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‘Closing club will shorten people’s lives’: Indoor bowls club will be made homeless if Carlton leisure centre plans get go ahead

Lauren Monaghan
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‘Closing club will shorten people’s lives’: Indoor bowls club will be made homeless if Carlton leisure centre plans get go ahead

Members of a Carlton bowls club could be left “isolated” after a council decision not to include the club in a new leisure centre scheme.

Gedling Indoor Bowls Club members gathered earlier today (September 25) outside Gedling Borough Council in protest over a council decision that would effectively see the club excluded from the wider “Carlton Active” leisure centre redevelopment plans.

Back in July 2024, the authority’s cabinet agreed to progress work to replace Carlton Forum Leisure Centre and the Richard Herrod site with a new building due to the “urgent need” to modernise its “ageing” and “inefficient” leisure spaces.

The redevelopment has been called Carlton Active and would see a new leisure and community facility built on the Richard Herrod site, which could include an eight-lane swimming pool and teaching pool, a 100-station gym, community rooms and a café.

But the indoor bowls club – which has been running since 1987 – is based at the Richard Herrod site and the future of the club has been left vulnerable following a cabinet meeting today (September 25).

The authority’s cabinet met today to approve a set of decisions that assessed where the redevelopment project would head next – one decision now means the council will “offer non-financial support” to the bowls club in looking for relocation options.

The bowls club had been considered in the redevelopment plans until this decision and members now believe their outlet could disappear.

Speaking following the meeting, Ian Summerscales, director of the bowls club, said: “The most significant thing in this is that we know from the age range some of the players in the club that [the council is] effectively shortening people’s lives because of the impact of social isolation.

“We know that people don’t survive that for long.”

The club has over 230 members aged between 25 and 92 and runs 2,200 indoor bowling sessions each month, including sessions offered for disabled bowlers.

Margaret Smith MBE, founder of Disability Bowls England, told the LDRS: “Sometimes when [clubs] get moved, people don’t feel comfortable with it. People go in there and just meet each other, have a coffee, play cards – it’s more than just bowling.

“The majority of disabled bowlers now around the country will see Gedling as a home, because it is where [Disability Bowls England] started.”

The long-standing club has offered mental respite for some players, with 65-year-old Len Knight, who has been a member for 25 years, calling it an “outlet”.

He told the LDRS: “I had problems at work and it brought on depression and anxiety.

“The people at the bowls club understood my problem. They would listen to me. I could talk to them. It was more of a community that brought me back.

“I think me and quite a few other people that have had the same will be really struggling and we’ll be going back to the doctors and going back on therapy because we won’t have the outlet for the creativity to take your mind off things.”

Eighty-five-year-old Kath Smith, chairman of the board of directors of the club, said a lot of people are going to be mentally affected by the decision.

The council’s reasoning for excluding a bowls facility in the new centre is based on finances.

Speaking during the meeting, Lance Juby, assistant director of communities, leisure and wellbeing, said: “[The bowls option] would see an annual net deficit of £552,400 due to the estimated additional capital costs of providing this facility and borrowing repayments required for this.

“It’s estimated the cost of an additional bowls facility on-site would be between £5.6 million and £7.7 million.”

He said the inclusion of a six-lane bowls rink has a “significant impact” on the council’s borrowing potential and is “unviable”.

Councillor Henry Wheeler (Lab), portfolio holder for lifestyles, health and wellbeing at the council, said during the meeting: “It’s absolutely crucial to this borough’s future in terms of health and wellbeing. It’s a very inclusive project… a multi-generational offer.

“We’re not closing any facilities at this stage. We are consolidating our facilities and investing in the future. We will not be moving any facilities out… until we’ve got new facilities in place.”

Mr Summerscales said after the meeting that the council had “repeatedly refused” to extend the bowls club’s lease past April 2026.

More than 1,400 people responded to the council’s public consultation seeking residents’ views on the project, which saw support for the pool, family spaces and social spaces along with the need for football facilities in the area, and indoor bowls.

Part of the cabinet’s approval today means that further feasibility works will take place on the redevelopment option that would see soft-play included in plans – which would give a net income surplus of £50,500 – but does not include 3G football pitches.

Leisure is currently an area of council business that is costing the authority “one of the highest” subsidies at more than £1.3 million per year.

Carlton Forum and the Richard Herrod Centre currently face more than £2 million in backlog works and the two centres alone require a yearly subsidy of around £545,000, making them “unsustainable in their current form”, according to council papers.

Plans for new leisure centre in Carlton move a step closer

David Bratton
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Plans for new leisure centre in Carlton move a step closer

Plans for a new leisure centre to be be built in Carlton have taken a step closer after options for a new leisure centre and community hub in Carlton were approved by Gedling Borough Council’s Cabinet

Cabinet Members were asked to approve further feasibility work for the Carlton Active project, which proposes a state-of-the-art multi-use facility on the site of the existing Richard Herrod Centre.

The new centre would replace both the Richard Herrod Centre and also Carlton Forum Leisure Centre, which is currently located on an education site not owned by the Council.

The Carlton Forum site would not close until the new facility is open.

The recommended option does not include indoor bowls provision due to the proposed significant additional cost of providing a bowls provision at the new centre
The new centre would replace both the Richard Herrod Centre and also Carlton Forum Leisure Centre

In May, the Council launched a public consultation to gather residents’ views on the proposals. More than 1,400 people responded, with the overwhelming majority supporting the development of a new leisure centre in Carlton.

The proposed centre could include an 8-lane swimming pool and teaching pool, a 100-station gym and assisted exercise suite, studios, community rooms, a café, and a soft play centre.

The recommended option does not include indoor bowls provision due to the proposed significant additional cost of providing bowls at the new centre. The Council has committed to working closely with Gedling Indoor Bowls Club, which currently uses the Richard Herrod Centre, to explore alternative options.

The proposals follow an extensive strategic review of leisure facilities across Gedling. The review identified the need for two new centres, in Arnold and Carlton, to meet the demands of a growing population and to modernise ageing infrastructure. The report to Cabinet highlighted that a new centre in Carlton could significantly reduce the annual cost to taxpayers, generate income for the council and lower carbon emissions by replacing inefficient buildings.

A new facility in Arnold would be subject to a separate business case and cabinet report.

As part of the wider leisure strategy, the Council will also consult residents about the future running and ongoing operation of two centres, Redhill and Calverton, that are not under the ownership of the Council.

A consultation must take place to hear the views of residents to inform any potential decision by the Council to withdraw from the management of the centres at Redhill and Calverton at a future date. A formal withdrawal notice would allow the Council to begin talks with local partners to look at options to secure the future of the centres.

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE, said: “This is an incredible opportunity to create much-needed improvements to our leisure provision in Carlton. This will be a significant investment by the Council to create a centre that will be used for decades to come and help support people’s health and wellbeing across the borough.

“I am incredibly excited about the potential of this project and the impact it could have on our residents. We have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the survey, and people have been clear—they want this.

“We, of course, must address the other impacts that this could have, but we are making these decisions based on the long-term needs of all our residents, and we will work with those who are affected, including Gedling Indoor Bowls Club. We will also work alongside our partners to find new ways to protect leisure facilities across the Borough for many years to come. This is a really positive step and it shows our commitment to improving the lives of residents across Gedling.”

Cabinet Members met on Thursday 25 September to discuss the proposals and approve recommendations for the next steps for the Carlton Active project.

Letters: When it comes to local councils keep things the way they are

Letters to the Editor
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Letters: When it comes to local councils keep things the way they are

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

Keep things the way they are

Sir,

With all the things going off in our country, why do the Government think shuffling local councils around are a priority?

In am happy with Gedling Borough Council. They know the area and the challenges people face. In can only see all our cash being pumped into West Bridgford if there was any merger with Rushcliffe. I don’t fancy plugging gaps in the City budget either.

Please just leave things as they are. Nobody asked for this so why do it? Maybe concentrate on dealing with the boats instead.

J Peck,
Arnold

St George has very little relevance to England

Sir,

May I add some factual detail to the debate about the current fad of flying the St Georges’ flags all around parts of the borough.

The original patron saint of England was St Edmond; a Saxon. He died in 689 and was king of East Anglia. I’m unable to find a flag of St Edmond.

St George was born in present day Turkey and lived with his mother in present day Palestine. He became a Roman soldier and was martyred for his Christian faith. He came to prominence in the 14th century with participation in the crusades.It was King Richard Lionheart, who was French, only spoke French and hardly ever visited England, who “deposed” St Edmond, possibly because Edmond was not Norman enough.

St George is also the patron saint of Russia. In short, St George has very little relevance to England.

May I finally point out the Edwardian saying, “patriotism is the last refuge of scoundrels”.

Name and address withheld by request

Lack of festive feeling in Netherfield

Sir,

You can’t imagine how excited us residents in Netherfield are about the impending return of the Christmas pole. It’s a thing of beauty. Once you realise it isn’t scaffolding being erected around the Corner Café it’s presence really makes you feel festive.

I was told our town was awarded a pole because of the threat of anti-social behaviour yet the crime-ridden town of Arnold gets a Christmas tree worthy of being placed in Trafalgar Square. It hardly seems fair to me.

R Potts,
Via email

Sir,

I would like to thank the team of volunteers who manage Netherfield Lagoons.

I visited for the first time last weekend and it was completely relaxing and embracing. Having this on my doorstep is a blessing and I thank them for maintain the site and making my visit so enjoyable.

Sue Norris,
Rivendell Estate

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    Illegal electric bike and e-scooter seized during day of action in Arnold town centre

    Emily Sanchez
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    Illegal electric bike and e-scooter seized during day of action in Arnold town centre

    An illegal electric bike and an e-scooter have been seized from the streets of Arnold during a police crackdown on anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

    Reports about riders speeding around on e-bikes and e-scooters on roads, pavements and playing fields are frequently received by neighbourhood police in Arnold.

    Officers responded to these concerns by making the issue a key focus during a recent day of action held in Arnold on Friday (19).

    The bike and scooter seized were both being ridden illegally on roads in the town centre.

    The bike and scooter seized were both being ridden illegally on roads in the town centre
    Reports about riders speeding around on e-bikes and e-scooters are frequently received by neighbourhood police in Arnold.

    The day of action also saw a mixture of high-visibility and plain clothes patrols to target antisocial behaviour and shoplifting, both in the town centre and at nearby retail parks.

    A dispersal order was put in place by officers with two people being instructed to leave the area.

    Drugs were also seized following stop-searches of three people suspected to be involved in drug crime.

    Inspector Steven King, neighbourhood policing inspector for Gedling borough said: “Tackling all forms of antisocial behaviour is a priority for my officers and it is clear the illegal use of electric bikes, scooters and off-road bikes is a concern for people living and working in Arnold.

    “In addition to being antisocial and causing a nuisance, these bikes whizzing around like they do put both passing members of the public and the riders themselves at risk of injury.

    “These are the reasons why we focused on this issue during our recent day of action and why we will be carrying out similar operations in future.

    “I hope people in Arnold welcome our efforts and the feedback received from the wider patrols which took place on Friday was extremely positive.”

    No plan for single-file queue system at Wetherspoons across Gedling borough

    Gedling Eye
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    No plan for single-file queue system at Wetherspoons across Gedling borough

    A pub chain has issued a response to social media speculation that it plans to introduce single file queuing at its venues across the UK to appease Gen Z drinkers.

    Rumours had been circulating that Wetherspoons would be introducing the new system after a sign appeared at one of the chain’s pubs in south London, requesting customers to form an orderly, single-file queue at the bar.

    The sign claimed that forming the queue would allow staff to provide a fairer service to customers.

    The post regarding the sign garnered significant attention online after it was claimed claimed the system was put in place “to help Gen Z drinkers”.

    However, a spokesman for the major pub chain has moved to debunk rumours that the system could be introduced in Gedling borough.

    He said: “The system was put in place at one pub for one football match, and in that pub, it has now gone back to normal.

    “There is no queuing system in place at Wetherspoons pubs in Gedling borough or the rest of the UK.”

    POLL OF THE DAY: Should Trick or Treat be banned?

    Gedling Eye
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    POLL OF THE DAY: Should Trick or Treat be banned?

    On Monday we published a story about families in Gedling borough being encouraged to sign up to a new Trick or Treat Map app, designed to keep things fun this Halloween.

    Trick or Treat Map is free to use and lets households drop a pumpkin pin to be added as a trick-or-treat ‘Stop’. This shows families in the area which homes are taking part in the festivities.

    The mum-of-three behind the new online platform is Michelle Pearce-Burke.

    She said: “Wandering around with young kids, knocking on random doors and never knowing what to expect, just isn’t practical anymore,”

    “I wanted to bring back that old-school neighbourhood spirit, but with a tool that works for modern families.”

    But if there are fears that trick or treating encourages anti-social behaviour then rather than download a phone app, maybe it should be banned altogether.

    [yop_poll id=”3″]

    Warning issued over Winter Fuel Payment scams as colder months approach

    Emily Sanchez
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    Warning issued over Winter Fuel Payment scams as colder months approach

    Now that summer is officially over and with the colder months fast approaching, a warning has been issued to those eligible for the Winter Fuel payment across Gedling borough about the risk of fraudsters claiming to represent the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP).

    The messages appear very convincing and often include a link asking the recipient to ‘apply’ for a payment’ or to ‘verify their details’ to receive funds.

    It’s estimated that nine million pensioners over State Pension age in England and Wales with an income of, or below, £35,000 a year will receive the one-off payment this year. Legitimate payments are issued automatically by the DWP in November and December—so you do not need to apply to receive the payment.

    But fraudsters are trying to advantage of this by sending out scam text messages and emails during the same period.

    To help stay protected this winter, police have issued the following advice to stay scam aware:

    • The Winter Fuel Payment is usually paid automatically. You do not need to apply for it if you’re eligible.
    • The government will NOT ask you for bank details via text or email. They already have this information if you’ve received the payment before or if you receive a state pension.
    • Do NOT click on any links in suspicious texts or emails about Winter Fuel Payments.
    • Do NOT share any personal or financial information in response to these messages.
    • Report fraudulent text messages by forwarding them to 7726. This is a free service that helps your mobile provider investigate and block malicious senders.
    • Report suspicious emails to report@phishing.gov.uk

    Gedling borough’s latest petrol and diesel prices – and where’s the cheapest to fill up

    Gedling Eye Reporter
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    Gedling borough’s latest petrol and diesel prices – and where’s the cheapest to fill up

    Gedling Eye has compiled a list of the cheapest petrol pumps in Gedling borough. The data is sourced from PetrolPrices.com, which covers major service stations including brands like BP, Shell, and Texaco as well as supermarkets, smaller chains and independent stations.

    The website combines price data from Catalist with its own crowdsource data, which comes from website users and forecourt owners. The site says it hopes to have “the most up to date and reliable price data across the industry”.

    The UK’s average fuel price is 133.02p per litre for Unleaded and 139.33p per litre for diesel, according to data from RAC

    The following prices were reported locally on 14/05/25

    Here are the latest prices from across the borough…

    UNLEADED…

    Arnold

    Sainsbury’s Arnold – 127.9p

    Asda Arnold – 127.7p

    BP Daybrook (Mansfield Road) – 130.9p

    Esso Maid Marion (Mansfield Road) – 131.9p

    Carlton

    Texaco Burton Road – 134.9p

    Texaco Carlton Square – 134.9p

    Texaco Westdale Lane (East Lane Service Station) –

    Petrol_pump

    Colwick

    Sainsbury’s Colwick -130.9p

    Lambley

    Lambley Motors – N/A

    Mapperley

    Asda Express Mapperley – 130.9p

    Netherfield

    Morrisons – 131.9p

    DIESEL…

    Arnold

    Sainsbury’s Arnold – 134.9p

    Asda Arnold – 134.7p

    BP Daybrook – 136.9p

    Esso Maid Marion (Mansfield Road) – 141.9p

    Carlton

    Texaco Burton Road – 143.9p

    Texaco Carlton Square – 143.9p

    Texaco Westdale Lane (East Lane Service Station) – 142.9p

    Colwick

    Sainsbury’s Colwick – 138.9p

    Lambley

    Lambley Motors – N/A

    Mapperley

    Asda Mapperley – 136.9p

    Netherfield

    Morrisons – 139.9p

    Gedling Borough Council resolves legal problem that could have hindered development of land off Killisick Lane in Arnold

    Joe Locker (LDR Reporter)
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    Gedling Borough Council resolves legal problem that could have hindered development of land off Killisick Lane in Arnold

    Legal problems that could have hindered the development of an Arnold field have been resolved, Gedling Borough Council has said.

    In 2022 the authority advertised a notice over its intention to dispose of public open space land off Killisick Lane, which is made up of three smaller parcels of land.

    The uncultivated land was predominantly used by dog walkers, with a public bridleway intersecting the open space and leading to Hobbucks Local Nature Reserve.

    The council decided to sell off the land a year later in 2023.

    However the council says it came to light that a section of the land was not owned by the authority itself.

    “During the process of disposing of this land, it has come to light that a section of Killisick Lane, linking two parcels of council-owned land to the east and west, was previously unregistered and not in the council’s ownership at the time of the original disposal decision,” council delegated decision documents say.

    Applicant Strata Homes is currently building 45 homes on part of the land, after Gedling Borough Council gave the final go-ahead in December last year. It has advertised market homes with guide prices between £440,000 and £650,000.

    The homes will be a mixture of 14 three-beds and 31 five-beds with most being detached and some featuring separate garages.

    The new site will be accessed from the south, from Strathmore Road, where an existing carriageway currently terminates and will be extended for the new homes.

    Documents say further development of the overall site could have been hindered by the legal problem relating to the land, but ownership has since been assigned to the council.

    “The council’s legal services completed registration of the section of
    Killisick Lane, bringing the land into the council’s ownership and joining the land on the east and west sides of Killisick Lane,” documents add.

    “As this parcel of land was not in the council’s ownership when the previous Section 123 process was undertaken, it was not included in the disposal that was previously approved.

    “In order to consider disposal of the land, the council was therefore required to follow the same process again thereby giving the public and stakeholders the opportunity to comment on any such disposal prior to any formal decision being taken.

    “The notice of intended disposal was advertised for two consecutive weeks in the Nottingham Evening Post on [the fifth] and September 13, 2025, requesting any objections must be received no later than September 19, 2025.

    “The council has received no response to date in relation to the intended
    disposal.”

    Celebrating the borough’s community spirit: Nominate a Pride in Gedling hero today

    Emily Sanchez
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    Celebrating the borough’s community spirit: Nominate a Pride in Gedling hero today

    Nominations are now open for the Pride of Gedling Awards 2025, in partnership with the The Wilkins Group, celebrating the individuals and groups that make Gedling borough a better place to live, work, and play.

    The Pride of Gedling Awards shine a light on the extraordinary achievements that often go unnoticed. Whether it’s a dedicated volunteer, a compassionate neighbour, a thriving business, or an impactful community project, this is our chance to honour those who work tirelessly to improve the lives of others.

    Last year, the council received over 120 nominations across six categories, reflecting the generosity and community spirit in Gedling.

    If you know a friend, colleague, neighbour, local community group, or business that deserves recognition for their outstanding contributions, you are encouraged to submit a nomination.

    In addition to the six main categories, one exceptional nominee will be chosen to receive the prestigious Overall Pride of Gedling Award. Last year, this honour was awarded to Mapperley and Arnold Rotary Club for their remarkable impact on the local community, supporting and funding a variety of initiatives including youth development projects and mental health support.

    The six award categories for 2025 are:

    • Community Hero(es) Award (sponsored by Persimmon Homes Nottingham)
    • The Dylan Barker Young Person of the Year Award (sponsored by The Mellors Group)
    • Business in the Community Award (sponsored by Nottinghamshire County Council)
    • Outstanding Community Project Award (sponsored by Jigsaw Homes)
    • Environmental Hero Award
    • Inspirational Healthy Lifestyles Award

    To nominate your local hero in any of these categories, please visit the Pride of Gedling website. Nominations are open to everyone, so don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate those who truly make a difference in the Gedling Borough community.

    The 2025 Pride of Gedling Awards are brought to you by The Wilkins Group, specialists in supplying retail packaging worldwide. They are a family run business based in Colwick and previous winners of the Pride of Gedling Environmental hero Award.

    Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE, shared his thoughts on the awards: “The Pride of Gedling Awards showcase the kindness and dedication that lie at the heart of our community.

    “Behind every nomination is a story of someone going the extra mile, often without seeking recognition, and this is our chance to celebrate them. I’d encourage everyone to put forward the people and groups who inspire them and help make our borough such a special place.”

    Nominations will be accepted until Friday, September 26 2025. The awards ceremony will take place at the council’s Civic Centre on Friday 7 November 2025.

    Nominate online

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