A prolific shoplifter who targeted stores in Gedling borough has been jailed.
Shops across Arnold and Gedling were targeted by Shane Hickling during his thieving spree from July 23, 2025 to February 3, 2026. He also stole from a number of shops in Worksop.
On nine separate occasions, Hickling took items including shampoo, toothpaste and chocolates from shelves.
Police officers managed to identify the 50-year-old from CCTV captured at the premises he targeted.
PICTURED: Shane Hickliung in one of the stores
Items were swiped from shelves at Boots in Front Street, Arnold, and Co-op in Westdale Lane West, Gedling.
During the shoplifting spree, officers received reports that a bike had been stolen after it was parked outside Wetherspoons, Radcliffe Road, West Bridgford on 30 July 2025.
Hickling was caught on CCTV boldly entering the premises first, and then making off with the cycle a short while later.
The prolific shoplifter was detained in Worksop by officers as he targeted Farmfoods on Tuesday, February 3. He was duly arrested outside the shop.
Appearing at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (4), Hickling, of Kent Close, Worksop, pleaded guilty to nine counts of shop theft and one count of bike theft.
Hickling, the subject of a suspended sentence order from previous offences, was jailed for a total of 46 weeks.
PC Eoin Wilson, of the Worksop South neighbourhood policing team, said: “Hickling is a persistent thief, and I hope this custodial sentence provides some respite for the stores which have been impacted by his offending.
“We want shops across Gedling borough to thrive for the good of the whole community and will always take robust action against offenders like Hickling who can cause great harm to local businesses.”
A Colwick teenager has recorded a new podcast to share her experience of coping with grief following the tragic loss of her younger brother to a brain tumour.
Ella Mai Blower is the first guest for series three of the The NottAlone Podcast which will focus on youth voices for Children’s Mental Health Week during 9-15 February,
The first episode of the podcast is released on Wednesday, February 11.
Leo was just six years old when he passed away from a terminal brain tumour four years ago, leaving Ella and her family devastated.
As many young people do, Ella turned to social media to find other people who had also lost siblings, but was unable to find anything that resonated with her. That’s when she decided to create her own TikTok account @girl_vs_grief, to share her memories and help other people going through grief and loss.
Ella said: “The world goes quiet when you lose someone that close. It felt like time was paused, I felt numb. I just missed everything about him. Nothing mattered. The only thing that mattered was Leo.”
Ella had therapy after the loss and encourages anyone going through something difficult to reach out for support.
“If you do therapy, you have someone to talk to, someone who’s there to listen to you.,” she said.
“If you don’t want to talk to your family and friends about something, you can talk to your therapist, because they’re not going to judge you. I really recommend it for anyone struggling.”
Reflecting on the loss during the podcast episode, Ella talks about the things that helped her.
“It is important to find your own thing that helps you.” she said.
“Therapy helped. Talking to my family really helped, they’ve lost Leo too and they know what it’s like. We do things to remember him, and we have a bench for him that I go and sit on sometimes.
“I’ve got so many amazing memories of him; so I’ve still got Leo.”
Co-hosts of The NottAlone Podcast, Dr Órlaith Green and Dr Maddi Popoola are eager for people to listen to the new series.
Dr Maddi, NottAlone co-founder and Educational Psychologist at Nottingham City Council, said: “I’m absolutely in awe of the young people we’ve had on the podcast for the new series. Their stories are so different but the one thing that carries through each episode is how articulate, courageous and open each of these young people has been when talking about their individual struggles.”
Dr Órlaith, NottAlone co-founder and Principal Educational Psychologist and Group Manager, Psychology and Inclusion Services at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “I think our listeners will agree that these are some of our most powerful episodes yet.”
The new four-episode podcast series explores some challenging topics, hearing young people’s first-hand experiences of grief, loss, eating disorder recovery and overcoming anxiety and panic attacks.
You can listen and subscribe to The NottAlone Podcast for free wherever you get your podcasts. For mental health advice and links to local support services in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, visit www.NottAlone.org.uk
These are the latest applications to have been submitted to and validated by Gedling Borough Council this week.
This is a round-up of the latest plans that the council’s planning officers have validated.
These applications will now be decided by Gedling borough planners.
More details can be found on the Gedling Borough Council planning site HERE by using the reference codes published below.
Single storey rear extension to dwelling. 11 Dover Beck Close, Ravenshead Ref. No: 2026/0057
Installation of 3no. electric vehicle charging stations, including the installation of 1no. substation, 1no. feeder pillar and underground cabling Coopers Brook Mansfield Road, Daybrook Ref. No: 2026/0056
Single storey rear extension, 2 storey side extension and loft conversion with rear dormer. 35 Southdale Drive, Carlton Ref. No: 2026/0051
Proposed change of use of former offices to a hot food takeaway to the ground floor and a 2 bedroom flat on the first floor. Proposed canopy to be utilised as a bin store and shed for a store for the food takeaway. 924 Woodborough Road, Mapperley Ref. No: 2026/0046
Proposed erection of a two-storey extension to the rear of the property together with the construction of a detached outbuilding to accommodate a gym and office space. Lido Villa Moor Lane Woodborough Nottinghamshire NG14 6FZ Ref. No: 2026/0045
Erection of 1 self-build dwelling with curtilage. 2 Old Kennel Drive Calverton Nottinghamshire NG14 6SH Ref. No: 2026/0047
Single storey porch extension 40 Ramsey Drive, Arnold Ref. No: 2026/0040
Proposed rear single storey extension and rear first floor extension over existing lean to including balcony railing to the roof 297 Mansfield Road, Redhill Ref. No: 2026/0029
Single storey rear extension to dwelling. 29 Middlebeck Drive, Arnold Ref. No: 2026/0002
The parents of murdered Stephanie Irons have shared touching words after her killer was locked up for life with a minimum of 25 years.
Irons was fatally assaulted at her address in Mapperley on the evening of Tuesday, October 21.
Her parents paid tribute to their daughter following the sentencing.
They said: “We have lost our beautiful daughter and shining light. Nothing will ever take away the pain that has been caused by this senseless act.
“Steph was the kindest, sweetest person anyone could meet, and our lives will never be the same. She touched so many lives with her personality and kind soul.
PICTURED: Stephanie Irons
“While justice will be done, time will never heal our loss. Our family and friends’ lives have changed forever. Not a day will go by where we will not remember Steph, all the good she brought to the world and a huge hole has been left in our lives.
The alarm was raised by Miss Irons’ co-workers after a series of concerning messages were sent to them from her mobile phone that night.
Emergency services were then called to Westdale Lane West, Mapperley, at 10.07pm where they discovered the 23-year-old in her living room with fatal knife wounds.
She was pronounced dead just after 11pm despite the best efforts of paramedics.
A post-mortem investigation later revealed that she died after sustaining a knife wound to her neck. Defensive wounds were also found on her arms.
Adedapo Adegbola, her former work colleague, took her life after their brief relationship ended.
After the knife assault, Adegbola fled to his property in Mansfield, leaving a trail of discarded evidence including his blood-stained trainers and a jumper, as well as Miss Irons’ house keys and mobile phone, on the streets of Mapperley and Carlton.
The 40-year-old remained at the address until around 4.30am the next day (October 22), when he ordered a taxi to Worksop.
From here, he travelled in another taxi to Sheffield, and finally to Hull.
Just before 9am that morning (October 22), he returned to Nottingham and handed himself in at Oxclose Lane Police Station, where he was arrested on suspicion of murder.
He went on to provide no comment to questions posed by detectives in subsequent police interviews.
Despite this, investigators gathered crucial evidence to charge Adegbola with murder.
He then pleaded guilty to murder when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday, January 26.
Adegbola, formerly of Woodborough Road, Mapperley, was yesterday (5) given life imprisonment with a minimum of 25 years.
Detective Inspector Stuart Barson, lead investigator of the case, said: “Our focus from the very start of this investigation has been to get justice for Steph, her family and friends, and that has been reflected through the results today.
“Adegbola committed a heinous and violent act, and I am pleased he will now spend a very considerable amount of time behind bars.
“Today’s sentence will not bring Steph back, but I hope it gives her family some comfort.”
The next step in the overhaul of local government in Nottinghamshire took an important step yesterday with the start of a massive consultation exercise.
The government have launched their consultation on Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire – inviting everyone to have their say.
Back in November, councils across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire submitted three different proposals to Government setting out alternative models for how services and decision-making could be organised in the future. These three options propose creating two new unitary councils responsible for all local services in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, but each option proposes different geographical boundaries.
Councils ran an engagement survey in July 2025 to help shape the proposals submitted.
Now, the Government’s statutory consultation will gather views on the three final proposals. Responses will inform the ministerial decision on the preferred option for the region.
In Nottinghamshire, local services are currently delivered under what is known as a ‘two-tier’ council structure. Nottinghamshire County Council oversees county-wide services such as social care, education, and road maintenance. While several smaller district and borough councils, like Gedling, are responsible for more localised services, including waste collection, and leisure centres.
You can have your say on proposals submitted to the Government online
Nottingham City Council operates as a ‘unitary authority’, meaning it provides all council services within the city of Nottingham.
Nottinghamshire County Council along with Rushcliffe Borough Council developed its own proposal, known and referred to in the consultation as 1b.
Nottingham City Council developed a proposal known as Bii and Gedling Borough Council, Mansfield District Council, Bassetlaw District Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council submitted a joint proposal, known as 1e.
Broxtowe Borough Council decided not to support any of the options and called for a pause on LGR so it could be considered more fully. Ashfield District Council has also stated that they remain neutral and have not shown any preference for any of the alternative models.
The consultation will run for seven weeks and is available for completion at www.lgrnotts.org. It will also be available in all council libraries and civic buildings.
Government will assess the evidence gathered, alongside the submitted proposals, against its established criteria before the Secretary of State makes a final decision in Summer 2026.
Nottingham City Council say work is ‘going well’ to complete a new footbridge over the River Trent near Colwick as they prepare for its opening this spring.
“We’re now working on walking and cycling connections that will help safely link up those on bike and on foot with the new bridge,” a spokesman said.
“The project includes a three-metre shared-use path along the southern side of the pavement on Daleside Road, including a new planting area providing separation between the new path and the road. It’s being funded by the East Midlands Combined Authority.
“On site, work is taking place to prepare the area ready for the smaller basin bridge and the ramps and footpaths that will lead to the main bridge on each side of the river.”
Gedling neighbourhood policing team’s Inspector Steve King has provided an update on how they have progressed on tackling crime across the borough during January…
King wrote: “As we head into a new month, I’d like to update you on the work your Neighbourhood Policing Team has been carrying out.
“Our priorities from January to March 2026 remain the same with acquisitive crime (burglary, robbery, shoplifting and theft), anti-social behaviour (including behavioural, motorcycle, speeding, begging) and drugs (possession, supply, cannabis cultivation)
“We’ve continued to build on the positive progress made at the end of 2025, particularly in reducing shop theft. Our list of the Top 5 repeat locations for shoplifting has recently been refreshed, and officers have been carrying out focused patrols – both uniformed and plain clothes – at each site.
“We’re working closely with local businesses to identify prolific offenders and take appropriate action. Where possible, this includes supporting individuals with underlying vulnerabilities that contribute to their offending.I’m pleased to report that this sustained effort has resulted in a 17% reduction in reported shop theft in January.”
The Inspector had previously informed residents about an increase in vehicle thefts late last year. In response, a proactive policing operation was launched in December and was strongly supported by intelligence from both officers and the public.
“This led to the arrest of a suspect believed to be linked to a series of offences,” said King.
“Since then, vehicle crime has continued to fall – down by 17% in January alone. Investigations remain ongoing to ensure we maintain this progress.”
It was revealed there had been a slight increase in burglary reports over the last six weeks. Inspector King said investigations were making full use of available technology – including ANPR, forensics, and facial recognition – to identify those responsible.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind residents about home security,” he said.
“Simple steps such as using light timers, closing curtains at night, and investing in CCTV or alarms can significantly deter potential offenders.”
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) has continued its year-on-year downward trend, with a 10% reduction in January.
King wrote: “We have seen a small number of youth related ASB reports, including a group causing damage and nuisance in Arnold Town Centre. Our team has taken firm action and we recently seized an illegal e-bike after it was ridden through a store. To be absolutely clear: this behaviour will not be tolerated in Gedling borough. We will take positive action, which may include prosecution and working with partners to consider civil measures or tenancy interventions where appropriate.
He added: “I also want to thank the many parents who know where their children are and who reinforce clear boundaries at home. Working together, we can ensure Gedling borough remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.”
The Neighbourhood Policing Team say they are continuing to proactively target drug use and supply in the local area, and this work has resulted in an increase in recorded offences for January.
“In this case, an increase is welcome,” said Inspector King.
“It reflects the success of our proactive disruption.We are acutely aware of the impact that illegal drug activity has on communities, including ASB, exploitation and wider criminality.
“Community intelligence is key to tackling this, so please continue to report concerns via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
He concluded: “Thank you, as always, for your continued support of your local policing teams.”
A few things clicked for me after last year’s Coffee Morning. The cakes were a hit, the company was lovely, and the fundraising went well… but my bin bags told a different story. I filled two full sacks by the end of the afternoon, and that didn’t sit right with me. It wasn’t anyone’s fault; I’d just underestimated how quickly cups, napkins, packaging, and leftovers add up.
So this year, I tried something new: an eco-friendly, low-waste setup that ended up saving me money, making the room calmer, and surprisingly boosting donations.
Here’s the playbook I used, with notes you can easily copy for your own Macmillan Coffee Morning.
What I learned from last year’s waste audit
After hosting a few fundraisers in the same space, I had an idea of where the main waste came from.
So last year I did a simple “audit” (just tipping everything out afterwards and sorting it into rough groups).
Waste Type
Notes
Single-use cups
The biggest category by far
Paper napkins
Used quickly and often grabbed in handfuls, so lots of waste
Food packaging
Supermarket cake trays, cling film, bakery wrappers, and foil
Leftovers
A full tray of brownies and half a quiche nobody touched
Just spending 15 minutes looking at the pile made it much easier to see where small swaps would help next time.
Reusables that made a real difference
I didn’t buy anything fancy to cut down on waste. I just gathered what I already had and asked friends to bring a few extras.
What I used this year:
Mugs (plastic for the kids!) instead of disposable cups
Real cutlery (plastic for the kids!)
A couple of large jugs of water and juice
Wipeable signs instead of paper ones
A washing-up station with two bowls and a tea towel
The washing-up looked like a hassle on paper, but it worked surprisingly well. People rinsed their own mugs without me asking, mostly because everything was in one place. It also kept the tables looking tidy.
Top Tip: Plan with RSVPs (and avoid panic-baking)
Last year, I baked far too much, wanting to impress my friends and make sure I had a big selection. This year, I sent a tiny RSVP form the week before so I had an idea of numbers.
How I used the info:
I reduced the baking list to three things, assuming everyone would have 3-4 pieces each
I bought two supermarket traybakes and gave them a quick “signature drizzle” to make them look homemade
I portioned everything before the guests arrived
Working based on actual headcount kept costs down and left me with just a small container of leftovers, nothing like the mountain from last year.
What happened to the leftovers
I put aside a few slices for neighbours who couldn’t attend but sent donations online. The rest went straight to our local community fridge, where it all disappeared within an hour.
Knowing the food went to good use was genuinely lovely, and it stopped me grazing for the rest of the day out of guilt!
Screenshot
Turning savings into donations
By cutting out disposable cups, I saved an easy £6–£8. Buying fewer ingredients and using traybakes also lowered my spend. I counted the difference and added it straight into the donation pot.
Where the savings came from:
Change
Approx. Saving
No disposable cups
£6
Fewer home-baked items
£10–£12
Less packaging
£4
Using reusables already at home
£5+
Total added to the pot: around £20, which pushed us past our target.
Little systems that reduce rubbish on the day
These small tweaks kept everything running smoothly, and I’d recommend them for any Coffee Morning:
A labelled bin for recyclables only
A clearly marked mug-return area
A small compost caddy for fruit peels and coffee grounds
Pre-cut servings to avoid extra napkins and crumbs everywhere
They sound tiny, but guests noticed, and a few even asked for tips for their own Coffee Mornings!
All the low-waste swaps that helped
Old Way
New Way
Disposable cups
Mugs from home + washing station
Loads of home baking
2–3 bakes + supermarket traybakes with drizzle
Guessing numbers
Simple RSVP count
Big stack of napkins
Small pile + reusable cloths nearby
One big bin
Recycling + compost + minimal general waste
Unplanned leftovers
Pre-portioned plates + community fridge drop-off
Why low-waste hosting raises more
I didn’t expect this, but running a low-waste Coffee Morning became a talking point. Guests asked questions, stayed longer, and got more involved because it felt thoughtful and organised.
A few even said the effort behind the low-waste approach nudged them to add an extra donation.
A low-waste Coffee Morning isn’t about being perfect. It’s about hosting something warm, welcoming, and easy to run without a mountain of rubbish afterwards. If you try even one or two of these swaps, the difference is huge.
I think everyone should host a (low-waste) Coffee Morning if they can! It’s the best way to donate to Macmillan Cancer Support, spend time with friends, and make a real difference together.
BIO
I’m Holly, a business owner and lifelong lemon-drizzle enthusiast who loves nothing more than a good natter over a cup of coffee. When I’m not writing, chatting, or working, you’ll probably find me helping out at my local church or cuddling my two dogs. Hosting my first Macmillan Coffee Morning reminded me how powerful small community moments can be and I can’t wait to plan the next one.
Building credit in your twenties doesn’t mean getting loans later. It means creating opportunities you don’t even realise you’ll want yet. Whether it’s securing a better rate on a car loan, renting a flat without a guarantor, or eventually getting a mortgage, your credit score is the invisible key that unlocks those possibilities.
The good news is that you’re not starting from zero, you’re starting from the perfect age, while time is on your side. Read along to discover how to build genuine credit habits that’ll pay off for decades.
Why Credit Matters for Young Professionals
Your credit score is essentially your financial reputation. Lenders use it to decide whether they’ll trust you with money and what interest rates they’ll offer you. A stronger score means better deals on mortgages, lower interest on loans, and even better terms on car finance.
If you’re just starting out, you might have little to no credit history. That’s not a problem, but it does mean you’ll need to build it deliberately. The sooner you start, the more time you have to establish a solid track record.
Getting a Car Loan in Nottingham
One of the most straightforward ways to build credit is through a car loan. Living in Nottingham, you’ll appreciate having reliable transport for commuting across the city or heading out to the countryside.
The key here is choosing the right loan for your situation. Start modest. Don’t get tempted by that fancy car you’ve seen around the Old Market Square. Instead, pick a reliable used vehicle that fits comfortably within your budget. You want a monthly payment you can easily handle without stretching your finances. When youapply for a car loan in Nottingham, focus on what you can afford to repay consistently.
Making regular, on-time payments on your car loan builds your credit score faster than almost anything else. Each month you pay, you’re proving to lenders that you’re trustworthy. That history becomes valuable.
Building Your Score Takes Time
Don’t expect overnight results. Credit builds gradually, and that’s actually a good thing. It means you’re establishing genuine, sustainable habits that will pay dividends later in life.
Alongside a car loan, you can boost your score by paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, and avoiding taking on debt you don’t need or can’t pay back. Every positive action adds up.
When You’re Ready to Upgrade
Resist the urge to buy your dream car straight away. Build your score first and let those consistent payments work their magic. Once you’ve got a solid track record, you’ll find better interest rates and more loan options available to you. When you’re ready, upgrading to the car you’ve been wanting becomes an achievable goal, not a financial stretch.
Your early twenties are the perfect time to lay this foundation. The habits you build now will serve you for decades.
Signing Off
Building credit doesn’t require anything fancy. It’s about making smart choices, managing money responsibly, and being patient. Start with a modest car, choose a loan you can comfortably repay, and stick to it. Your future self will thank you for starting early.
