Since the opening of the new leisure centre in Bingham many more people are using the footpath level crossing, known as Moor Lane.

Network Rail has been working closely in conjunction with Bingham Town Council, Rushcliffe Borough Council and Nottinghamshire County Council to assess suitable risk controls for the number of people who now use the crossing regularly.

In January 2024 Network Rail completed a remodelling of Moor Lane Level Crossing, with new white palisade fencing and gates, pictorial signage and a wider approach, improving the crossing for all users.

Network Rail has also rigorously investigated the feasibility of using technology to help manage the risk at the crossing.

The investigations have revealed that the only way to further protect users without installing a bridge or closing the crossing altogether requires a change to the way that trains are managed in the area.

This solution will mean that the risk of a user being unable to see a second train coming, due to being hidden by the first, has been reduced to as low as is reasonably practicable.

Additional risk measures are being assessed, including options such as, the installation of anti-trespass guards and de-vegetation works. The crossing will continue to be monitored via CCTV to inform all future risk assessments.

Network Rail look forward to working with the the local community and stakeholders to make our railway and its surroundings safer and provide access between the key parts of Bingham.

The Car Park Committee met on 12 March 2024 to consider the work progressed to date for a potential long stay car park at the Old Allotment site in Bingham. The committee received an update on the previous stakeholder meeting held with Network Rail and were also updated on the work of the Rushcliffe Borough Council led Car Parking Strategy Group, including the results of the parking and business surveys undertaken last November.

The Town Council met on Tuesday 19 March 2024 and agreed that an outline business case was required, but the timing of this was dependant on two considerations. Firstly, an update from Network Rail on the potential trial system for the Moor Lane crossing which has the potential to remove their objection to a car park at the Old Allotment site. Representatives from the Town Council, along with other key stakeholders will be meeting with Network Rail this month to seek an update. Secondly, the committee is also waiting for Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Cabinet Committee to consider and confirm any changes to the Town Centre parking regulations which will hopefully see improved parking availability in the Town – the impact of which will need to be considered as part of the business plan.

The Mayor of Bingham, Cllr Rowan Bird said “we are delighted that key stakeholders remain committed to improving car parking in Bingham. We will continue to work on the feasibility of a long stay car park and will continuously review the timing of a business case when other variables are known”

The Chair of the Town Council’s Car Park Committee, Cllr Mike Baulcombe said “the committee carefully considered the timing of a business case and remain focussed on working with Network Rail and other key stakeholders to progress the feasibility of the site”.

Residents of Nottinghamshire are being called to action following a startling revelation from a recent safety event hosted by the Nottinghamshire County Council Trading Standards. An alarming 68% of electric blankets tested during the event failed to meet basic safety standards, underscoring a critical public safety issue. Electric blankets, a common household item especially during colder months, have been identified as a significant fire risk when they are faulty or improperly used.

The council emphasizes the importance of regular checks for any signs of wear or damage that could lead to dangerous accidents. Key warning signs that your electric blanket may pose a fire risk include scorch marks, fraying fabric, exposed elements, creasing or folding, soiling, damp patches, damaged or missing tie tapes, worn flex, loose connections, and an outdated BEAB safety mark, indicating the blanket is over ten years old.

To mitigate the risk of fire in your home, it is advised that you have your electric blanket checked or replaced if any of these danger signs are present. Furthermore, residents are strongly advised against purchasing second-hand electric blankets due to the inherent safety risks. Instead, when buying a new electric blanket, look for items that display the British or European standard mark alongside a safety certification, ensuring the product meets the latest safety requirements.

This initiative is part of Nottinghamshire County Council’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of its residents by raising awareness of potential household hazards. By taking proactive steps to check and replace unsafe electric blankets, the community can work together to prevent fire-related accidents and ensure a safer home environment for everyone.

The Mayor met a representative of Barratt David Wilson in March to see the progress on the new pathways at Archers Lake. It was confirmed that the pathways will continue to settle as the weather improves and Barratts have further work to complete on two pathways and some levelling works to complete in Spring/early Summer on the main paths, once the site has had the opportunity to dry out from the heavy wet weather. Barratts have invested heavily into the restoration of the pathways and the Mayor was pleased to see the improvements.