Collision Course

Sadly two people were hurt this morning when they were hit by a bus outside the Victoria Centre.

Lower Parliament Street was closed from 11am until mid afternoon, as police had cordoned off the area while they investigated as to how the accident had happened.

It is a very busy junction, although it is mainly buses and taxis that can use the roads around there now, as cars have been banned from the area, and are diverted away from this part of town. Sometimes though, people who want to cross the road, don't always wait for the 'green man' to appear, and make a run for it.

News updates haven't reported how the to people are, but I don't think their injuries are life threatening. I'm sure everyone wishes them a speedy recovery.

Ed's Head

Nottingham had a royal visitor today in the form of Prince Edward. He was in town to help celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Theatre Royal.

I knew he was coming today, but had no idea when. So at lunchtime, I took a walk up to Theatre Square to see what was happening.

I was in luck as he hadn't arrived yet. A small crowd had gathered and the red carpet had been rolled out ready.  A couple of plain clothes police were wandering around. One bystander asked one of them when the prince would be arriving. She was told he was running a bit late due to traffic.   He was coming from Newark, where he visited the new Civil War Centre.

Finally he arrived in a black Range Rover, led by security people in a red Jaguar. He stopped and chatted to the crowd which was about 100 now before going into the theatre where he unveiled a plaque and had a piece of birthday cake.

Mob Rule

I went down to the court again today, as the judge was going to dish out the sentences on the three accused.

I got there, just as the police van was leaving with the convicts. The air was full of obscenities and anger from the various people that were waiting for them to head off to prison.

Due to the nature of the crime, I was surprised that there weren't more people there to display their emotion, as when such events are shown on the television news, there's often loads of people outside courts shaking their fists and shouting.

And so ends the final chapter in this most terrible of crimes. Six children dead, due to the stupidity of one man. Sadly I don't think it will be too long, before a similar case comes to the attention of the authorities and the media.

Love Don't Live Here Anymore

Not a very encouraging newspaper headline on today of all days; St Valentine's Day.

But no, the council are not considering banning lovemaking or encouraging celebacy in Nottingham, but the Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner is deciding on whether to close all sex shops and lap dancing clubs in the area, as they are seen to degrade and endanger women.

There is some debate as to whether this is true or not. As if it is stamped out and goes underground, then it might become more dangerous to the women who work in them. Maybe it should go the other way and the industry is properly regulated and checked like it is in Holland and some states in America.

Still the poster for Nandos behind takes the subject of St Valentine's Day the other way, with the idea that you can become Rudolph Valentino or Casanova after eating a plate of their spicy chicken legs.

The Good Doctor Must Have Gone On A Diet

For all Doctor Who fans, the TARDIS is one of the most iconic images from the long running television programme. That and the Daleks of course.

So I was very surprised to see this slimline version of the time travelling machine, whilst walking along the Victoria Embankment, close to Waterloo Bridge.

I waited around to see if the Doctor, Amy or Rory made an appearance, but alas they didn't show up. Maybe they were busy saving the Earth again from aliens.

Didn't Your Mother Ever Tell You Not To Go Near A Naked Flame?

This is the moment that a flicker of the Olympic flame was collected for its onward journey, before the flame is extinguished in the golden cauldron.

I didn't realise that the two people who were undertaking the task were the police. I was so far away from the stage, that I had my lens at its full 270mm. Looking at the shirts they are wearing, you can clearly see 'Metropolitan Police' emblazoned on their T shirts. I zoomed in on iPhoto and the name of the male officer is Rhys Peters, and he is a sergeant.

I'm not entirely sure why this bit of the celebration had to be done by cops. It's not as though anyone is going to steal the flame! Unless they were worried that a pyromaniac might get the job and start setting fire to the stage.

Anyway the flame started on it's way to Derby this morning. It left around 8am from the statue of Robin Hood, which is near the castle. This is far too early for me. So I let the rest of the population of Nottingham wave it goodbye.

Ring-fencing

The big news this week is that the Queen and some members of the Royal Family are going to be visiting Nottingham city centre tomorrow morning for a small walkabout in the Old Market Square and a visit to a public park in Basford.

In readiness for this visit, the police, the council and others have been fencing off the areas affected, including roads and pavements. It is expected that thousands of people will be descending on the city centre. Probably from the early morning, so they can get a good viewing spot. I and a few others from work intend popping along and see what's what.

Here's a shot of one of the police vehicles parked outside the Council House. I know that there is a water feature in the square, but it's not really deep enough for divers! I watched some of the officers inspecting all the cracks between the paving slabs. I don't think they rounded up all the pigeons though, as one pooping on ER would be hilarious, but unforgivable!

Baby, I Can't Drive My Car

Whilst walking over the bridge from the Victoria Centre, I spied this scene of these policemen who'd stopped this young motorist. There was obviously something wrong with his vehicle. But what? The tyres, the bodywork? Whatever it was they were causing some congestion down Lower Parliament Street.