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Man sought by police after firearm reportedly spotted on 89 bus to Top Valley

Gedling Eye
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Man sought by police after firearm reportedly spotted on 89 bus to Top Valley

Detectives are appealing for information after a firearm was reportedly seen on board a bus travelling between Nottingham city centre and Arnold.

Police were called after a passenger on the 89 bus, which serves Top Valley, was allegedly spotted holding what appeared to be a firearm.

An unknown man was reportedly seen with the weapon while speaking to two other people at around 4.30pm on October 9.

Nobody was hurt or threatened during the incident.

Nottinghamshire Police have now released three images of a man detectives want to identify and speak to urgently as part of their investigation.

Detective Constable Natalie Gooderham, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “As the public rightly expects, we will always treat any reported sighting of a firearm seriously.

“While nobody was hurt or threatened in this incident, we’d clearly like to establish what actually happened.

“On that note, we can now release these three images of a man we’d like to speak to urgently as part of our inquiries.

“If you’re the man in these pictures, we’d ask that you make yourself known to us, so that we can ask you a few questions.

“Likewise, if anyone recognises this person, we’d ask that you share that information with us too.”

Anyone with information should contact police on 101, quoting incident 559 of October 9, 2026.

Information can also be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

October crime update from Gedling’s neighbourhood police team Inspector Steve King

Gedling Eye
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October crime update from Gedling’s neighbourhood police team Inspector Steve King

Gedling’s neighbourhood policing teams have welcomed new officers, reported significant reductions in burglary and robbery offences, and launched a fresh crackdown on nuisance vehicles as part of their latest community update.

Inspector Steve King has outlined policing priorities for the final quarter of 2026, saying officers will continue focusing on acquisitive crime and drugs while introducing vehicle nuisance as a new priority following concerns raised by residents across the borough.

As part of the update, Inspector King thanked PCSO Tom Bailey and PCSO Keith Crowhurst, who have recently moved to new roles within Nottinghamshire Police.

He also welcomed three new PCSOs to the Gedling neighbourhood team. PCSO Sophie Marsden will cover Carlton and Porchester, PCSO Millee Clarke will cover Colwick and Netherfield, and PCSO Charlie Wilkinson will be responsible for Ravenshead, Linby, Papplewick, Newstead and Bestwood Village.

Inspector King said he is looking forward to the positive contribution the new officers will make as they begin working with residents, community groups and partner agencies.

Burglary and Robbery Offences Fall

The inspector said recent enforcement activity has helped drive down burglary offences after an increase during the summer.

Several burglary suspects have been arrested, charged and remanded into custody, contributing to a significant reduction in offences.

Business burglaries fell by more than 65 per cent in August and reduced by a further 50 per cent in September, returning to more typical levels.

Police have also continued targeted action against vehicle crime, resulting in the arrests of several prolific offenders. One suspect has been charged and remanded into custody in connection with a series of offences in the Calverton area.

Robbery offences have also fallen significantly following investigations involving multiple policing teams.

Inspector King said officers will continue targeting repeat offenders, carrying out high-visibility patrols and working with businesses and residents to reduce opportunities for crime.

Vehicle Nuisance Added to Priority List

A new neighbourhood policing priority has been introduced to tackle vehicle-related anti-social behaviour across Gedling.

The priority covers speeding, car cruising, illegal e-bikes, electric scooters and off-road motorcycles.

In response to ongoing concerns, officers have launched Operation Webweaver, which is targeting nuisance e-bike and off-road motorcycle activity in Newstead.

Police are also continuing to identify and seize illegal e-bikes throughout the borough to improve safety for pedestrians and other road users.

Meanwhile, concerns around car cruising are being addressed through a combination of enforcement activity, engagement with motorists and powers available under the Public Space Protection Order (PSPO).

Inspector King encouraged residents to continue reporting issues so officers can focus resources where they are needed most.

Drug Crime Remains a Focus

Tackling drug-related offending remains one of the force’s key priorities.

On 30 September, officers executed two drug warrants in Newstead, creating further opportunities for investigation.

Additional enforcement activity is planned across Gedling in the coming months as police continue to target those involved in the supply and cultivation of drugs.

Neighbourhood teams are also working closely with partner organisations to tackle anti-social behaviour and wider criminality linked to drug use and dealing.

Community Feedback Helps Shape Priorities

Inspector King said community engagement remains central to neighbourhood policing, with officers attending local meetings, forums and engagement events throughout the past month.

The sessions have provided opportunities for residents to raise concerns, receive crime prevention advice and hear directly from officers about policing activity in their area.

The inspector said feedback from local communities continues to play an important role in shaping police priorities, including the decision to make vehicle nuisance a focus for the final quarter of the year.

Inspector Steve King said: “These conversations help shape our priorities and ensure we focus on the issues that matter most to local communities, something reflected in the changes to our priorities this quarter.”

Ravenshead stinger stop helps bring dangerous police pursuit to an end

Gedling Eye
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Ravenshead stinger stop helps bring dangerous police pursuit to an end

A police pursuit involving a suspected drug-driver came to a dramatic end after officers deployed stingers in Ravenshead before arresting a man on multiple offences.

Roads Policing Unit officers were on patrol near Eastwood at around 7.40pm on Wednesday, October 7, when they spotted a vehicle they believed was being driven by a disqualified motorist.

When officers attempted to stop the car, it failed to pull over and instead sped away, triggering a 13-minute pursuit across Nottinghamshire.

During the chase, police said the driver repeatedly put other road users at risk by travelling well above the speed limit, overtaking on the wrong side of the road, driving through red lights and mounting kerbs.

PICTURED: Police make an arrest at the scene

The vehicle had already suffered a damaged tyre after hitting a central reservation before officers successfully deployed stingers as it passed through Ravenshead. The tactic punctured both front tyres, helping to slow the vehicle.

Despite running on its wheel rims, the driver continued to evade police and allegedly rammed a police vehicle when officers carried out a box manoeuvre. The pursuit eventually came to an end on Mansfield Road in Blidworth.

A 42-year-old man was detained at the scene and later tested positive for traces of cocaine following a roadside drugs wipe.

He was arrested on suspicion of dangerous driving, drug-driving, failing to stop, criminal damage, driving while disqualified and driving without insurance.

Detective Inspector Jamie Moore praised the officers involved.

He said: “The Roads Policing Unit officers involved in this pursuit deserve great credit for this arrest.

“Thanks to the driving skills of our highly trained policing team, they were able to keep up with this car over the space of 13 minutes and bring it to a safe stop.

“This standard of driving couldn’t have been more different to that demonstrated by the car ahead, which thankfully didn’t result in anyone sustaining any injuries.

“That was down to a mixture of sheer luck and, as I say, the actions of our specially trained officers from the Roads Policing Unit.”

Police appeal to trace Carlton man following Sutton-in-Ashfield stabbing

Emily Sanchez
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Police appeal to trace Carlton man following Sutton-in-Ashfield stabbing

A man from Carlton is being sought by detectives investigating a stabbing in Sutton-in-Ashfield which left an 18-year-old with serious injuries.

Police have released an image of 20-year-old Justin Newbold and are appealing for information about his whereabouts.

The incident happened on Outram Street shortly after 6pm on Tuesday, August 4.

Officers found an 18-year-old man in the street with serious stab injuries. He was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre, where he underwent treatment.

Detectives launched an investigation following the incident, including extensive CCTV inquiries and forensic work.

A 16-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm with intent and remains on conditional bail with strict conditions.

Officers have also been attempting to trace Newbold and are now appealing for the public’s help to locate him.

Detective Sergeant Millie Gillett, who is investigating the incident, said: “Newbold knows that we are looking for him and is doing everything he can to hide from us.

“He is very much a wanted suspect in this investigation, and we are determined to find him.

“We are calling on the public’s help to please let us know where he is hiding or if you have seen him in the local area.

“This was an extremely serious offence, where the victim received significant stab injuries, and it is vitally important that we find him.

“It is important to add that if you are helping Newbold by housing him then you are also committing a serious offence of assisting an offender, so please do let us know where he is.”

New £155k Changing Places toilet opens at Carlton Square

Gedling Eye
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New £155k Changing Places toilet opens at Carlton Square

Shoppers with disabilities and their carers in Carlton are set to benefit from a new specialist toilet facility at Carlton Square after a £155,000 investment helped bring the project to life.

The new Changing Places Toilet has been installed to provide accessible facilities for people with a range of disabilities, helping make visits to local shops and amenities easier and more comfortable.

Changing Places toilets are larger than standard accessible toilets and include extra space and specialist equipment designed to support people with complex needs, as well as their families and carers.

The project was funded through £155,000 from the Mayor of the East Midlands and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), using money provided by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Gedling Borough Council worked with contractor Healthmatic to build the facility during August and September.

Access to the toilet will be controlled through a key fob system to help prevent vandalism and misuse. People eligible to use the facility can apply for a key fob through Gedling Borough Council.

Councillor Kyle Robinson-Payne, Portfolio Holder for Corporate Resources and Performance, said: “The Council is very pleased to have delivered this much needed facility for our community, the first of its kind in Carlton. Everyone should be able to visit their local shops and take part in community activities with confidence, knowing that suitable toilet facilities are available and adapted to meet their needs.

“This new Changing Places Toilet will make a real difference to people with disabilities, their families and carers, giving them greater freedom and reassurance when visiting Carlton. Please contact the Council to find out more and apply for access to the facility.”

The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, welcomed the opening of the new facility.

She said: “It’s great to see that UK SPF funding has been used by Gedling Borough Council to enable this new Changing Places facility to be built. These toilets will make a real difference to people and ensure that, regardless of disability, there is access to safe, comfortable and well-equipped toilet facilities in the Carlton area.”

Residents wishing to apply for access can visit www.gedling.gov.uk/public-conveniences or call 0115 901 3901 for more information.

Simple bookkeeping habits every founder needs

Sophie Mardell
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Simple bookkeeping habits every founder needs

Small bookkeeping tasks have a habit of becoming large problems when they’re repeatedly postponed. A missing receipt here or an unreconciled payment there can distort cash flow figures, complicate tax returns and leave founders unsure how the business is performing. 

Cleaner records don’t require hours of work each day. A dependable routine, sensible digital tools and timely professional advice can keep the figures accurate without pulling your attention away from customers and growth.

The True Cost of Lost Receipts

A lost receipt can mean more than one missing entry. Without evidence of a legitimate business purchase, you may be unable to claim the expense or recover any tax included in the price. Repeated losses can raise the final tax bill and make it harder to explain transactions if HMRC asks to review your records.

Missing documents also consume time. If you spend 15 minutes searching for each of 20 receipts, that’s five hours lost to avoidable admin. Photograph receipts as soon as you receive them, record what the purchase was for and store the image alongside the matching transaction.

Ditching the Shoebox Method

Paper receipts fade, tear and become difficult to organise. A box full of documents also gives you no immediate view of unpaid invoices, current costs or available cash. This overview of digital receipt management explains why structured systems offer a more practical alternative.

Choose one place for all financial documents, then organise them by month or accounting period. Use clear file names such as “2026-10-office-supplies-42.50” so records remain searchable. If the backlog has grown or you’re unsure which records HMRC requires, accountants can help businesses in Cheshire to organise their finances, meet compliance duties and identify ways to improve profitability.

Daily Habits for Cleaner Records

Set aside ten minutes at the end of each working day. Record new sales, upload receipts and check that each payment has the correct category. Daily attention keeps the workload manageable and makes errors easier to trace while transactions are still fresh in your mind.

Useful small business bookkeeping tips include keeping personal and business finances separate and tracking every expense. A dedicated business account makes reconciliation much simpler. If you pay £60 for software from a personal card, record the purchase immediately and note how the business reimbursed you. Otherwise, the expense may disappear from your accounts or be counted twice later.

When to Consult Experienced Accountants

Professional advice becomes valuable when the figures affect a significant decision. Speak to an experienced adviser before changing the business structure, registering for VAT, taking on employees or seeking finance. These events can introduce reporting duties and deadlines that basic bookkeeping software won’t explain.

Warning signs also include repeated cash shortages, unclear tax liabilities and accounts that no longer match bank balances. Prepare for the meeting by gathering statements, invoices, payroll details and a list of specific questions. Accurate source documents allow an adviser to spend less time reconstructing past activity and more time examining margins, tax obligations and realistic financial targets. Early advice may also prevent a small recording error from carrying into several reporting periods.

Cloud Systems Worth Adopting

Cloud accounting systems allow you to view current figures from a laptop or phone and give authorised advisers access without emailing spreadsheets. Look for bank feeds, receipt capture, invoice reminders and clear reconciliation tools. The platform should also support secure logins, user permissions and regular backups.

Avoid choosing software solely because it has the longest feature list. A sole founder may need straightforward invoicing and expense tracking, while a growing firm might require payroll links, stock records or project reporting. Test the everyday tasks during a free trial, including correcting a transaction and exporting reports. Check subscription costs after any introductory period and confirm that you can download your data if you later move provider.

Good bookkeeping should leave a clear trail from each bank transaction to its supporting document. Once that link becomes part of the daily routine, month-end checks are quicker and financial conversations rest on figures you can trust. Start with the oldest unreconciled month, bring it fully up to date and use that clean closing balance as the foundation for the next period.

Gedling man charged after two police officers report being attacked with screwdriver

Gedling Eye
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Gedling man charged after two police officers report being attacked with screwdriver

A Gedling man has been charged with a string of offences after two police officers were allegedly attacked with a screwdriver.

Warren Staniforth, 41, of St Michael’s Avenue, Gedling, has been charged with two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent following an incident in Basford.

Police said officers encountered two men after being called to an unrelated incident in Nuthall Road at around 8.15pm on October 9.

After officers identified one of the men as a suspect wanted in connection with other offences, they attempted to make an arrest.

It is alleged that the suspect then brandished a screwdriver and attempted to stab two officers with it.

Neither officer was injured.

Police said the suspect avoided arrest at the scene and fled with another man.

They will appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court next month (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

The pair are then alleged to have robbed a cyclist of his bike as they made their escape.

One suspect was arrested shortly afterwards, while a second remained outstanding.

Police arrested another man on October 14.

Staniforth was subsequently charged with two counts of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and one count of robbery.

He has also been charged with possessing an offensive weapon in public, 12 counts of shop theft, two thefts from a vehicle and escaping from lawful custody.

Staniforth appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday, October 19, where he was remanded in custody.

He is next due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on November 16.

A second man, Paul Tomlinson, 40, of no fixed address, was charged with robbery and obstructing an officer.

He appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on October 12 and was also remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on November 9.

Detective Sergeant Paul Crofts, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “While thankfully neither officer sustained any injuries in this incident, the level of violence was completely unacceptable.

“This police force will never tolerate any acts of aggression against our officers and will always look to put anyone responsible before the courts.

“Likewise, robbery is an incredibly serious offence that should lead to a robust police response, so it’s pleasing to have now secured these charges.”

From Hocus Pocus to Starlight Express: What’s coming to The Bonington in Arnold

Gedling Eye
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From Hocus Pocus to Starlight Express: What’s coming to The Bonington in Arnold

From 80s hits and Halloween theatre to ballet, family cinema and a new locally-produced witchcraft drama, there’s plenty coming up at The Bonington

The Bonington in Arnold has unveiled a packed programme of films, theatre, live music and family entertainment for the coming weeks.

The venue has plenty lined up for the remainder of October, including live music from Jazz Steps, Word-Up 80s and Kellys Heroes, alongside ballet, cinema and a host of half-term events.

There’s also a suitably spooky flavour to the programme as Halloween approaches, including Hocus Pocus – Live Experience and a new production telling the story of two women accused of witchcraft.

Here’s what’s coming up.

Scottish Ballet: These Violent Delights + Q&A

Wednesday, October 21 – 7.30pm

Scottish Ballet comes to the big screen with These Violent Delights, followed by a Q&A.

The event is rated 15.

Sense & Sensibility

Thursday, October 22 – Monday, November 9

Jane Austen comes to the cinema screen with Sense & Sensibility, rated U.

The film will be showing across a run of dates stretching into November.

Jazz Steps: Gilad Atzmon’s Organology Trio

Thursday, October 22 – 7.30pm

Live music returns to The Bonington with another Jazz Steps show, this time featuring Gilad Atzmon’s Organology Trio.

Practical Magic 2

Friday, October 23 – Thursday, October 29

There’s more suitably seasonal cinema on offer with Practical Magic 2, rated 12A.

Word-Up 80s

Friday, October 23 – 7.30pm

Anyone wanting to swap Halloween scares for some serious 1980s nostalgia can head along to Word-Up 80s.

The live music show takes place at 7.30pm.

LED Sabre Workshops + The Sword in the Stone

Saturday, October 24 – from midday

Youngsters can get hands-on during the half-term break with an LED sabre workshop.

The event is being paired with a screening of Disney classic The Sword in the Stone, rated U.

An Evening with Kellys Heroes

Saturday, October 24 – 7.30pm

Kellys Heroes take to The Bonington stage for an evening of live music on Saturday night.

Fallen Angels by Noël Coward

Sunday, October 25 – Saturday, November 7

Noël Coward’s comedy Fallen Angels joins the venue’s Event Cinema programme, with screenings running into early November.

Films of Hong Kong: Deadline

Sunday, October 25 – 4.30pm

The Bonington’s cinema programme also heads to Hong Kong with a screening of Deadline.

The film carries a 15 certificate.

Disney Jr Cinema Club

Monday, October 26 and Tuesday, October 27 – 10.30am

One for younger cinema-goers during half-term, Disney Jr Cinema Club will be screening on consecutive mornings.

Both sessions begin at 10.30am.

The Royal Ballet: Manon

Tuesday, October 27 and Sunday, November 1

The Royal Ballet’s acclaimed Manon comes to Arnold as part of The Bonington’s Event Cinema programme.

Hocus Pocus – Live Experience

Wednesday, October 28 – 2pm

Things get decidedly spooky as Halloween draws closer with Hocus Pocus – Live Experience.

The afternoon theatre show begins at 2pm.

Fertile Soil

Friday, October 30 – 7.30pm

A new production with a strong Bonington connection arrives just before Halloween.

Set in the dark confines of a 17th-century gaol, Fertile Soil follows Alice and Maggie, two women accused of witchcraft, as they face their fate and reveal the stories that have led them to the gallows.

But when secrets are currency, confessions can have consequences.

The production is written and performed by The Bonington Theatre’s Grace Deavall alongside Sue Whytte and presented by Rebel Witch Productions.

And there’s plenty more on the way

The Bonington has also announced a host of shows and screenings for later in the year and into 2027.

Among the new events going on sale are:

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Starlight Express

Sunday, November 29 – Friday, December 10

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s famous musical comes to the screen at The Bonington.

CBeebies Panto: Treasure Island

Saturday, December 5 and Sunday, December 6 – 10.30am

Families can get into the festive spirit with the CBeebies take on the swashbuckling classic Treasure Island.

Festive Fun with Peppa Cinema Experience

Saturday, December 19 and Wednesday, December 23

Peppa joins The Bonington’s Christmas programme with a festive cinema experience aimed at younger audiences.

The Complete Works of Jane Austen, Abridged

Thursday, January 14 – 7.30pm

Jane Austen gets the abridged treatment in a show attempting to squeeze the author’s famous works into one evening.

The Mayor’s Panto

Saturday, January 16 – 7pm

Panto season continues into January with The Mayor’s Panto, beginning at 7pm.

All Things McCartney

Friday, February 12 – 7.30pm

Beatles and Paul McCartney fans can look ahead to February, when All Things McCartney arrives at the Arnold venue.

How to book

Tickets for events at The Bonington can be booked through The Bonington website or by calling the box office on 0115 901 3640.

Shhh! Gedling borough named the quietest place in England and Wales at night

Gedling Eye
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Shhh! Gedling borough named the quietest place in England and Wales at night

Gedling borough has the quietest nights of anywhere in England and Wales, according to a new study examining noise, crime, green space and nightlife.

The borough has also been named the second most peaceful place to live in the East Midlands, finishing just behind neighbouring Rushcliffe.

Research carried out by property specialists SAM Conveyancing gave Gedling a “peace score” of 83.2 out of 100, putting it 11th out of 316 local authority areas across England and Wales.

But when it comes specifically to night-time noise, Gedling came out on top nationally.

According to the study, just 30.9% of people in the borough live in homes exposed to night-time road or rail noise above the World Health Organization guideline of 40 decibels.

That compares with a national median of 49.8%.

Only 3.4% of Gedling residents were found to be exposed to night-time noise above 55 decibels, compared with a national median of 6.3%.

Researchers analysed noise levels at 37.7 million individual addresses, using national noise mapping data from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Gedling among UK’s most peaceful places

The study looked at four factors considered likely to affect how peaceful somewhere is to live: night-time noise, crime levels, publicly accessible green space and proximity to nightlife venues including pubs, bars and clubs.

Gedling recorded a crime rate of 53.2 offences per 1,000 residents, according to the figures used in the research.

That helped the borough achieve an overall score of 83.2, putting it comfortably inside the national top 20.

Rushcliffe took the East Midlands crown with a score of 86.8, placing it fourth nationally.

North West Leicestershire was third in the region, followed by Rutland and South Derbyshire.

East Midlands’ 10 most peaceful areas

  1. Rushcliffe – 86.8 – 4th nationally
  2. Gedling – 83.2 – 11th nationally
  3. North West Leicestershire – 79.0 – 24th nationally
  4. Rutland – 77.0 – 32nd nationally
  5. South Derbyshire – 72.9 – 44th nationally
  6. North East Derbyshire – 72.4 – 47th nationally
  7. Bolsover – 71.1 – 51st nationally
  8. North Kesteven – 70.6 – 53rd nationally
  9. Harborough – 68.5 – 60th nationally
  10. Blaby – 67.7 – 64th nationally

Nottingham comes bottom in the region

There is a striking difference just a few miles down the road.

Nottingham was ranked the least peaceful of the 35 East Midlands local authority areas included in the research.

The city scored 17.2 out of 100, placing it 300th out of 316 authorities nationally.

According to the study, Nottingham had the region’s highest recorded crime rate, at 124.9 offences per 1,000 residents, as well as its highest level of night-time noise exposure.

Researchers found 11.3% of residents were living with night-time noise above 55 decibels.

Lincoln was ranked 34th in the East Midlands and Chesterfield 33rd.

Millions living with night-time noise

The research also found that noise is a widespread problem across the country.

SAM Conveyancing estimates that more than 33 million people in England and Wales live in homes exposed to night-time road or rail noise above the WHO’s 40-decibel guideline.

Around 5.2 million people, according to the study, are exposed to levels above 55 decibels.

Andrew Boast, CEO of SAM Conveyancing, said people looking for a new home often spend considerable time investigating prices, surveys and school catchment areas but overlook how noisy an area can become after dark.

He said information about road traffic, railway lines and nearby licensed premises was publicly available and urged buyers to investigate potential night-time noise before committing to a property.

The research was based on analysis of data from Defra, the Home Office, Ordnance Survey and the Food Standards Agency.

Source: SAM Conveyancing.

Nottinghamshire County Council launches legal challenge over council shake-up

David Bratton
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Nottinghamshire County Council launches legal challenge over council shake-up

Nottinghamshire County Council has launched legal proceedings challenging the Government’s decision over the future structure of councils across the county.

The authority has issued a claim for judicial review over the Government’s local government reorganisation (LGR) decision, which could lead to the biggest shake-up of local councils in Nottinghamshire for decades.

Under the Government’s decision announced in July, parts of Gedling, Broxtowe and Rushcliffe would be brought together with Nottingham to form an expanded unitary authority, while the remaining areas would become part of a second Nottinghamshire authority.

The move would ultimately replace the existing two-tier system of county and borough or district councils with larger unitary authorities responsible for providing local services.

However, the LGR process was paused by Communities Secretary Angela Rayner in September following new legal advice. The Government’s original Nottinghamshire decision has not been withdrawn.

Nottinghamshire County Council has now pursued its legal challenge after what it described as “careful consideration” of issues surrounding the Government’s decision-making process.

A judicial review does not determine whether a decision itself was right or wrong. Instead, it considers whether a public body’s decision was made lawfully.

The council’s claim has been lodged as a protective judicial review claim, intended to preserve the authority’s legal position because judicial review applications are subject to strict time limits. The original Government decision on Nottinghamshire’s reorganisation was made on July 16.

October council documents also revealed that the Government wrote to the authority on September 24 confirming that its original decision for Nottinghamshire had not been withdrawn despite the subsequent pause.

Nottinghamshire County Council leader Cllr Mick Barton said the authority had been seeking a clear explanation of how the decision was reached and what evidence had been used.

He said:”This is about openness, transparency and accountability. Decisions that will shape local government in Nottinghamshire for decades to come should be capable of proper scrutiny.”

He said the Government’s decision to pause the process meant it was effectively reviewing its own decision.

Cllr Barton said the council believed the more sensible approach would have been to withdraw the original decision and make a fresh determination once the Government’s review had been completed.

But because the original decision remains in place and the legal time limit continues to run, he said the authority had little choice but to act to protect its legal position.

He added:”We will continue to engage constructively with government, but we will also continue to stand up for the people of Nottinghamshire and seek answers about how this decision was reached.”

The county council had already taken preliminary steps towards a potential challenge. Cllr Barton previously sent the Government a pre-action protocol letter seeking clarification about the basis on which the Nottinghamshire LGR decision had been reached.

The Government’s reorganisation plans are particularly significant for Gedling borough.

Under the July proposals, urban parts of Gedling would become part of a new Greater Nottingham authority alongside Nottingham and areas of Broxtowe and Rushcliffe, while the remainder of Gedling would join the proposed Nottinghamshire authority.

The planned shake-up had been expected to lead to new unitary councils assuming responsibility for local services from April 2028, although the subsequent Government pause has placed the timetable under review.

The judicial review claim will now be considered through the court process.

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