Newstead benefits from its location, surrounded by woodlands, farmland and open countryside. Newstead has designated “Sites of Importance to Nature and Conservation” (SINC), at The Old Cemetery, Hopping Hill, Annesley Pit Top and the former Stockyards. There are plants and wildlife in the area, which are rare, and have environmental importance. It is important that these areas are maintained and preserved for the benefit of the community.
There is also the prospect of development in and around the village, which may have an impact on its environment, which we need to monitor.
The “Annesley Pit Top Lagoons” for instance, is popular with many locals, dog walkers, birdwatchers and environmentalists. Feedback to this plan strongly reinforced its potential to the locality and the possibilities of fishing ponds and improved recreational use. Presently this is privately owned, and is also used regularly by off road motorbikes at the weekends. This is not only a danger to the public but also has a negative impact on the environment we live in.
Newstead is also a popular fly-tipping area from outsiders due to its remote location.
GBC’s Gedling Partnership had an “Autumn clean up-2008” which included graffiti removal, bulk waste collection and street cleansing.
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Flying skips funded by GBC/the Parish Council/ Gedling Partnership, and requested by the Newstead Residents Association, have been very popular over the last few years and have given the community an opportunity to clear out bulky items. These have proved necessary and would benefit the village if they would become a regular service. Newstead Primary School has also promoted litter awareness education.
Residents have shown an interest in green energy options and the viability of solar panels or wind farms in the village.
The plan also identified issues around some housing in disrepair and empty homes, which have a negative impact on the environment of other neighbours. The majority of homes in the village have had ongoing improvements and are well cared for giving the area a positive image.
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What you said
“A neighbourhood garden assistance scheme would be good.”
“Certain hot-spots around the village are an eyesore and need regular maintenance.”
70% of respondents showed an interest in renewable energy, 64% wanted improved street cleaning, 62% wanted more litter bins.
What we would like to achieve
- Village is energy efficient
- Reduce impact of off-road motorbikes
- Streets are clean
- Woodlands and surrounding areas are well maintained
- Develop the “Annesley Pit Top Lagoons” as a resource for the community
- Housing is attractive and well maintained
Actions
- Set up group to explore energy efficiency and funding possibilities
- Information events
- Use of GBC Anti-Social Behaviour co-ordinator and the Police
- Ensure regular cleaning and maintenance of streets
- Identify “hot spots”
- Identify ownership of land in the Parish in order to contact relevant bodies
- Annual Community clean up
- Explore possibilities of a “Village Handyman”
- Set up an “Environment Management” group for Newstead with support from Greenwood Forest and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust
- Purchase land on “Annesley Pit Top Lagoons” to ensure no destruction of habitats, and for community use
- Enter “Newstead in Bloom” competition
- Liaising with GBC around House repairs and empty properties
- Increase awareness of future planning issues in areas surrounding the village and potential impacts to our environment