Morning readers, Happy Tuesday!

Today we bring you news of a skate park revamp in Colwick, your weekly roadworks heads-up and a police reminder to keep your homes and vehicles secure in the warmer months.

Best wishes and see you tomorrow.

David Bratton - Editor

Government cash, local skaters and one big weekend: Colwick’s old skatepark is getting a glow‑up

A long‑empty skatepark in Gedling is about to get a serious upgrade — and it’s all happening in just one weekend, powered by volunteers, local young people and a chunk of government funding.

At the end of June, the former Joshua Dale Skatepark at Colwick Rectory Recreation Ground will be transformed, with local skaters rolling up their sleeves to build new features alongside award‑winning skatepark designers Betongpark. Think DIY, but with concrete, rebar and a lot more stoke.

The project is being funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG), after Skate Nottingham CIC secured a grant to kickstart a new future for the site. They’ve spent nearly three years working with Gedling Borough Council, Colwick Parish Council and the Joshua Dale Skatepark Fund to make sure whatever comes next is shaped — literally — by the people who use it.

The original skatepark opened in 2013 in memory of local teenager Joshua Dale, who died the year before at a nearby junction. Built in wood at Joshua’s request, it was well‑loved but tough to maintain, and eventually had to be dismantled in 2023. What’s left is a pristine concrete slab — basically a blank canvas begging for new life.

And with no formal training routes for skatepark construction in the UK, the rebuild doubles as a rare chance for young people to learn real design and construction skills while improving a space they care about. With almost 2,000 skateable spots across the country needing TLC, the timing couldn’t be better.

Throughout 2024 and 2025, a working group of councillors, Skate Nottingham and local residents explored options for the site. Gedling Borough Council had already backed Skate Nottingham’s “Skate & Regenerate” programme for three years, helping young skaters safely repair and improve ageing parks across the borough — from Arnot Hill Park’s bowls to the modular ramps at King George V Park. Earlier this year, volunteers even installed simple concrete curbs at Colwick to get people skating again.

A separate grant from the Thomas Farr Charity, via Forever Notts, funded a major consultation. Forty‑six people turned up to a four‑hour public event, and 133 responded online. A massive 97% wanted the skatepark improved or rebuilt.

That momentum helped Skate Nottingham secure the MHCLG’s Common Ground Award 2025/26 — funding aimed at boosting social cohesion by improving civic spaces. It will pay for this month’s community build, supported by Live Like Ralph CIC and the Joshua Dale Skatepark Fund, both set up in memory of young people who loved outdoor, active lives.

Councillor Viv McCrossen said: “This project shows what can be achieved when local people, young skatepark users and partners come together with the right support. It’s a brilliant example of community spirit in action, breathing new life into a valued local space, honouring the memory of Joshua Dale, and giving the next generation the chance to build skills, connections and pride in their community.”

Skate Nottingham co‑founder Chris Lawton added: “We’re really excited about this project after three years of collaboration with councils and local communities. There was such a strong will to honour Joshua Dale by bringing the skatepark back into use. Designing and building things goes hand‑in‑hand with skateboarding and BMX, so together we can create life‑changing learning opportunities that will put the East Midlands on the map.”

The build kicks off Friday 26 June with site prep, before volunteers join expert supervisors on Saturday and Sunday. By Monday 29 June, the park will have a brand‑new 4.8‑metre‑wide concrete quarter pipe — built entirely on site — plus a new steel feature such as a grind rail. The upgrades will boost the space for BMXers and wheeled‑sports users while improving the flow for skateboarders.

Volunteer info will be posted at www.skatenottingham.co.uk.

Roadworks and closures planned for Gedling borough this week

Take a look at the roadworks and closures scheduled for Gedling borough's roads for the week ahead

Take a look at the roadworks and closures scheduled for Gedling borough’s roads for the week beginning June 21.

Make sure to plan your journey and check before your travel as these planned works could affect you. 

Burntstump Hill, Papplewick
June 28 – 02 July
Road closure
Responsibility for event: Nottinghamshire County Council

Tennyson Avenue, Gedling
25 June
Delays likely – Road closure
Responsibility for event: Nottinghamshire County Council

Main Road, Gedling
25 June – 25 June
Diversion route
Responsibility for event: Nottinghamshire County Council

Oxclose Lane, Arnold
27 June – 28 June
Road closure
Responsibility for event: Nottinghamshire County Council

Burntstump Hill, Calverton
28 June – 02 July
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Carlton Hill, Carlton
24 June
Roadworks, Delays likely
Responsibility for works: National Grid

Church Road, Burton Joyce
25 June
Roadworks, Delays likely
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Tennyson Avenue, Gedling
25 June
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Flatts Lane, Calverton
26 June
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Forest Lane, Papplewick
24 June
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Foxhill Road, Burton Joyce
25 June – 26 June
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Gunthorpe Road, Gedling
26 June – 29 June
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Howbeck Road, Arnold
24 June – 26 June
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Longdale Lane, Ravenshead
25 June – 27 June
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Cadent Gas

Mansfield Lane, Calverton
25 June – 29 June
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Cadent Gas

Pinfold Close, Woodborough
24 June – 25 June
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Southdale Road, Carlton
25 June – 26 June
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Wembley Road, Arnold
25 June – 25 June
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Police advice on keeping homes secure during summer months

Police are reminding the public in Gedling borough to remain vigilant during the summer months and protect their homes and vehicles from opportunistic criminals as another heatwave approaches.

Police have been speaking with burglary victims and offer expert advice and suggestions to help protect their property by upgrading security features.

Crime prevention officers are part of the force’s Prevention Hub - a collaboration between multiple force departments responsible for developing and delivering strategies to prevent crime and disorder throughout the city and county. Officers can provide a property risk assessment and issue free security products and crime prevention packs, which are filled with helpful advice on how to secure a home and reduce falling victim to crime to help residents feel safer in their homes.

Recommendations can include burglary prevention equipment such as window jammers, vibration alarms, fence defender strips, and signage.

Follow this key prevention advice to help keep your home secure.

• Ensure doors and windows are securely locked, even when at home
• Keep gardens clear – so that would-be criminals are visible from the street and cannot easily hide
• Keep ground-floor windows closed and locked overnight. Do not leave them ajar
• Keep valuables, electronic devices, and keys out of sight from doors and windows
• Secure garages and garden sheds and don’t leave tools out that could assist a break-in
• Consider planting thorny shrubs to create an effective natural deterrent

If you see anyone acting suspiciously in your neighbourhood call Nottinghamshire Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. In an emergency call 999.

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🌦️ Weather Update

Another dry, hazy day with plenty of sunshine and widely hot temperatures. Light winds will offer little relief. It will be a dry, mostly clear but humid night is with light winds expected. Some patchy mist may form.

Tomorrow will be dry with long sunny periods and light winds. Widely very warm or hot with heatwave conditions expected, including overnight.