Long-awaited £35 million scheme to slash traffic on key Nottinghamshire route 'under review'
The Government has now confirmed that it has received Nottinghamshire County Council's full business case for the scheme and that this is "currently being reviewed". The major project was originally due to get underway in August 2024, but the general election last year threw promised government funding into doubt.
Nottinghamshire County Council previously said the overall scheme would cost £34.4 million, with the previous government pledging £24 million and the Conservative-run council investing £10 million. Former county council leader Ben Bradley has said every six months of delay on the project was costing £1 million and stretching the project's viability.
READ MORE: All of Nottinghamshire's secondary schools ranked in our Real Schools Guide
READ MORE: 'Unforeseen delays' in bringing national retailer to empty Broad Marsh units
Councillor Neil Clarke, the cabinet member for transport and environment at the county council, therefore says the overall project could now cost between £45 million and £50 million. The Department for Transport says it does not recognise this figure.
"We continue to work closely with Nottinghamshire County Council and will make any announcements in due course", the Department for Transport said. Councillor Clarke now hopes new investment by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), led by East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward, will act as a "catalyst".
The EMCCA says its investment "will address a cost shortfall and thus enable the Department for Transport to consider the full business case and potentially allow the scheme to progress." Nottinghamshire Live previously revealed the county council had spent over £3,000 on banners to promote the project before government funding for it had arrived.
The county council then took all 17 of the banners down in late 2024 after they had been damaged by weather conditions. The authority said it was hoping to reinstall the banners in February, but they are yet to reappear and the council has still not confirmed whether it will still put them back up.
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Miami Herald
2 days ago
- Miami Herald
After Circle and Bullish's big debuts, it's time to put these three crypto IPOs on your radar
Whether or not you think crypto is a pivotal technology or generational scam, there's no arguing that there's money to be made off of it. But despite the improbable returns and all-time highs in leading digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum, there might arguably be even better money for investors buying companies selling access to the boom. See, there's an old adage about selling pickaxes to gold miners. And arguably, nobody's done it better than Robinhood (HOOD) and Coinbase (COIN) . The two industry leaders spent years in the dumps after their respective 2021 IPOs, but with the years-long recession of trading speculation in the rear view, the two companies have soared. They're up 475% and 62% over the last year. Their performances have created a lot of FOMO among crypto and fintech operators. And thanks to a slew of new pro-crypto policies from the Republican-run U.S. government, and record valuations in digital asset land, there's a new boom of firms seeking out Wall Street. It's already created some of the year's most fantastical rallies. Take USDC creator Circle Technology (CRCL) for example, it's up over 400% since its IPO. It's not a one-off thing, either: crypto exchange and media firm Bullish BLSH, which IPOed this past week, proved the demand for crypto IPOs is durable; it's nearly doubled from its IPO price. So who should be on your radar next? Here are three to watch out for: If not for Grayscale, the largest digital asset manager, we might have been waiting years for Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs to become reality. The company was a first-mover in bringing crypto to Wall Street through its Grayscale Bitcoin Trust and Grayscale Ethereum Trust. The funds, plus dozens of other products offered by the asset manager, offered spot exposure to the digital assets long before major asset managers paid any mind to the crypto industry. Next on its list, it plans to take itself to Wall Street, capitalizing on the robust drip of management fees from its various crypto products. It manages over $33 billion in assets. In mid-July, it was reported that the firm had confidentially filed for an IPO. They might not have invented Facebook, but settlement money in hand, the Winklevoss twins have managed to build a billion-dollar business in the burgeoning crypto business. After buying millions in Bitcoin and attempting to bring a 'Winklevoss Bitcoin Fund' to Wall Street over a decade ago, the twins settled for building their own crypto exchange. Today, Gemini has grown to be one of the larger centralized exchanges. As a result, it's seeking to strike while crypto demand is strong. In fact, it was one of the first firms to throw its hat in the ring, in light of the strong performance seen by Circle. Last it raised money from venture capital investors in Nov. 2021, crypto was at all-time highs. Filing confidentially for an IPO, the company would likely seek a valuation around the $7.1 billion it fetched back then. Crypto custodian BitGo has also joined the chorus of crypto firms seeking a home on Wall Street. It might score big, given the fact that it's already a massive home for crypto assets. BitGo custodies over $100 billion in assets now, making it one of the largest holders of crypto. It provides services directly to exchanges, asset managers, and other businesses. Not just holding and securing coins, but staking them and providing trading, lending, and borrowing services as a prime broker. It's fair to assume that the firm's near-doubling in assets over the last year is an indication it's ready for prime time, but outside of the $1.75 billion valuation it fetched in Aug. 2023, we won't know a whole lot more until the company's confidential IPO becomes public. It's hard to call anything a sure thing these days, particularly with U.S. stock benchmarks and crypto markets at record levels. For those interested in playing the IPOs, there's likely an opportunity to hop in on the ground floor of the new listings, playing the first-day pop and ensuing optimism. Some brokerages, like Robinhood and SoFi, even allow investors to request shares at the IPO price. For longer-term holders, closer examination of the companies' financials will be a must. Most of that information is not public yet, though. To that end, if you're a crypto believer, a bet on these firms might make sense if they're financially strong and growing. But given the nature of this fickle market, that means betting that the crypto market's best days are still ahead. And that's by no means a sure thing. The Arena Media Brands, LLC THESTREET is a registered trademark of TheStreet, Inc.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Call to close iconic former Crossroads TV motel at centre of asylum seekers row
It was the memorable setting for the iconic Crossroads TV series and in its hotel heyday the Ramada in Sutton Coldfield was a highly rated haven for tourists and business customers, lured in by its pool, gym, gardens and conference facilities. Now there is a clamour for it to be shut down after it spent its recent life as a temporary home for asylum seekers desperate to start a new life in the UK. Local residents and the area's MP Sir Andrew Mitchell wants it closed with immediate effect, claiming it is an unsuitable location. READ MORE: Consultation launched into parking charges at major Birmingham parks and some say 'it's wrong' Mitchell, Conservative MP for Sutton Coldfield, wants the venue to shut amid community tension and protest. He has now announced that a delegation from the Home Office and Serco will join him and immediate neighbours to the hotel for a fact finding visit next month. He says the hotel is in the 'wrong place' for asylum seekers, who he claims would be better off placed 'in inner city Birmingham ' close to refugee support services. Birmingham Live inquiries have revealed the owners raked in more than £4 million in net profits in a year as a result of its contract to host asylum seekers sent to the region by the Home Office. Some local residents agree with their MP, with the local Facebook group full of claims and comments from some neighbours who say they feel 'intimidated and fearful'. One claimed that the hotel residents had 'trashed' the venue and residents were 'wary' of using a new walkway that cuts in front of the venue, with claims of 'loitering', litter and damage. Others say the fears are rooted in misinformation and prejudice. They point out that the residents of the hotel have little choice but to hang around the venue, playing football and chatting, as they receive only a tiny weekly allowance and few have a right to work. In a post shared with his constituents yesterday evening, Friday August 15, he wrote: 'I am acutely aware of the concerns the asylum hostel at the former Ramada Hotel is causing - which is why I have been seeking its closure since it opened. 'I want to reassure Sutton residents that I will soon be taking representatives from the Home Office and accommodation provider Serco on a visit to the site, prompted by questions raised by constituents. 'I will also be meeting a group of local people living nearby ahead of the visit, which will allow me not only to see how the hostel is being run, but also specifically to raise their concerns. 'It is clear that the Ramada is a totally inappropriate location for an asylum hostel; it would be far better for it to be located in the centre of Birmingham, where the relevant services would be located nearby. 'The last government committed to closing it, however I have so far been unable to extract a promise of closure from the current Labour government. 'I aim to persuade the Home Secretary that it should be closed as soon as possible.' A protest was held at the gates to the venue last Friday, drawing a crowd of up to 50 people, with more planned. Critics also claim that the asylum seekers are 'making it more difficult' for people to access health services, get council homes and live in peace and this was concerning. But one resident posted: "I'm just as concerned about how successful the right wing politicians and media have been in brainwashing people. Some of the utter tripe on this post is shameful." They also said it was ludicrous to suggest the asylum seeker population was responsible for local issues like a lack of GP appointments, crumbling infrastructure and a housing shortage. "If someone's causing genuine issues locally, absolutely deal with it so we can all live harmoniously. But let's aim our frustration at the people actually pulling the strings and work together for a community that's fair, welcoming, and strong," they added. Amid fears of more local protests at this and other hotels housing asylum seekers, West Midlands Police urged residents to keep the peace. Assistant Chief Constable Paul Drover said: "We understand the concerns people have about their communities and will always balance the right to freedom of expression with the need to tackle crime. "We have strong relationships with our communities and continue to build trust with them to come and speak to us. We urge communities to carefully consider information that they read, share and trust and if in doubt we would always encourage them to speak to us or their community leaders. "In the West Midlands, we have seen a small number of peaceful protests - (last weekend) we saw very low numbers at two protests in Wolverhampton and Solihull that passed off peacefully. However, we have assisted in providing support to other forces as part of national contingency plans. "Our priority is always to keep people safe and in every decision around policing, public order and protests we must balance the right to freedom of expression with the right to tackle crime so we can ensure public safety. "The right to peaceful and lawful protest is a fundamental element of any democracy, and we are committed to upholding and facilitating this." Who owns and runs the former Ramada venue? The Johal family including directors Iqbal, Balkar, Balraj, Jasbir and Sarnpal, own the hotel through their company Sutton Coldfield Hotel Ltd. In their most recent published accounts, for 2023-24, the company made after-tax profits of £4,583,509, off the back of a turnover of £9.5 million. In their notes to the accounts, the owners say they plan to continue to provide asylum accommodation services and expect to continue to see demand grow in the coming years 'as there is still significant demand to accommodate asylum seekers on a short term basis'. The accounts also note that as a result 'the company is undergoing a period of growing profits. The funds have been invested in reducing a significant amount of the company debt, meaning liquidity risk has diminished significantly.' The report also adds: "Maintaining strong relationships with the government contract provider, whilst maintaining the quality of service, has mitigated the risk of competitive bids who may look to undercut the current agreed rates." We have tried in vain to get hold of the Johal family or their representatives. The Ramada Hotel in Sutton Coldfield, previously known as Penns Hall Hotel, was a hotel and country club situated on Penns Lane, Walmley. It's a Grade B locally listed building, originally a private residence, and later became part of Ramada International. It is located on 14 acres of mature grounds, featuring a tree-lined driveway and a lake. During the 1980s, the hotel became famous as the location for exterior filming of the TV soap opera Crossroads. The hotel filled in as the Crossroads Motel, later known as the Kings Oak Country Hotel, and the entrance to the real hotel's conference facilities was dressed to look like the main entrance to the fictional hotel. A shot of some of the hotel rooms overlooking Penns Lake, which is on the hotel's land, were used as part of the closing credits to the show.
Politico
3 days ago
- Politico
Poilievre's pivot
Presented by Send tips | Subscribe here | Email Canada Playbook | Follow Politico Canada Thanks for reading Canada Playbook. Happy Friday! In today's edition: → The trade war lands on PIERRE POILIEVRE's doorstep. → DONALD TRUMP and VLADIMIR PUTIN meet in Canada's backyard. → Ontario heralds an end to the work-from-home era. Trade war EAST VS. WEST — Conservative Leader PIERRE POILIEVRE has been forced to contend with DONALD TRUMP's trade disruption as he door knocks in rural Alberta. Poilievre, who largely focused on affordability and crime during the federal election and was mocked for not pivoting enough to address trade challenges, has turned his attention to tariffs. — New audience: The Conservative leader is running in the riding of Battle River–Crowfoot where many communities are separated by large swaths of canola fields. Producers in the area have been taking financial hits from both Chinese tariffs on canola imports and Canada's retaliatory tariffs that target Trump's allies and red states. Those measures are also driving up the costs of some supplies for farmers. Poilievre can't ignore the issue. These producers feed the world — and they're future constituents. — Another blow: China slapped a 75.8 percent preliminary tariff on Canadian canola seeds on Thursday, on top of 100 percent tariffs that country puts on canola meal and oil. — How it started: The tariffs are in response to Canada's 100 percent tariff on Chinese electric vehicles — a policy the Trudeau-era Liberals adopted in lockstep with the U.S. — Blame game: At a farm outside of Saskatoon on Thursday, just hours from his riding that borders Saskatchewan, Poilievre took aim at the prime minister. 'These tariffs are unfair and unjustified, and we lament the fact that MARK CARNEY has been so silent and so weak, failing to stand up for our farmers against these tariffs,' Poilievre said. 'The Liberals don't care about western farmers and western producers.' — Demands: The Conservative leader wants Ottawa to use tariff revenue from Chinese EV imports to help canola producers. Manitoba's NDP Premier WAB KINEW, who has raised concerns about western alienation, made a similar ask. → That's because: Ottawa has stepped in to help the steel, aluminum and auto sectors, which are large economic drivers in Ontario. → Despite: The canola industry in the Prairies being larger, suggests western premiers. Canola Council of Canada says canola contributes annually more than C$43 billion to the country's economy. 'Our federal government cannot sacrifice a C$43 billion canola industry, 200,000 jobs in that industry that is largely based, in fairness, in Western Canada to protect a fledgling electric vehicle industry largely based in Eastern Canada,' Saskatchewan Premier SCOTT MOE said Wednesday. — By comparison: We looked at a mix of industry and government data — methodologies may vary, but here is the gist: The steel industry contributed C$3 billion to Canada's GDP in 2024, and the aluminum sector contributed C$4.3 billion in the same timeframe, the Canada Gazette shows. The Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers' Association says the auto industry contributed C$16.5 billion to the economy last year. — Alberta wants: Ottawa to work out a deal with China, which is Canada's second-largest trading partner, behind the U.S. — Saskatchewan wants: Carney to talk with China's President XI JINPING. Carney spoke with China's Premier LI QIANG in June. — Ontario wants: The tariffs on Chinese EVs to stay put. — Playing favorites: Western premiers and MPs have accused Carney of prioritizing Ontario, a region central to Carney's political fortunes — and where he continues to reap high approval ratings. — No pressure from the inside: Liberals have just nine MPs from the Prairies. And despite having two sitting at the Cabinet table, ELEANOR OLSZEWSKI and REBECCA CHARTRAND have been publicly silent on the issue, as has Rural Development Secretary of State BUCKLEY BELANGER. Ag Minister HEATH MACDONALD and International Trade Minister MANINDER SIDHU met with industry groups this week. 'We're looking at all options to support the sector,' MacDonald's office told Playbook. — His majesty's loyal opposition: The absence of internal pressure has created an opening for Poilievre and his Prairie MPs to call out Carney's big talk around tariffs. Poilievre took a cheeky shot at Carney's X account. 'He hasn't tweeted a single thing about canola. Yet he's been able to tweet about international cat day. So isn't that nice?' — Five hours later: Carney posted about canola from his staycation. DRIVING THE DAY TODAY: TRUMP-PUTIN IN ALASKA — The ratings will be high. Europe is on edge. And Kyiv is skeptical. President DONALD TRUMP and Russian President VLADIMIR PUTIN are meeting today to discuss how to achieve peace in Ukraine. — What Trump wants: 'To sit down and look the Russian president in the eye and see what progress can be made to move the ball forward,' White House press secretary KAROLINE LEAVITT said on 'Fox & Friends' Thursday. — What Ukraine wants: A deal that has meaningful security guarantees and doesn't simply allow Trump and Putin to team up on reintegrating Russia into the global economy, POLITICO's VERONIKA MELKOZEROVA reports from Kyiv. And also via POLITICO's JAKE TRAYLOR: Trump relishes his diplomacy as he jockeys for Nobel prize. — What Russia wants: Deeper normalization of diplomatic and business relations between America and Russia, including a lifting of sanctions per The Economist. — What Canada wants: The ending of 'Russia's barbaric war of aggression' and 'a just and lasting peace and security for Ukraine' the Prime Minister's Office said. — Meanwhile: Europe lurches between hope and fear. — Odds: Trump says there's a 25 percent chance the talks fail. — Then what?: Trump said Putin could face 'very severe consequences' if he decides Putin is still not serious about ending the war, POLITICO's ELI STOKOLS and MEGAN MESSERLY report. Sanctions are also on the table. — Expect the unexpected: Who can forget earlier this year, when Trump was touting his close relationship with Putin, and dressed down Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy with JD VANCE in the Oval Office. But in the past few months, Trump has shifted his tone, saying Putin may not want to 'stop the war' in Ukraine. — If all goes well: Zelenskyy could be on a plane set for Alaska this weekend, Trump said. — Full agenda: Trump and Putin will have a one-on-one at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson in Anchorage, Alaska. The U.S. and Russian delegations will then have a bilateral lunch, and then Trump and Putin will have a joint news conference, the White House says. Trump has said he will call Zelenskyy after the summit on Friday. The meeting is set to begin at 11 a.m. local time (3 p.m. in Ottawa), followed by a working breakfast, then potentially a press conference. — But, but, but: 'If it's a bad meeting, I'm not calling anybody,' Trump said on the 'Brian Kilmeade Show' on Fox News Radio Thursday morning. 'I'm going home.' THE ROOMS THAT MATTER — PM CARNEY is on a lighter work schedule somewhere in the National Capital Region. — Energy and Natural Resources Minister TIM HODGSON is in Markham at 9 a.m. with funding news on clean energy projects in Ontario. MPP RUDY CUZZETTO and Markham Councillor KEITH IRISH will join. For your radar NO MORE HOMEWORK — Premier DOUG FORD says Ontario public servants will get back to the office on a full-time basis starting in 2026. 'Everyone needs to go back to work,' he said Thursday. After Labor Day, the province will up its in-office requirement to four days from three. 'Everyone's more productive when they're at work,' the premier said. 'How do you mentor someone over a phone? You can't. You gotta look at them eye to eye over the water cooler.' 'It's just time,' he added. — Watching closely: Federal public servants who don't (yet) face the same in-office rules. WHO'S UP, WHO'S DOWN Up: GENE SIMMONS and the rock band KISS, among the 2025 Kennedy Center honorees — the first recipients selected by DONALD TRUMP since his takeover of the Washington institution. Down: Violent crime in Washington — on the decline since 2023. Want more POLITICO? Download our mobile app to save stories, get notifications on U.S.-Canada relations, and more. In iOS or Android . MORNING MUST-CLICKS — 'Canada is the country that has pulled the rug out from USMCA,' U.S. Ambassador PETE HOEKSTRA told Global News on Thursday evening. — Parliamentary Budget Officer YVES GIROUX tells CATHERINE MORRISON of CP that he has 'no idea' who will take over his job when his term ends next month. — From TALYA MINSBERG and AMY GRAFF In the NYT: Canada's wildfire season is one of its worst ever, and it's not over yet. — PAUL WELLS previews Ontario Premier FORD's visit to Ottawa. — DAVID ZIPPER of Bloomberg reports: The U.S.-Canadian road safety gap is getting wider. — SARA CONNORS of APTN writes on a defense report that advises that First Nations in Yukon need to be more involved in Arctic security. — Our colleagues in Brussels rounded up some reading suggestions for the tail end of summer. LOBBY WATCH Our daily check-in on federal lobbyist registrations and notable meetings around town: — J.D. Irving Ltd. logged two recent meetings with Transport Minister CHRYSTIA FREELAND about funding for potential New Brunswick-based rail projects. The company also talked softwood lumber tariffs in meetings with KIRSTEN HILLMAN, Canada's top envoy in Washington; AARON FOWLER, Canada's chief trade negotiator; and CHRISTIANE FOX, deputy clerk of the Privy Council. — Gowling WLG's JONATHAN INGRAHAM registered to lobby for the Pacific Whale Watch Association, which is focused on the government's intention to extend the regulated 'approach distance' for southern resident killer whales to 1 km. — Glencore Canada, which operates mines and metals processing facilities, posted a July 8 meeting with Energy and Natural Resources Minister HODGSON. PLAYBOOKERS Birthdays: HBD to Sen. MOHAMED-IQBAL RAVALIA, Enterprise Canada Vice President LAURA D'ANGELO, CBC News digital senior producer MICHAEL WOODS, former Deputy Premier of Manitoba ROSANN WOWCHUK (80!) and former Conservative MP DAVID ANDERSON. Saturday: 'West of Centre' podcast host KATHLEEN PETTY, as well as former parliamentarians IRENE MATHYSSEN, DEAN DEL MASTRO (55!) and STOCKWELL DAY (75!) Sunday: Former MP MARTHA HALL FINDLAY, now director of the School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary. Spotted: Hill reporters, trade lawyers and public affairs pros at McMillan's summer rooftop social. Noted: Council of Canadian Innovators President BENJAMIN BERGEN met with Clerk of the Privy Council MICHAEL SABIA, Procurement Minister JOËL LIGHTBOUND and parliamentary secretary JENNA SUDDS in Ottawa Thursday to talk Canada's procurement system and homegrown talent. Movers and shakers: Foreign Affairs Minister ANITA ANAND has tapped JENNIFER LALONDE as high commissioner to Fiji. JOANNE LEMAY will take over as consul general in São Paulo. PAUL THOPPIL will be high commissioner in Singapore. Cohere, a Canadian AI firm, has hired ex-Meta AI research head JOELLE PINEAU, The Logic reports. Send Playbookers tips to canadaplaybook@ PROZONE For POLITICO Pro subscribers, our latest policy headlines: — Searching for Golden Dome clues. — Switzerland sticks with US F-35 fighters despite local backlash. — Allies, in jab at Trump, threaten not to buy F-35s. — DOE puts 11 small reactor projects on a faster track. — RFK Jr.'s MAHA agenda is gaining ground across the U.S. TRIVIA Thursday's answer: Meech Lake sits immediately to the southeast of Harrington Lake in Gatineau Park. Props to MARCEL MARCOTTE, ADAM C. SMITH, ROB LEFORTE, ANDREW BALFOUR, BARRY J. MCLOUGHLIN, DAVID GRANOVSKY, ALEXANDER LANDRY, DARRYL DAMUDE, ELIZABETH BURN, BOB GORDON, JOE MACDONALD, JOANNA PLATER, AMY SCANLON BOUGHNER, BOB PLAMONDON, CHRIS RANDS, JOHN MERRIMAN, GORDON RANDALL, MARC SHAW, HUGUES THÉORÊT, JOHN ECKER, JOHN PEPPER, PAUL PARK, RAY DEL BIANCO, ROB COLTER, J. ROLLAND VAIVE, MARC LEBLANC. Also: GARY ALLEN, RODDY MCFALL, RUDOLF DAMAS, ROBERT MCDOUGALL, STEVE YANG, FAYE ROBERTS, JONATHAN MOSER, IAN FARIS, RALPH LEVENSTEIN, DAN MCCARTHY, CHRIS FARLEY, ANDREW SZENDE, MAIA EASTMAN, CAMERON RYAN, JEFFREY VALOIS, SHEILA GERVAIS, SHAUGHN MCARTHUR, MALCOLM MCKAY, DOUGLAS HEATH, JANE DOULL, JOHN ALHO, FERNANDO MELO, MICHAEL POWELL, MARK RAMZY, PATRICK ST-JACQUES and HANNAH ANSTEY. Friday's question: Where in Ottawa will you find a garden inspired by 'Terre Sauvage'? Send your answer to canadaplaybook@ Writing Monday's Playbook: MICKEY DJURIC. Canada Playbook would not happen without: Canada Editor Sue Allan, editor Willa Plank and POLITICO's Grace Maalouf.
