushed the pram back home - I was so happy."

Mrs Nattrass grew up in Worksop, before moving to Basford at the age of 16 to care for her grandmother Annie Wooly.

She began her working life as a window dresser at discount store FW Woolworth, in Radford, before moving to Chilwell Barracks to work as a personnel officer at the start of the Second World War.

There, she helped to recruit soldiers and would deal with requests for new tanks when another one was damaged.

John, 62, of Top Valley, said: "She really enjoyed working at the barracks and made many friends there. She said it was the best years of her life."

It was also during 1939 that Mrs Nattrass married her husband Frederick as mentioned earlierat St Mary's Church, in Edwinstowe, after meeting him through a cycling club.

After the war she turned her hand to lace-making which she did at home until she retired at the age of 57.

John said he will always remember his mum being very caring.

He said: "I believe she got out of life what she put in. We are all going to miss her a lot, everyone will."

Mrs Nattrass became her husband's carer before he died of bladder cancer at the age of 83.  

Frederick said: "She was a lovely, wonderful mum, and a wonderful wife to my dad. She would do anything for anyone they would only have to ask. She is irreplaceable."

Mrs Nattrass also leaves her two sons, four grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren.

FORMER soldier Michael Furniss has been handed a life sentence for the murder of an Arnold dad.

Furniss shot Andrew Dosiuk three times in his bedroom in Laneham Avenue on Monday, November 11, last year.

Fifty-five-year-old Furniss, of no fixed address, has been given a life sentence and will serve at least 32 years and 11 months in prison.

Handing down the sentence the Honourable Mr Justice Haddon-Cave said: "He was 33 years old, it was clear that he had been shot dead in his bed at close range. There was no apparent struggle or resistance; Andrew Dosiuk was clinically executed in his bed.

"His family has lost a loved one and grieve over the brutal manner of his death."

A man and woman have been taken to hospital after a collision on M1 southbound between junctions 27 and 28. 

The incident, involving two cars, took place near Selston at around 1.20pm. 

Four lanes were closed for a few hours after the collision, which led to drivers experiencing 20 minute delays. 

 Another man and his dog had already got out of their vehicle by the time firefighters  arrived. 

Crews from Stockhill, Tuxford and Highfields were in attendance. 

They left around 2.50pm.