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Here is The Nottinghamian from Wednesday, November 2:
Hello,
Wednesday's edition of the Nottinghamian brings the news of six convenience stores across Nottinghamshire closing. The closure has been called a "loss to the community".
We also take a look at the plans to rebuild a village pub which was destroyed by a fire in June. Plus news of West Bridgford's Christmas light switch on and a pizza restaurant coming to the Lace Market.
Community loss
The closure of six McColl's shops across Nottinghamshire is a "loss to the community". Nationally around 1,300 jobs are at risk at McColl’s after Morrisons outlined proposals to shut 132 loss-making stores in the convenience chain it bought earlier this year.
The convenience shops in Wollaton, Hucknall Road, Sherwood, Highbury Road, Bulwell, St Wilfred's Square, Calverton, Carlton Hill and Walesby Drive in Kirkby-in-Ashfield will close. Earnie Raven, 81, uses the Carlton Hill shop regularly and said the closure would represent a “loss to the community".
Sandra Connolloy, 77, from Carlton, said: “We rely on it [the McColl’s store], we need the Post Office. I come here for my magazines and I use the Post Office, the shop is very convenient. It’s not going to be nice [when the shop closes] - this is a miserable time." Read more here.
Rebuild
In the summer, the Tap and Run pub in Upper Broughton was seriously damaged by a fire. The pub, which is co-owned by England cricketer Stuart Broad and former cricketer Harry Gurney, was the only one in the village and has been closed ever since the fire back in June. Now, plans have been submitted for repairs to take place ahead of reopening in spring 2023.
Construction company Gateley Smithers Purslow have put forward plans on behalf of the owners' insurance company to "reinstate the building to its previous high standard". They say the proposal would see a "sympathetic repair and reinstatement" of the building to continue its use as a village pub and restaurant.
The idea is that the building would be like it was before the fire, with no change in the size of the pub. The significant fire destroyed the main roof, gables and first floor of the property and caused further, more limited damage throughout the ground floor. The application is pending consideration by Rushcliffe Borough Council and is expected to cost £1 million.
Weather and trivia
Weather: A dry, bright start on Thursday. Mostly sunny, perhaps with a few isolated afternoon showers. Light winds. Maximum temperature 13 °C.
UV: Low
Further reading: Ice skating and Cinderella ball coming to Belvoir Castle this Christmas
Trivia question: Notts County were the first football team to wear what?
The answer to today’s trivia question is at the bottom of the newsletter.
Notts says
When you think we have heard it all and this year couldn't get any stranger, former health secretary Matt Hancock announces he is taking part in this year's I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here! Having already sparked strong debates and opinions, we asked the people of Nottingham: "What do you make of Matt Hancock heading into the jungle?"
Andy Williams, 53, from Netherfield said: "It's a joke. I couldn't believe it when I heard about it. I am not surprised at the reaction he is getting from people."
Chantel Marie, 31, from Top Valley, added: "Honestly, you couldn't make it up. I don't know what he is thinking, especially after everything he has done. It isn't something I watch anyway so I am glad."
Yvonne Lewis, 62, from Long Eaton, said: "MPs and political figures have been on the show before so I guess it might not be that bad. But it is all very recent for him. I don't think the timing is right."
'Unforgettable' food
The Lace Market is set to get a new addition in the form of a restaurant which claims to serve 'unforgettable' food. Pizza Punks will be a punk-themed pizzeria that takes the 'best bits' from Neapolitan and New York pizzas and uses the 'best sourdough on the planet'.
Plans have now been submitted to Nottingham City Council to allow the business to put up its own branding and signage promising sourdough pizza, fresh pasta and craft cocktails at the former Two Seasons and Element shop on Fletcher Gate. There are seven other Pizza Punks in the UK - with restaurants in Belfast, Glasgow, Durham, Leeds, Liverpool, Leicester and Newcastle.
Nottingham shoppers previously said the eatery could "be a hit" in the prime city location next to a tram stop and due to its seemingly "quirky" style. The planning application is pending consideration by Nottingham City Council.
Christmas appearance
The Voice star Mark Howard is set to visit West Bridgford to switch on the Christmas lights. Mark will perform live on Saturday, November 19th to celebrate the start of the festive season.
The festivities will take place in Central Avenue from 10am-5pm and include food, drink, a gift market, street theatre entertainment and fireworks. The big countdown will take place at 5pm led by Mayor of Rushcliffe Cllr Tina Combellack, followed by a grand finale of low-noise fireworks and LED freestyle performers.
Nottinghamshire Voice finalist, Mark will appear on stage from 4pm while local athlete Jonty Bayliss will host the main stage. Other performers include local choirs, community groups and DJs. Mark Howard said: “It’s the first big local event for me since the competition. I’ve had incredible support in Nottinghamshire and I can’t wait to see everyone who’s supported me throughout The Voice.”
That’s all for today
Thank you for joining me for today's edition of The Nottinghamian. I hope you enjoyed it, and if you did why not sign up to receive it directly in your inbox every weekday by clicking here.
The answer to today’s trivia question, Notts County were the first football team to wear what, is a uniform kit.
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