MORNING EDITION: Maintenance issues at historic riverside council house ‘an absolute joke’

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🚧 Carlton councillor calls maintenance issues at historic riverside council house ‘an absolute joke’

Council workers say they were left to walk 10 minutes just to use toilet facilities after ongoing maintenance problems at an “ageing” riverside council house.

The iconic County Hall, sitting by the River Trent in West Bridgford, has been the headquarters of Nottinghamshire County Council since the 1940s.

Nottinghamshire Conservatives have been calling for the sale of the ‘ageing’ site over the past few years, choosing to vacate County Hall when the group were in power and move into its purpose-built £19 million Oak House building near Hucknall and Linby in March 2025.

Their most recent attempt to bring the topic back up for discussion was in Reform’s first budget-setting meeting in February, where the Tories said the flogging of the “ageing” estate – which carries “significant” running, compliance and maintenance costs – could bring in around £20 million for the authority.

It has been previously estimated that the cost for essential repairs to County Hall over 12 years is around £30 million, but a further £28 million investment would be needed to bring it up to modern environmental standards.

Reform ultimately reversed the decision for a complete Oak House-move after it won the local elections in May 2025 – democratic functions are currently held across both locations.

Vital upgrade works to the building totalling nearly £500,000 were announced by Reform in October 2025, including £37,000 to ensure the building’s toilets worked properly, £45,000 to go towards main water tank works and £50,000 towards sewage works.

It appears some of the maintenance problems have been playing out this winter, with council members and staff saying they had to walk 10 minutes from the site just to use the toilet facilities last Thursday, March 5.

Nottinghamshire County Council said the toilet facilities would be fully operational again from the week commencing Monday, March 9 onwards.

Water pressure issues on site have recently restricted the water tank’s filling, meaning toilets in the building have recently had to close temporarily, including an incident on February 24.

Speaking to the local democracy reporting service (LDRS) on Thursday about that day’s incident, Conservative councillor, Mike Adams, said some of the Conservative team were having to work from home because they “couldn’t rely on the site being operational”.

Council members and staff were having to walk 10 minutes to the nearby Trent Bridge House just to use toilet facilities.

Cllr Adams continued: “These [incidences] prove the Conservatives’ case. We made the decision to move to a brand new facility [Oak House], where everyone can work without having to go home because the toilets aren’t working.

“We recognised County Hall is a very ageing structure, sewage pipes, water pipes – we took that decision so people could continue to work.

“It’s a calamity. It’s an absolute joke people can’t go to the toilet.”

Cllr Adams said this was not the only operational issue the site had faced this winter, where boiler problems had left people “freezing” at points and one incidence of sewage “coming down the walls” in a downstairs council office.

Responding to the LDRS regarding the ongoing maintenance issues at the council house, a Nottinghamshire County Council spokesperson said: “There have been water pressure issues which have restricted the water tank filling at County Hall.

“This issues are now largely resolved, and so toilets will be fully operational [week commencing March 9].

“Given the council’s decision to remain at County Hall there are a variety of maintenance projects being completed to help ensure the building doesn’t encounter operational issues.”

By Lauren Monaghan
Local Democracy Reporter

🌤️ WEATHER UPDATE

Here's what's in store today and tomorrow...

Today will be mainly dry with variable cloud amounts. Some sunny spells are likely, with temperatures near normal for March, however the breeze will lead to it feeling cooler. Although the odd shower cannot be ruled out, it will be mainly during the morning. Cloud will thicken through the evening and overnight. Winds also strengthening, with upland gales likely, and perhaps some rain for a time. Likely staying frost free.

A cloudy but dry start to Thursday, but some outbreaks of rain possible by midday. Occasionally heavy and blustery rain in the late afternoon. Windy.

🏗️ Latest planning applications submitted to Gedling Borough Council

These are the latest applications to have been submitted to and validated by Gedling Borough Council over the last week.

These applications will now be decided by Gedling borough planners.

Two storey and single storey side and rear extension to dwelling.
14, Norman Road, Carlton
Ref. No: 2026/0135 

Discharge of conditions 3 (materials), 4 (architectural details) and 6 (schedule of repairs) of 2025/0703 (proposed renovaton and extension of existing cottage to form two dwellings including access driveway, parking and associated gardens)
34, Main Street, Calverton
Ref. No: 2026/0138DOC

Two storey front and side extension to dwelling and single storey rear extension. 24, Campbell Drive, Carlton
Ref. No: 2026/0136 

Removal of existing outhouse and construction of single storey extension to rear of dwelling.
77, Hawthorn Crescent, Arnold
Ref. No: 2026/0129

T1-T5 Copper Beech trees, overall crown reduction by 2 metres to each T2 Copper Beech, Overall crown reduction by 2 metre's T3 Copper Beech, Overall crown reduction by 2 metre's T4 Copper Beech, Overall crown reduction by 2 metre's T5 Copper Beech, Overall crown reduction by 2 metres
St Anthonys R C Church, Mansfield Lane, Calverton
Ref. No: 2026/0132TPO

Rear extension, garage conversion, front porch, balustrade to the front wall and rendering of property
176, Main Road, Ravenshead
Ref. No: 2026/0121 

Proposed C4 use (HMO) and dormer
44, Chandos Street, Netherfield
Ref. No: 2026/0119

Single storey rear extension
26, Beaumaris Drive, Gedling
Ref. No: 2026/0114

First floor side extension above garage
6, Pateley Road, Woodthorpe
Ref. No: 2026/0115

Single storey rear extension
2A, Central Avenue South, Arnold
Ref. No: 2026/0113

Removal of aluminium surround to apartment windows
Land At Chase Farm Former Gedling Colliery Adjacent To Arnold Lane And Land Off Lambley Lane, Gedling
Ref. No: 2026/0107NMA 

Retrospective application to cover, erection of compressor area, LV electrical transformer, covered storage areas
Pro Environmental Ltd, Hollinwood Lane, Calverton
Ref. No: 2026/0141NCC 

Change of use of first & second floor storage building to form 9 residential flats
92-94, Meadow Road, Netherfield
Ref. No: 2026/0008

🐑 Lambing season warning

Lambing season is well underway and police are reminding everyone using local footpaths and countryside in the borough to please keep dogs on a short lead when walking through or alongside fields with sheep.

They say even the most well-behaved dogs can instinctively chase livestock, particularly at this time of year.

A spokesman said: "This behaviour is often driven by excitement or play, rather than aggression but it can still cause serious distress to ewes leading to abortion, exhaustion, shock and, in some cases, death.

"Under the law, farmers are entitled to protect their animals.

"If a dog is worrying livestock and cannot be brought under control, a farmer may lawfully shoot the dog as a last resort.

They added: "Penalties for livestock worrying have also increased. These situations are entirely avoidable.Responsible dog control helps protect livestock, supports our local farmers and keeps everyone safe while enjoying the countryside."

📷 Retro pic of the day...

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