Concerns raise lack of spending of Government cash on town improvements

TORY COUNCILLOR TO RAISE HIS CONCERNS

- By JOSEPH LOCKER Local Democracy Reporter

A COUNCILLOR claims that “not one penny has been spent” 18 months after Government money ‘was granted to an area of Gedling.

In 2024 the then-Conservative government announced a wide area covering Carlton and beyond would receive £20 million over the next decade for much-needed improvements.

A “Town Board” was set up to decide where the money should be spent. Work stopped when Labour took control of the Government, but restarted shortly afterwards following a review.

It restarted under what is now known as the Greater Carlton Neighbourhood Board, and chairman Sir John Peace stepped down.

He was replaced by David Stewart, and the scope of the area to be improved widened to include Netherfield Lagoons, Stoke Bardolph, Mapperley local centre, Lambley Lane recreational ground and Gedling Country Park.

A new 10-year regeneration plan and a four-year investment plan were both drawn up last year.

But Councillor Sam Smith (Con), who represents Trent Valley, says there is concern.

“Councillors of all parties who represent areas within the funds boundary are very, very concerned at the lack of engagement from the board on local priorities and the lack of spending going on, he said.