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Frustrated Gedling borough residents welcome council’s planned improvements as brown bins missed

Joe Locker (LDR Reporter)
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Frustrated Gedling borough residents welcome council’s planned improvements as brown bins missed

Residents and councillors have welcomed planned changes to garden waste bin collections across Gedling borough

Gedling Borough Council admitted that brown bin collections—used for garden waste—have been “consistently missed” in the past few months.

The authority has pledged to make changes by March next year after a raft of complaints, including rethinking the routes bin lorries take.

The problems have affected residents in various parts of Gedling borough, including Burton Joyce and the new Hallows Rise estate off Colwick Loop Road.

The service runs every year from the start of April to the end of March the following year – with no collections in January and February. PHOTO: GBC
Gedling Borough Council admitted that brown bin collections—used for garden waste—have been “consistently missed” in the past few months.

Mark Owen, who has lived in Church Road in Burton Joyce for seven years, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) his brown bin collection has been missed on four consecutive occasions.

He welcomed the planned changes, but urged the council to inform residents if collection days change.

“It should have been collected last Friday, but it was only just collected on Tuesday,” he said.

“We’ve got quite a big garden. I don’t want to have to buy two bins, and it would be fine if they collected it.

“Originally, I thought it was just me, but I spoke to a few others here, and their bins had not been done.

“It has only been a problem for the last two or three months. The annoying thing is we have to pay for this.”

Another resident of Church Road said her brown bin had only been missed once, and said the council had been “very nice” on the phone.

“I called because if it was going to be another fortnight I would have had to take a trip to the tip,” she added.

The problem has also been plaguing the new Hallows Rise estate, off Colwick Loop Road near Netherfield.

Samantha Stackhouse, who has lived in Magpie Street for a year, said her garden waste bin had been missed three times.

“I started paying in June,” she said. “They have got better; we had to fill out the [complaint] form two times. You have to pay [for the service] as well, which is frustrating.”

The service runs every year from the start of April to the end of March the following year – with no collections in January and February.

The cost for the 2025/26 service is £45 for one brown bin, and any additional brown bins cost £23 each.

Director of operations at the council, Sarah Troman, said: “We know it is not sustainable to deliver it with the crews that we have got, with the customer base we have got, so, as soon as we start to slow down – which should be in the next six weeks or so – we are going to look at completely revamping those rounds,” she said.

“There will be a little bit of pain in terms of lots of collections, days might change, but it means when we start again in March we will be in a much stronger position.

“We know there have been lots of consistently missed bins, and the numbers have improved a lot over the last few weeks, but we are now down to the sticky ones.”

Cllr Sam Smith (Con), who represents the Trent Valley ward, told the LDRS: “It should help as the council has now finally accepted that it doesn’t have the capacity to meet the current route demands.

“So re-routing will hopefully add that capacity in and reduce the number of missed collections, although it will mean a change of collection dates.”

Boy, 15, to appear in court after his e-bike crashes into car on road in Daybrook

Emily Sanchez
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Boy, 15, to appear in court after his e-bike crashes into car on road in Daybrook

A teenager is due to appear in court after a car was damaged in a collision with an electric bike.

Police were called to Sherbrook Road around 10am on Saturday, September 27, following reports a bike had crashed into a vehicle and the rider had fled the scene.

Officers arrested a suspect in a nearby alleyway and seized the bike following further inquiries.

A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with failing to stop after an accident, driving without due care and attention and driving without a licence or insurance.

He is expected to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on October 8 2025.

Police Constable Michael Callan, of the Gedling North neighbourhood policing team, said:“We are receiving frequent reports of antisocial behaviour involving the illegal use of electric bikes in our communities.

“Neighbourhood officers have recently held days of action to target the issue in Gedling and discussions with our partners about it are ongoing.

“Following this incident a bike has been taken off the streets and a suspect placed before the courts.”

Councils slam Reform leader over ‘untrue’ statement on boundary shake-up plans

Joe Locker (LDR Reporter)
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Councils slam Reform leader over ‘untrue’ statement on boundary shake-up plans

A dispute has broken out between councils across Nottinghamshire over plans to redraw boundaries and create two new local authorities.

Nottinghamshire County Council leader Mick Barton (Ref) shared a video statement on social media stating the authority had “hardly” been involved in a public consultation exercise over council shake-up plans.

However, a separate group involving several other councils has hit back and said his statement was not true, with all nine councils involved in the process – and Cllr Barton having chaired the meeting during which the consultation process was agreed.

The Labour government’s proposal to reorganise local councils, introduced last December, has been contentious from the start.

The Government has argued it could “create more efficient and effective local government”, streamlining services and making cost savings for residents – at a time when many councils have been going effectively bankrupt due to soaring service demand, over a decade of austerity-led funding cuts, and inflated costs.

Concerns have been raised about some boroughs and districts joining the city due to its past financial woes, but city leaders say the situation has since vastly improved.

Councils across the city and county have been discussing their preferred options over the last few months, with plans to submit these to the Government by November for review.

An independently-run survey recently ran for six weeks, asking residents for their thoughts on two preferred core options: Option 1b and option 1e.

Option 1b would see a new unitary authority created combining Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Gedling, with a second new unitary authority for the rest of Nottinghamshire; Mansfield, Ashfield, Newark and Sherwood, Bassetlaw and Rushcliffe.

Option 1e would see a new unitary authority combining Nottingham, Broxtowe, and Rushcliffe, with a second new unitary authority for the rest of Nottinghamshire; Mansfield, Ashfield, Newark and Sherwood, Bassetlaw and Gedling.

City residents were also asked a supplementary question about a boundary review, after city leaders suggested only taking in urban sections of surrounding boroughs, rather than the whole area.

It received around 11,000 responses.

However on Wednesday (October 1) a fresh row broke out over the consultation, with the Reform-led county council and Conservative-ruled Rushcliffe Borough Council claiming the results of the survey were irresponsibly “rushed” out.

In a video Cllr Mick Barton, the Reform leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, went further to claim the process “was done by the Bassetlaw council in Worksop, and the city, and some other districts within the county – Labour-run districts, I will add.”

The video was published on social media by the county council. In it Cllr Barton continues: “We wasn’t involved in that, hardly at all.

“We are very disappointed with our engagement within it. Just to let you know [it was sent out to one million people], the population of the county, 58 per cent have gone back and said they don’t want reorganisation at all. That is the one thing that stands out for me.

“That sends a message out to me that we need to look at it. But we are still going to get on with our 1b option.”

Cllr Barton said his group’s preferred option –  1b – “will deliver” for residents, but emphasised the county council will be holding its own consultation in the next couple of weeks.

However all but one of the remaining councils including Bassetlaw, Broxtowe, Gedling, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, and Nottingham city – but excluding Ashfield – say the statement made by Cllr Barton is “not true”.

The councils say the engagement exercise was “a jointly commissioned, independent exercise and paid for by all nine councils.”

They say Nottinghamshire County Council was fully involved in the exercise, and that Cllr Barton had himself “chaired the meeting in which the approach was agreed.”

The county council made reference to the consultation on its own website on August 4, and again on August 22, which demonstrates its involvement, the councils add.

The seven councils asked that the report was published in the interests of transparency, but Nottinghamshire County Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council argued “its publication now does not provide the full analysis or the full data and with such a short amount of time to consider the report”.

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) understands councils had agreed not to publish the survey results in full after Nottinghamshire County Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council said they didn’t want it shared.

However, after Cllr Barton’s video was shared on social media, the report was then published in full.

Some of the seven councils say the results show the creation of a new unitary council covering Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, Ashfield, and Gedling – and another covering Broxtowe, Nottingham City, and Rushcliffe – was the public’s preferred option.

This is known as option 1e – which Rushcliffe Borough and Nottinghamshire County Council has previously publicly rejected.

A press release published by Mansfield District Council on October 1 says around a third of all respondents viewed a north and south arrangement as the best available solution to Government plans to reorganise the nine councils across Nottinghamshire.

Meanwhile the county council and Rushcliffe Borough Council say the key findings highlight that fewer than 30 per cent of residents see the advantages of any restructuring – and in some parts of Nottinghamshire over 70 per cent feel very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with services as they stand without the need for change.

The LDRS approached Cllr Barton for comment, and asked him to confirm he had chaired a meeting to press ahead with the consultation.

He said: “We agreed to do it together, but this report isn’t good enough for our residents, and to rush it out before we can do it justice is disappointing.”

Cllr Barton added: “I said I’m really disappointed with the work Bassetlaw District Council and [Nottingham] City Council did for us all regarding the consultation.

“We had less than 24 hours to review the full report. The report does not give a full analysis of the full data. The consultation only reached 11,000 – that’s less than one per cent of the population.

“That’s why I said we need to keep consulting with residents. We are still fully committed to reaching the November deadline for putting the best proposal forward for residents. We will continue to work with other councils in a constructive way.

“The two main options on the table are 1b and 1e. No final decision’s been made yet.

“I’m very disappointed with how they have rushed to put out the report without taking the time to let us fully understand what residents are telling us.”

In Nottinghamshire, local services are currently delivered under what is known as a ‘two-tier’ council structure.

Nottinghamshire County Council runs services such as social care, education, and road maintenance, while several smaller district and borough councils are responsible for more localised services, including waste collection and leisure centres.

Meanwhile, Nottingham City Council operates as a unitary authority, meaning it provides all council services within the city boundary.

Under the plans, all nine existing local authorities would be abolished to create new unitary councils, covering a higher population in a bid to reduce costs,  overlap, and duplication.

The Government is expected to make a final decision in March 2026, and they say the new-look councils will be established in 2028.

The consultation results can be viewed in full here: https://www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk/media/nsdc-redesign/documents-and-images/news/2025/october/Nottingham-and-Nottinghamshire-LGR-Engagement—Final-report.pdf

Letters: Netherfield would really benefit from for new leisure centre

Letters to the Editor
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Letters: Netherfield would really benefit from for new leisure centre

Our readers from across the borough give their weekly take on the biggest issues impacting Gedling and beyond.

Join the debate by sending your letter to letters@gedlingeye.co.uk . Please put ‘Letters’ in the subject line. You can also submit a letter by filling in the simple form below, and it may appear online.

Some letters refer to past correspondence which can be found by clicking HERE

Names and addresses will be withheld by request but must be included in the email. We reserve the right to edit letters. Letters published do not reflect the views of Gedling Eye

Netherfield could benefit from new leisure centre

Sir,

I am quite angry that Netherfield was not considered by the council as a location for the new leisure centre that will replace the two Carlton facilities.

The town gets no funding whatsoever and there is nothing to do for youngsters who live there.

I think Netherfield would an ideal location for the proposed leisure centre. It would help tackle the obesity in local children and improve fitness of those that live there.

It seems again that Netherfield has been overlooked. Unless you have a car there is no easy access for residents to leisure facilities. The town is being neglected.

G Talbot,
Netherfield

Leisure centre investment ‘welcomed’

Sir,

I am glad to see that Carlton’s leisure centres are going to get some much-needed investment. As a member of Gedling Leisure. I think this is money well spent and will keep people in Carlton active and healthy.

The facilities and the staff are good at both centres, but to give them a funding boost will make it even better.

Mark Desgranges,
Carlton

E-scooter menace in ruining town centre

Sir,

Does the council think Netherfield has vanished?

Maybe they could visit for a day and count the numbers of illegal e-scooters that come through Netherfield on their way to the shops and to work in Colwick. They come through with no hesitation and no helmets or care for other road users. All they have for protection are masks and balaclavas and at the speed they come through its quite dangerous for them and other people.

We see very few members of the police and this means they get away with immunity – please ask that Gedling Borough Council to think about the small areas and not just about the Carlton and Arnold areas.

Mr Martin,
Netherfield

Young generation believes everything should be free

Sir,

We worked nine-hour shifts daily, and some were on shifts or even permanent night shifts. 

Our standard annual holiday was only two weeks, not today’s four- to six-week holidays.

We only got two days at Christmas and one day at New Year, not like today’s long 10-day break.

My generation appreciated the sacrifices our parents made during the war when things were hard.

Food was rationed, sweets were non-existent, and ordinary working families did not have a car.

You either walked to work or took a bus or tramcar.

There is nothing wrong with improving living conditions.

My parents worked hard to provide me with a better education and an opportunity to have a better life than they had, and so we follow their example.

There is definitely a feeling among the younger generation that everything should be supplied free.

Unfortunately, the old British Empire is long gone, and the Commonwealth also. Britain is now a poor, third-world-rated country, and we have to accept that.

Ian Ross
Arnold

Starmer can make Britain ‘great again’

Sir,

What a great speech from Sir Keir Starmer to the Labour Party Conference.

Just as the right wing tabloids were writing him off and parts of the media were in a leadership frenzy, up stood the Prime Minister to deliver a speech exposing Reform for what they really stand for and to set out Labour’s achievements to date and his own vision for the future.

Be it green jobs, kids free meals, or a fair deal for carers, this was the vision of a Prime Minister hungry for more success and the chance to continue to make Britain great again.

Geoffrey Brooking
via email

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    Councils row over ‘rushed’ release of report on reorganisation

    Emily Sanchez
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    Councils row over ‘rushed’ release of report on reorganisation

    Gedling Borough Council is one of seven local authorities who have issued a joint statement in reaction to comments made by Nottinghamshire County Council (NCC) on Wednesday (1) over the release of a report on the future of local government in the county.

    NCC and Rushcliffe Borough Council have stated they are ‘disappointed’ by the rushed release of a draft Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) report and have refused to publish the document which seven of the county’s other authorities released to the public on Wednesday.

    The report that has highlighted two in three residents are not in favour of possible changes, with only 30% of the 11,000 respondents supporting plans for reorganisation in Nottinghamshire

    All councils agreed on asking for residents’ views on three possible ways Nottinghamshire councils could be reshaped.

    Option one involves Nottingham city, Broxtowe and Gedling merging to become one unitary authority.

    Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Ashfield, Rushcliffe, and Newark and Sherwood would combine to establish a second.

    Option two involves Nottingham city joining with Broxtowe and Rushcliffe, with the other districts and boroughs combining to create another separate authority.

    Option three involves keeping the current boundary between the city and the county in place but eliminating the two-tiered system in the latter.

    Councils were sent the report on Monday (September 29) evening, but NCC and RBC have highlighted its publication so quickly does not provide the full analysis or the full data and with such a short amount of time to consider the report, it pays lip service to the residents who did take the time to express their views.

    NCC and RBC leaders said that over 20,000 people signed petitions about the Government’s forced reorganisation, whereas they say the consultation exercise held over the summer only reached 11,000 people – less than 1% of the City and County population.

    Council Leaders, Councillor Mick Barton (NCC) and Councillor Neil Clarke (RBC) said: “Under 24 hours to review and publish a lengthy and incredibly important report that could form a cornerstone of the future of local government in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire is irresponsible. The Councils who chose to make this report public prematurely are letting local people down.”

    “This engagement is not finished and so far has failed to reach most of our residents and businesses. The only clear message from this report is that two in three people here in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire do not want the Labour Government’s reorganisation.

    We have seen statements and social media content from Nottinghamshire County Council, and Rushcliffe Borough Council on the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire LGR engagement exercise. There are a number of inaccuracies we feel we need to address.

    Nottinghamshire’s borough and district councils released a joint statement last night in response to Cllr Barton and Clarke’s comments.

    It said: “The engagement exercise was a jointly commissioned, independent exercise and paid for by all nine Councils. Nottinghamshire County Council was fully involved in the exercise, and indeed Councillor Barton chaired the meeting in which the approach was agreed.

    “References on the County Council’s own website on 4 August and again on 22 August demonstrate their involvement. They also promoted the survey through their social media channels, as part of an agreed and collaborative approach.

    “The majority of councils asked that the results from the independent report were published, in the interest of being open and transparent. On seeing the independent report, Nottinghamshire County Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council, did not want it to be shared.

    “Reorganisation isn’t something that the councils have asked for, but the Government has set extremely tight timescales that we need to meet. And we collectively agreed to do this in an open and transparent way.”

    A spokesperson for the councils said: “To be fair to all those who completed the survey, we believe the results should be available to them, in keeping with our agreed open and transparent approach to LGR in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire. It was always envisaged the report would be published, and in our view, the public have the right to see it.”

    New bridge over River Trent ‘on budget and on target’ for completion in 2026

    Joe Locker (LDR Reporter)
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    New bridge over River Trent ‘on budget and on target’ for completion in 2026

    A new pedestrian and cycle bridge over the River Trent is “on budget and on target” for completion in June 2026.

    The Waterside Bridge will link Trent Basin, off Daleside Road in the city, to the south bank of the river close to the Hook nature reserve in Lady Bay, in Rushcliffe borough.

    It has been planned for a number of years, but has faced delays and rising costs.

    However a senior Nottingham councillor says the recently constructed bridge will soon be lifted into place, ahead of the project’s planned June 2026 completion date.

    The £18m project, which is being funded by the Government’s Transforming Cities fund, was originally expected to cost £9m.

    The towering structure is currently sitting beside Trent Basin, and Europe’s tallest crane will lift it into place the week commencing November 10.

    Cllr Linda Woodings (Lab), executive member for regional development, growth and transport, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “The budget did go up slightly because on the public consultation people said make [the bridge] four metres wide, not 3.5m, and obviously supplies have gone up in price since then. But the £18m budget is confirmed, it is coming in on budget.

    “The most exciting bit is the crane going up. We’ve got that crane for a period of a few days, so during that time the bridge has got to be lifted into place. It is the biggest crane in Europe. I’m told the only thing that will stop it is high winds.

    “The bridge will be ready once they have finished off the surrounding areas, fixes, repainted all the joints, and that will be – I am told – late Spring.

    “They don’t want to commit to a date on a just-in-case basis, but the commitment is the bridge will be finished by June and we are on target so far.”

    While Balfour Beatty is the primary contractor behind the project, the 87 metre-long bridge structure itself was constructed in Hucknall by Briton Fabricators, which was established in the city in 1973.

    Similarly Nottingham-based civil engineering firm J McCann & Co has been working on the groundwork for the project using local workers.

    Cllr Woodings added: “It is wonderful they have used Nottingham-based company McCann to actually do all the civil engineering for the bridge, and we were able to use a company just eight miles away, Briton Fabricators, to actually build the bridge of British steel as well, and have a load of local apprentices learning really high-skilled jobs in the vicinity of Nottingham.”

    Residents living on the Trent Basin estate welcomed the new project.

    Ruth Lindstrom has lived in an apartment block directly next to Trent Basin for eight years.

    She said: “Initially right in front of the apartments it was noisy with vehicles, but you do get used to things, and as soon as the bridge came we saw the beauty of it. It was built locally, we are thrilled about that.

    “It will greatly improve the area. A lot of people will come to see it and then they will start to use it.”

    A spokesperson for the Department for Transport added: “The Government and the DfT have invested over £160m from the Transforming Cities fund in Nottingham and Derby, including £18m for the new bridge scheme.

    “It is great to see the transformational impact it is having in the local area, and to be here today to see the bridge in person, ready to be lifted into place in a few weeks’ time.”

    From Likes to Leads: Proven Strategies to Increase Social Engagement

    Sponsored Content
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    From Likes to Leads: Proven Strategies to Increase Social Engagement

    In the social media world, a ‘like’ has become the starting line, not the finish line. While seeing those thumbs-up and heart icons pop up is gratifying, the accurate measure of social media success for any modern business is its ability to transform that passive approval into tangible business outcomes, including leads, sales, and loyal advocates.

    But how do you turn a casual scroller into an engaged follower, and then into a genuine customer? It requires a shift from broadcasting to conversing, from selling to providing value. Here are the proven strategies to increase your social engagement and guide your audience down the funnel from a simple ‘like’ to a solid ‘lead’.

    Understand Your Audience: The Foundation of All Engagement

    You can’t engage someone you don’t understand. The first and most critical step is to develop a deep, empathetic understanding of your target audience.

    • Who are they? Build detailed buyer personas. What are their demographics, interests, pain points, and goals?
    • Where do they hang out? A B2B brand might find its audience on LinkedIn, while a creative consumer brand might thrive on Instagram or TikTok. Don’t spread yourself too thin; be where your audience is.
    • What content do they value? Do they want educational blog posts, entertaining Reels, quick tips on Twitter (X), or inspiring success stories?

    This is where expertise becomes invaluable. Brands must move beyond generic content to truly connect with social media users. Level up your gameplay by partnering with social engagement specialists for UK brands to decode regional nuances and audience behaviours for tailored content that drives meaningful conversation.

    Create Value-Driven, ‘Stop-the-Scroll’ Content

    Earning your audience’s attention demands a strategic commitment to delivering consistent value. The key to stopping the scroll is to create content that is genuinely useful, entertaining, or inspiring, earning respect and fostering engagement.

    To build a powerful content strategy, focus on these core pillars:

    • Educate: Establish authority and provide value by teaching your audience something new. Share industry insights, how-to guides, and practical tips that address their needs. This is foundational to creating valuable content.
    • Entertain: Build a relatable brand personality and boost video views with content that makes people smile or feel inspired. Utilise humour, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and trending audio to increase reach and connection.
    • Empower: Deepen trust and foster brand loyalty by directly solving your audience’s problems. Share actionable advice that makes their life or job easier, positioning your brand as an indispensable resource.

    A successful strategy involves diversifying your content types, from high-quality images and carousels to live videos and Reels, all organised around your core content pillars.

    Master the Art of the Conversation

    Social media is a two-way street. You must not only talk but also listen and respond to create a brand that lasts in online users’ eyes. Here are some helpful tips:

    • Ask Questions: End your posts with a clear, open-ended question to prompt comments. Polls and quizzes on Instagram Stories or LinkedIn are low-friction ways to get quick engagement.
    • Respond to Everyone: Reply to comments, answer questions in your DMs, and acknowledge tags. This shows you’re listening and values your community’s voice.
    • Jump on Trends (Wisely): Participate in relevant challenges and use trending audio where it makes sense for your brand. This will increase your visibility and show that your brand is culturally aware.

    To further deepen these connections, complement your original content with strategic content curation and collaboration. Integrate insightful guest posts from industry voices to provide fresh perspectives for your audience.

    Weave personal stories into your blog writing and social captions to humanise your brand and build authentic rapport. This mix of content should be organised within a structured content schedule to ensure you maintain a consistent brand voice.

    Leverage the Power of User-Generated Content (UGC)

    Harnessing the power of UGC is a highly effective strategy for building authentic social proof. This form of content, created voluntarily by your audience, carries significant weight due to its inherent authenticity and trustworthiness, which in turn drives substantial engagement.

    You can launch a structured contest or campaign that incentivises followers to share photos or videos of your product or service, utilising a dedicated branded hashtag for tracking. Furthermore, customer reviews and testimonials are more persuasive than branded messaging. Repurpose this positive feedback into polished, professional graphics or concise video case studies.

    Optimise for Conversion: The ‘Lead’ Part of the Equation

    Engagement is fantastic, but now you need to channel it. Make the next step obvious and easy. Tell people exactly what you want them to do. ‘Click the link in our bio,’ ‘Download our free guide,’ ‘Sign up for our webinar.’

    Use the LinkedIn’ Lead Gen Form’ that auto-fills user data, or the Instagram ‘Swipe-Up’ feature (available for accounts with 10k+ followers) or action buttons like ‘Book Now’ or ‘Shop’. Moreover, the link in your bio should rarely be your homepage.

    Analyse, Adapt, and Repeat

    Analytics and social listening let you track what truly matters: shares, saves, comments, click-through rates, and qualified audience growth. This analysis is critical for understanding which content formats and topics create meaningful audience engagement and contribute directly to lead generation.

    Disciplined A/B testing paves the path to continuous optimisation. Experiment with key variables such as posting times, headlines, visuals, and CTAs to refine your engagement strategies. The insights gathered must then actively inform your future content calendar.

    Bottom Line

    Moving from likes to leads is a strategic process built on fostering genuine connection. By creating valuable content that encourages a personal connection and diligently monitoring interactions, you build lasting brand loyalty. Now, you can transform your social channels from a mere megaphone into your most powerful lead generation engine. Start implementing these strategies to watch your engagement and qualified leads soar.

    5 UK leased line providers businesses trust for fast and reliable internet

    Graham Finch
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    5 UK leased line providers businesses trust for fast and reliable internet

    Fast, consistent internet access shapes how businesses work and grow in the UK. A standard broadband connection often struggles under pressure, but a leased line offers a dedicated service that avoids slowdowns caused by shared networks. A leased line gives businesses a direct, high-speed connection that supports smooth operations every day.

    With demand for dependable connectivity higher than ever, many providers now compete to deliver strong performance, fair pricing, and wide coverage. This article explores five trusted names that stand out in 2025, each offering something different to suit the needs of modern businesses.

    1. Elevate – renowned for reliable, dedicated leased line connections

    Elevate provides businesses with dedicated internet access designed for consistent performance. Its leased lines deliver symmetrical speeds, so upload and download rates remain equal. This balance supports smooth video calls, file transfers, and cloud applications.

    The service includes strong uptime guarantees, which help companies maintain steady operations without unexpected slowdowns. Additionally, Elevate offers flexible options that cater to various business sizes and data requirements.

    Companies that need fast, uninterrupted connectivity can explore leased line services like Elevate for UK companies. These connections provide firms with a direct link that is not shared with other users, thereby reducing congestion and maintaining predictable performance.

    Elevate also provides fibre and wireless choices, allowing businesses in different locations to access high-speed internet. This adaptability makes it suitable for both city offices and sites that may not have the same infrastructure.

    By focusing on consistent service and scalable options, Elevate has become a trusted name for organisations that depend on stable internet access.

    1. Wavenet – offers secure, scalable leased line solutions for businesses

    Wavenet offers leased line services, providing businesses with a dedicated internet connection. This type of connection avoids congestion from other users, which helps maintain steady performance during busy periods. Companies that depend on constant access to online tools often value this level of consistency.

    The provider focuses on security and scalability. Its leased line solutions support businesses that need private connections for sensitive data, while also allowing capacity to grow as demand increases. This makes it suitable for both small teams and larger organisations with expanding requirements.

    In addition, Wavenet combines leased lines with managed IT and connectivity services. This approach allows businesses to address multiple needs through one provider, which can simplify operations. Companies that want both connectivity and support often see this as an advantage.

    Wavenet positions itself as a trusted option in the UK market. By offering tailored solutions and customer support, it helps businesses maintain smooth operations without disruption.

    1. BusinessFibre – competitive pricing with high-quality UK coverage

    BusinessFibre provides leased line services that balance cost and performance. Many companies value its straightforward pricing, which helps them plan budgets without hidden charges. This makes it a practical choice for organisations that want dependable internet without unnecessary extras.

    The provider offers strong UK coverage, which allows businesses in both cities and regional areas to access dedicated connections. As a result, companies can maintain consistent speeds regardless of location. This reach gives smaller firms outside major hubs the same quality as those in central business districts.

    Service packages usually include symmetrical upload and download speeds. This feature supports activities such as video calls, file transfers, and cloud-based tools. Therefore, teams can work smoothly without slowdowns that often occur on shared broadband.

    BusinessFibre also focuses on service guarantees. Clear agreements on uptime and response times give businesses confidence in their connection. For many, this level of transparency makes the provider a dependable partner for long-term connectivity needs.

    1. Virgin Media Business – delivers fast, uncontended leased line services

    Virgin Media Business provides leased line connections that give companies dedicated internet access. The service does not share bandwidth with other users, so businesses receive the full speed they pay for without slowdowns during busy periods. This makes it suitable for organisations that depend on constant and stable performance.

    The provider offers a range of speeds to match different business needs. Companies can choose higher capacity options to support cloud applications, video calls, or large data transfers. This flexibility allows businesses to scale their connection as demands increase.

    In addition to speed, leased lines from Virgin Media Business deliver symmetrical upload and download rates. Equal bandwidth in both directions supports tasks such as file sharing, hosting, and online collaboration. These features make the service practical for modern business operations.

    Virgin Media Business also works with both private and public sector organisations. Its network supports schools, councils, and a wide range of industries, helping to improve connectivity across the UK.

    1. BT Wholesale – trusted provider with extensive UK network reach

    BT Wholesale operates one of the largest telecoms networks in the UK. It supplies internet access to many businesses through leased lines that deliver dedicated connections over private fibre. This setup helps maintain consistent speeds and supports voice, video, and cloud services without relying on the public internet.

    The provider offers a wide range of services, including data, mobile, and hosted communications. However, leased line access remains one of its most valued options for organisations that need fast and stable performance across multiple locations.

    Because BT Wholesale’s network covers much of the UK, businesses in both major cities and regional areas can access its services. This reach makes it a practical choice for companies that want a single provider to connect different sites.

    In addition, BT Wholesale supports other service providers through wholesale agreements. As a result, many leased line packages on the market today are built on its infrastructure, giving businesses more choice while still benefiting from the same underlying network.

    Conclusion

    Each provider offers different strengths, from speed and coverage to service guarantees and pricing. Businesses should weigh these factors carefully before making a choice.

    Dedicated connections give companies consistent performance that standard broadband cannot match. This makes them a practical option for organisations that depend on steady internet access.

    By comparing features side by side, decision-makers can find a service that aligns with both their budget and long-term needs. This helps them secure a connection that supports growth and day-to-day operations without disruption.

    Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell to retire due to ongoing cancer treatment

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    Nottinghamshire Police Chief Constable Kate Meynell to retire due to ongoing cancer treatment

    Nottinghamshire’s Chief Constable, Kate Meynell, has announced her intention to retire from Nottinghamshire Police in March next year due to ill-health. 

    Chief Constable Meynell has notified the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Gary Godden, of her decision and has expressed a wish to undertake work in support of The Nottingham Inquiry prior to her retirement, subject to medical advice. 

    Chief Constable Meynell said: “In the Spring of this year I was diagnosed with cancer and stepped away from my role in order to undergo a programme of intensive medical treatment. 

    “Whilst the current prognosis is positive, the treatment continues, and I cannot foresee a time in the near future when I will be able to give my all to the role. The Force, and the public of Nottinghamshire, need a healthy, strong and fully-focused Chief Constable,and because ill-health prevents me from continuing to perform the role in the way I would want, I have informed the Police and Crime Commissioner of my intention to retire.”

    She added: “Before retiring, and subject to medical advice, I am planning to resume limited duties in order to submit all information required of me by the Nottingham Inquiry. I will continue to support its work in the months to come including, if required, by attending the Inquiry to provide evidence.”

    PCC Gary Godden said: “I understand this will have been a very difficult decision for Chief Constable Meynell to make, and in these circumstances, but I am grateful to the ChiefConstable for notifying me of her decision at the earliest opportunity, as this will allow me to take immediate steps in the best interests of the Force.” 

    “While Chief Constable Meynell remains absent from work due to her ill-health, the current arrangement for DCC Steve Cooper to exercise the functions of chief constable in Nottinghamshire, as acting chief constable, will continue.”  

    “I have a statutory duty to secure the maintenance of an efficient and effective police force for Nottinghamshire and so, given Chief Constable Meynell’s notified retirement, I intend to take immediate steps towards the recruitment and appointment of Chief Constable Meynell’s permanent successor.” 

    Acting Chief Constable Steve Cooper said: “I agreed in the Spring to perform chief constable functions in Chief Constable Meynell’s absence, and my immediate focus is continuing to provide stability for the workforce and the people of Nottinghamshire during this period.”

    Neighbourhood policing inspector for Gedling borough updates on new crime fighting priorities for October

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    Neighbourhood policing inspector for Gedling borough updates on new crime fighting priorities for October

    Gedling borough’s police inspector has revealed his key priorities for local policing in the borough during October.

    Inspector Steven King has taken over the reins as the new inspector for neighbourhoods across Arnold, Calverton, Ravenshead, Carlton, Netherfield and the rural areas in-between.

    Inspector King said: “Our Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) have been working exceptionally hard recently to maintain the momentum around our priorities.

    “Days of action have been used to target specific offences and areas and I am pleased to say we have had a number of successes.

    “Ailee Mullins, a prolific shoplifter across the district was arrested by our team whilst out on proactive patrol and convicted of eight counts of shop theft. In addition to her 14 week suspended prison sentence, she had a Criminal Behaviour Order (CBO) imposed on her for three years. The order prevent Mullins from entering various stores and I am hopeful this will give some respite to those businesses which have been victim to her offending.

    Ailee Mullins, was arrested and convicted of eight counts of shop theft.

    “These orders can include both preventative and positive conditions such as seeking rehabilitative treatment and they are a useful tool in tackling repeat offending. We will continue to consider CBOs and other measures for those who habitually offend.”

    Inspector King said the team had remained focused on preventing anti-social behaviour and dealing robustly with those who commit offences.

    He said: “During one of our days of action a so called sur-ron electric bike and an electric scooter were seized from people riding them on public spaces.

    These e bikes and scooters are illegal if not being ridden in compliance with the relevant laws

    “More enforcement action will take place for this over the coming months, but I would like to remind people that many of these e bikes and scooters are illegal if not being ridden in compliance with the relevant laws. Whilst to some it may seem harmless fun, they are not suitable for our busy streets and pavements due to the high speeds that they can reach.

    “I would ask that anyone thinking of buying one of these types of bikes or scooters carefully research the law first so that they avoid having their expensive purchase seized and disposed of.”

    September also saw a number of successful prosecutions for serious criminality across the borough.

    Jason Spence was sentenced to ten years and eight months imprisonment for a number of firearm possession and drug offences committed at his home in Gedling. Separately, Floyd Sneap of Calverton was convicted for his part in drug supply offences, being sentenced to five years and seven months in prison.

    Jason Spence was sentenced to ten years and eight months imprisonment for a number of firearm possession and drug offences
    Floyd Sneap of Calverton was convicted for his part in drug supply offences

    King added: “As both of these convictions demonstrate, we will continue to target those involved in drug supply and associated offences and I would like to pass on my thanks to all of the teams involved in those cases.”

    The final quarter of 2025 sees a renewal of our policing priorities. Following consultation with partners, community feedback, various surveys as well as reviewing crime and ASB data, I have agreed the priorities for October to December as follows:

    Acquisitive Crime (Burglary, Robbery, Shoplifting, Theft)

    Anti Social Behaviour (including behavioural, motorcycle, speeding, begging)

    Drugs (Possession, Possession with intent to supply, cultivation of cannabis)

    “I believe the above priorities all complement each other and allow for our teams to focus on the areas which are affecting our communities most,” said King.

    “Drug use and supply leads to increased antisocial behaviour and is often funded through acquisitive crime. Working with partner agencies to holistically tackle the issues will lead to our neighbourhoods being safer places for us all to live and work.

    “None of this would of course be possible without the support from the public, so I ask that our communities continue to report crime, antisocial and suspicious behaviour via the 101 service or anonymously through Crimestoppers.”

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