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Gedling MP Michael Payne takes break from Parliament due to illness

David Bratton
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Gedling MP Michael Payne takes break from Parliament due to illness

Gedling MP Michael Payne has announced he will be taking a break from Parliament due to illness.

Payne said on social media he would be unable to take part in upcoming parliamentary votes.

He said he was “receiving ongoing medical treatment” and was under “strict instructions by medical professionals to rest”,

The MP did not go into further detail about the illness.

He said his constituency office remained open and his staff continued to support residents.

Payne, who was elected in 2024, said: “This is incredibly frustrating for me.

“I care deeply about representing our community and being present for important debates and decisions in Westminster.

“Being unable to participate fully in this work is not something I take lightly, and it’s difficult to be away at a time when so much is happening nationally.”

Strong smell of cannabis and sight of cash during car stop in Ravenshead led to arrest of two drug suspects

Emily Sanchez
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Strong smell of cannabis and sight of cash during car stop in Ravenshead led to arrest of two drug suspects

A reported burglary, a strong smell of cannabis and the unlikely appearance of more than £20,000 in cash led to the arrest of two drug suspects following a car stop in Ravenshead.

Kallumn Dolan and Nathan Hames were driving in Ricket Lane when officers responded to reports of a nearby burglary and pulled them over.

The officers’ noses were immediately drawn to the pungent smell of cannabis coming from the Seat Ibiza and immediately commenced a search.

Inside they found a deal bag of crack cocaine, a quantity of cannabis and – most suspiciously of all – £22,760 in cash from the passenger footwell.

A deal bag of crack cocaine, a quantity of cannabis found in the vehicle

Subsequent searches of their home addresses on February 6, 2022 revealed further deal bags of crack cocaine and a tin of pepper spray.

After their arrest, both men claimed to have been carrying the money and drugs for another man they refused to name, with Dolan claiming to have acted under duress.

Officers, however, unearthed seemingly friendly messages between Dolan and his contact.

Kallumn Dolan, aged 27, later pleaded guilty to possessing a Class A dug,  two counts of possessing a Class B drug and possessing criminal property  and possessing a weapon for the discharge of a noxious liquid.

Nathan Hames, aged 23, pleaded guilty to possessing criminal property and possessing a Class B drug.

Both men appeared for sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday (8).

Dolan, of Newark Way, Mansfield, was given a 15-month prison sentence suspended for two years.

Hames, of Appleton Road, Blidworth, was given a six-month sentence suspended for 12 months.

No evidence was presented to link them to the burglary report which led police to their car.

Detective Constable Stephanie Wood, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The officers in this case were proactive in stopping this vehicle, using their powers under the Misuse of Drugs Act to locate this cash, and in arresting the suspects for possessing criminal property.

“This is a positive judicial outcome which serves as a reminder to others that any cash or property derived from crime is a criminal offence  and will be thoroughly investigated by Nottinghamshire Police.

“I am glad the defendants have now been sentenced and hope this demonstrates to others the consequences of becoming involved in the illegal drugs business.”

One pub to close every day in 2025, new data reveals

Gedling Eye
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One pub to close every day in 2025, new data reveals

New data has revealed that almost 400 small pubs will close this year across England, Wales and Scotland, amounting to more than 5,600 job losses.

The British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) has estimated that 378 small pubs are being forced to close in the face of unsustainable costs pressures, according to new data.

The industry body pointed to the heavy pressure of business rates – a tax on commercial properties – on the industry.

Pubs contribute 2.8 per cent of the total business rates bill but account for just 0.5 per cent of total business turnover, leading to an overpayment of around £500m.

“Most of the money that goes into the till goes straight back out in bills and taxes,” Emma McClarkin, CEO of the BBPA, said “For many, it’s impossible to make a profit.”

Business rates had been cut by 75 per cent during the pandemic to help local businesses survive, but that relief fell to 40 per cent this year despite continuing pressure on the industry.

The BBPA called on the government to “proceed with meaningful business rates reform” and to mitigate the “eye-watering” cost of new employment and packaging taxes.

Despite the tough state of affairs for small business, big pub chains have continued to grow.

Young’s, which operates 277 pubs across the UK, reported “strong momentum” at its venues for the 14 weeks ended 8 July.

The company said it “remained confident about the year ahead, despite the well-publicised challenges faced by our industry.”

In fact, a host of major pub chains have recently reported upticks in revenue and profit, including Wetherspoons, Martson’s and Mitchells and Butlers.

For small, financially insecure pubs, however, the increase in costs has created a doom-loop where they have to restrict opening hours to stay afloat.

“Many are having to sacrifice long term customer relationships on the altar of profitability as they focus on the busiest hours,” head of insolvency at Price Bailey, Matt Howard, said.

Data from Price Baily earlier this year found that one in five pubs is technically insolvent, meaning they have negative assets on their balance sheets.

Mapperley Golf Club chairman ‘confident’ site will not be used for housing

Lauren Monaghan
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Mapperley Golf Club chairman ‘confident’ site will not be used for housing

The boss of a long-standing golf club in Mapperley say he’s confident it will remain as it is after its future was plunged into doubt.

The Mapperley Golf Club, situated off Plains Road and Central Avenue, has been included in a new draft Gedling Borough Council development plan that has identified it as a site for possible housing in the decades ahead.

It’s not the first time it’s come under the spotlight after thousands of campaigners fought to protect the site from development more than 10 years ago.

However, Paul Cookson, chair of the golf club, moved to address the future of the site, telling the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), he was “fairly confident” the space will not be built on.

He said: “The last time this was done [in 2011], it was deemed economically unviable because of the land and water [with flooding] – that’s still the case.

“I’m fairly confident they won’t be able to build on it because of the [lease] covenant and the club’s financial viable position – but that’s not to say they wont give it a go.”

Trevor Smith, who has played at the golf course for more than 30 years, told the LDRS a big concern of potential housing on the site was the environmental impact.

He said: “It’s a beautiful bit of land, it’s the trees and bushes, the wildlife that’s there, foxes, badgers, deer, birds.”

He called the speculation of the golf club’s future a “bombshell”, adding: “I should hate to move anywhere else… It’s the social side that’s important – we have various ages, just in my [golf] group.

“They have weddings there, birthdays, funerals. It’s central to a lot of areas that people use – it’s not just a golf club.”

A number of new sites have been identified in Gedling Borough Council’s new local housing plan, set to be discussed by the authority’s cabinet on Thursday (July 10).

The Mapperley Golf Club site, featured in the plan, is owned by the borough council and classed as ‘safeguarded land’, with documents stating it is ‘not available for development’ currently.

Under the new draft local plan, the land could end up being allocated for housing in the council’s bid to hit housing targets – the borough council’s has increased by 45% under the Labour government.

There has been speculation online that the golf club would not have its lease – which currently runs until 2030 – renewed due to financial uncertainty.

The chairman said he “loaned the [golf] club enough money” to financially secure its future for at least two years “to ensure there would be no debt problem with Gedling [Borough Council] and unpaid bills”.

Mr Cookson said: “I’ve been a member there for eight years. I decided I needed to contribute something back to a club I love.

“I think the council thought there were financial implications in future – I’ve secured the future by making funds available. We’ve turned a corner on our future, the [potential housing plans] was a blow.”

Both Mr Cookson and Mr Smith said they would support a campaign to save the land from development if necessary.

Mr Cookson added his “number one aim” was to get the golf club’s lease extended and added he would be meeting with the council next week to clarify positions on potential development plans.

A Gedling Borough Council spokesperson said: “Gedling Borough Council have held initial discussions with Mapperley Golf Club as part of our ongoing work on the council’s Local Plan.

“We are continuing to work with landowners and other key stakeholders across the borough to explore potential options for future development, and no decisions have been made at this stage.”

The draft local plan will be discussed in next Thursday’s cabinet meeting where councillors will be asked to approve a consultation that will invite residents, businesses and community groups to comment on the number and location of the new homes planned.

Subject to cabinet approval on July 10, the consultation runs from Monday, July 21, to Sunday, September 1.

The golf course was previously threatened by plans to build on it more than a decade ago, with the council planning to allocate the area for up to 1,900 homes up until 2011.

However, a 4,000-person strong campaign opposed the development and planning officials decided it would be too expensive to build there in the end.

The most popular hobbies in Gedling

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From long walks to digital poker tables, Gedling locals are finding ways to unwind that blend tradition with a quiet shift toward screen-based escapes. Hobbies here aren’t just pastimes—they’re how people reset, connect, and carve out moments of calm.

One area that’s quietly grown in popularity is online gaming. It’s no longer the domain of teens or techies—more adults are embracing games like roulette and poker, drawn to formats they already know. Many are choosing platforms tailored for UK players that put fairness and security front and centre. These sites are fully regulated, built with British users in mind, and committed to transparency and responsible play (Source: https://www.pokerstrategy.com/online-casinos/uk/).

Swimming and gym time stay steady

Leisure centres in Carlton, Arnold and Calverton have remained busy thanks to the borough’s appetite for movement. Swimming holds steady in popularity—especially during cooler months—with open lane swims, family splash sessions, and aqua fitness classes drawing regulars.

Alongside that, gym-based hobbies have evolved. Strength training has gained momentum, especially among women thanks to local programmes like Couch2Kilos. These sessions are designed to be empowering rather than intimidating, showing that fitness doesn’t have to be flashy to be impactful.

Fitness classes also serve as social anchors. Regular attendees often end up forming small communities within the gym—checking in with each other, encouraging progress, or simply sharing a laugh after a tough workout. That sense of camaraderie is just as important as the physical benefits.

Walking is second nature

Ask around Gedling, and walking is the hobby most people will mention without hesitation. Local figures show that over 85% of adults walk for leisure, with more than half heading out at least twice a month. Gedling Country Park remains a favourite—offering expansive trails, hilltop views, and plenty of space for dogs, kids, and conversation.

But walking doesn’t rely on scenery alone. It’s become embedded in everyday life: to clear your head, take a phone call, or meet a friend halfway. It’s accessible, calming, and fits around nearly any schedule. It’s also one of the few forms of exercise that spans generations, with parents and grandparents sharing paths with runners and children on scooters.

Football still builds connection

Football continues to be more than just a sport in Gedling—it’s a meeting point. Clubs like Gedling Miners Welfare F.C. still draw in local supporters on match days. Many players start in youth leagues tied to their schools or families, giving the sport a deeply familiar rhythm.

For those who don’t play competitively, five-a-side games, casual Sunday leagues and post-work kickabouts offer a way to stay moving and stay social, without the pressure of formal competition.

The local pitch has always been more than turf and goals—it’s a place where friendships form, rivalries stay friendly, and parents cheer from the sidelines with coffee in hand. The continuity of football culture keeps people coming back, season after season.

Cycling follows close behind

Cycling is growing in appeal. Green travel routes and former railway lines have turned into scenic options for both fitness and practical commuting. While Gedling’s terrain includes a few tricky hills, many cyclists are adapting—choosing electric bikes or plotting flatter paths around the borough.

It’s the kind of hobby that suits different moods: energetic when you want it to be, gentle when needed, and always outdoors. With more infrastructure being discussed and improved locally, cycling could soon become an even stronger part of daily life.

Quiet hobbies still have their place

For some, leisure means slowing down. Book clubs, knitting groups, garden planning, and heritage crafts all continue to flourish. These hobbies offer something quieter—time to focus, reflect, and enjoy a rhythm that isn’t driven by screens or schedules.

Many local libraries and community spaces offer small-group sessions, creative drop-ins, or events tied to the seasons. These activities are proving just as valuable as their sportier counterparts for people who want to protect their time, mental wellbeing, and personal space.

There’s also something grounding about working with your hands. Growing something, writing something, or making something to share—it all speaks to a part of life that moves slower, but deeper.

Digital downtime is now part of the mix

It’s becoming more common to blend physical and digital hobbies. A person might spend their morning walking Gedling’s trails and their evening winding down with a card game online. These rhythms support different energy levels and different moods, and for many, that’s the point.

Some digital hobbies, like simulation games or turn-based strategy, also offer a sense of control and progress that can be hard to find in daily routines. And when they’re approached with intention—not as escape, but as enjoyment—they can add real value to the week.

What happens when AI joins your online casino habits

Graham Finch
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What happens when AI joins your online casino habits

In the rapidly evolving realm of online casinos, the introduction of artificial intelligence in 2025 is set to bring a host of benefits, propelling a substantial segment of the industry.

The question remains: How has this technology transformed the online gambling landscape?

AI is rapidly emerging as the most valuable player in iGaming, revolutionising the methods of betting, playing, and online interaction with data-driven accuracy. In 2025, AI and online gaming exhibit a symbiotic relationship, with AI notably enhancing customer support and enabling personalized game promotions.

Tailored Suggestions

Artificial intelligence is the key to a personalized gambling experience from the moment you log in. Operators utilize the technology to offer a customized gaming experience for each player, ensuring a unique and tailored service.

Rather than disseminating generic promotions or game lists to all patrons, casino operators leverage AI to utilise your historical behaviour as a foundation for presenting material that aligns with your preferences. This includes region-specific bonuses—like free spins no deposit Ireland—which are often promoted to players based on their location and activity.

This is the operational mechanism:

  • Artificial Intelligence monitors gaming behaviours, favoured platforms, and customary expenditures.
  • It subsequently recommends further games, promotions, and tournaments aligned with your preferences.
  • The more you engage, the more astute these recommendations get.

Employing AI for tailored recommendations enhances operator engagement; research indicates that 80% of customers perceive personalised offers and bets as beneficial, while players receive content that resonates with their interests.

Changing the Odds

However, internet casinos are not the sole beneficiaries of AI. Sportsbook betting platforms utilize it to adjust odds instantly, based on live game data and prevailing betting trends.

Elements such as meteorological conditions, team performance, player statistics, injuries, and historical outcomes are analysed instantaneously, resulting in continuously updated live betting odds, even during the game.

 Tools for Enhanced Gambling Safety

Player safety is a crucial aspect of online gaming. In 2025, AI is empowering responsible gaming practices by monitoring player behaviors and identifying warning signs such as loss-chasing. This proactive approach puts the control back in the hands of the players, allowing them to engage in more responsible betting.

Should any anomalies arise, AI can promptly intervene by issuing alarms or initiating self-exclusion measures. It revolutionises operations, enabling users to maintain control and engage in more responsible betting.

 Fraud Identification

Artificial intelligence is advancing in the domain of fraud detection. It can detect dubious activities such as bonus exploitation, fraudulent accounts, or questionable transactions before they go unnoticed. Furthermore, advanced systems are monitoring activities and detecting signals of match-fixing.

 Putting the Customer (You) First

Customer assistance has consistently been a significant source of friction for online gamblers. Issues such as bonuses, deposits, or forgotten passwords can significantly detract from the user experience, leading to frustration and potentially prompting consumers to seek alternatives if they must wait for a human support person.

Currently, 78% of firms worldwide have integrated AI into their customer service frameworks, enabling AI chatbots to address enquiries by facilitating quicker, more responsive support systems with:

  • Prompt responses to frequently asked questions to address common issues immediately.
    Continuous availability, including national holidays and weekends, ensures gamers do not experience prolonged wait times for responses.
  • Integrate with external assistance tools or connect gamers directly to helplines and responsible gambling resources.
  • Intelligent escalation mechanisms that can guide the user to a human support representative as necessary.

The latest generation of AI bots utilizes natural language processing (NLP), allowing them to comprehend tone and provide a more human-like conversational experience. This results in less burden for human personnel, while players benefit from expedited assistance, eliminating prolonged wait times and dissatisfaction — a mutually advantageous outcome.

H2: Prospective Applications of AI in Online Casinos

Many casino operators are making significant investments in artificial intelligence. With technology advancing at a rapid pace, the potential impact of AI on the future of online gambling is limitless. This potential opens up a world of exciting possibilities, making the future of online gambling an intriguing prospect.

H3: Virtual reality and artificial intelligence-driven dealers and hosts

As internet gambling increasingly embraces live casino experiences, AI may soon assume the role of your forthcoming table dealer or game show host. AI avatars operate continuously, eliminating the need for live streams or pre-recorded content, ensuring perpetual engagement without fatigue, consistent vigor, and equitable interactions at all times.

These AI-driven hosts may learn player preferences and adjust their banter in real-time, fostering a seamless, personalised experience that mirrors the social and immersive atmosphere of a physical casino floor.

AI-powered live casino games would initiate a cascade effect, diminishing the likelihood of human error and employee fatigue, while delivering a more consistent experience for users (barring technical difficulties) and reducing operational expenses.

H3: Optimized Game Development

Artificial intelligence currently assists in game testing by executing numerous simulations to evaluate factors such as fairness, return-to-player (RTP), and volatility. However, why cease at that point? Conventional game production may need months or even years from inception to final release. However, the incorporation of AI could significantly reduce that timetable. AI can automate complex tasks and expedite the entire production pipeline, from creating mechanics to balancing features.

Nonetheless, the human element is crucial for the final refinement to guarantee the experience retains its authenticity.

H2: Parting Thoughts

Whether one appreciates it or not, artificial intelligence is continuously revolutionising the iGaming industry, and this momentum shows no signs of abating. Artificial intelligence technology transcends just buzzword status; it is tangible and present. Through enhanced odds, customised promotions, and individualised game selections, AI is paradoxically rendering betting platforms more dynamic than ever before.

In an environment ever pursuing innovation, AI provides results. The capacity to learn and adapt necessitates that casino operators regard it as essential rather than optional to maintain a competitive edge.

READERS’ GALLERY: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Gedling Eye Reporter
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READERS’ GALLERY: Wednesday, July 9, 2025

Here’s a selection of wonderful photographs contributed to our Gedling Amateur Photographers Facebook Group and Instagram featuring lots of beautiful country scenes, wildlife and scenic hotspots from across Gedling borough.

If you have captured a local moment in a photograph and think that others would like to see it, then upload it to our group and you may be featured on this post. You can also tag us in or use #gedlingeye if using Instagram.

You can also email them to news@gedlingeye.co.uk if you don’t use social media.

Please supply your name and a brief description of where and when the photograph was taken, or perhaps a funny caption.

A selection of photos will be published on Gedling Eye‘s website each week.

Photo of a beautiful cygnet in Gedling Country Park by Benzla Freeman
Blue tits in the garden feeding their chicks with Larva (PHOTO: Carl Green)
A spectacular sunrise over the River Trent at Burton Joyce by Tammy Mills
Drama above the skies in Mapperely (PHOTO: Mary Haydn-Davies)

You can join the group HERE

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 – 126.9p

Asda Arnold – 126.7p

BP Daybrook (Mansfield Road) – 131.9p

Esso Maid Marion (Mansfield Road) – 131.9p

Carlton

Texaco Burton Road – 132.9p

Texaco Carlton Square – 134.9p

Texaco Westdale Lane (East Lane Service Station) – 134.9p

Petrol_pump

Colwick

Sainsbury’s Colwick – 130.9p

Lambley

Lambley Motors – N/A

Mapperley

Asda Express Mapperley – 130.9p

Netherfield

Morrisons – 130.9p

DIESEL…

Arnold

Sainsbury’s Arnold – 133.9p

Asda Arnold – 133.7p

BP Daybrook -136.9p

Esso Maid Marion (Mansfield Road) – 139.9p

Carlton

Texaco Burton Road – 139.9p

Texaco Carlton Square – 140.9p

Texaco Westdale Lane (East Lane Service Station) – 140.9p

Colwick

Sainsbury’s Colwick – 138.9p

Lambley

Lambley Motors –

Mapperley

Asda Mapperley – 136.9p

Netherfield

Morrisons – 139.9p

Killisick Junior School children showcase talents at music festival

Gedling Eye
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Killisick Junior School children showcase talents at music festival

Children at Killisick Junior School have performed a Music Festival for their friends and families, showcasing their many talents.

Music tuition is a strength at the school which is based in Arnold, and forms part of their broad personal development offering opportunities for children to develop wider skills and confidence.  

Alistair Reeder delivers the music tuition at Killisick Junior School, and he supported children to perform at the festival. Alistair explained the importance of the musical performance. “Music is the universal language that everyone around the world shares. Music in schools promotes so many skills that are important for learning: listening, memory, hand eye coordination, confidence, dexterity and creativity.

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“We are so lucky that Killisick Primary school is so supportive of music in the curriculum, especially as music is often the first sacrifice when difficult decisions have to be made. Our music festival in honour of World Music Day has been a celebration of the connections that music can make between us all.”

Pupil Lu Chen is in year 6 and said, “I played a piano piece in the music festival. I was nervous when I walked up but my friends were in the crowd, and they congratulated me afterwards. I enjoyed the experience.”

Head Teacher Richard Jones said, “At Killisick Junior School, music is far more than a subject; it’s a powerful tool for unrivalled personal development. It helps every child discover their creativity, build confidence, and develop teamwork, discipline, and resilience, all while experiencing joy.

Sherwood Forest MP welcomes major step forward in A614 improvement scheme

Gedling Eye
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Sherwood Forest MP welcomes major step forward in A614 improvement scheme

Sherwood Forest MP Michelle Welsh (Lab) has welcomed a significant step forward in the long-awaited A614 improvement scheme.

She said Nottinghamshire County Council finally confirmed their backing – allowing the Department for Transport to move forward with the approval process. 

The MP, who said she has made the scheme a priority since being elected, praised the Government for keeping the funding available and supporting the project at every stage.

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Welsh said progress had been delayed while waiting for Nottinghamshire County Council to provide the assurances needed to unlock the next phase. 

Commenting on the development, Michelle Welsh MP said:  “I’m absolutely thrilled to announce that the A164 improvement scheme will finally move forward into the Department of Transport’s approval process, following Nottinghamshire County Council’s confirmation of their backing. 

“I’ve been championing this project from day one as an MP and have worked closely with Ministers, the East Midlands Mayor, local Councillors and the Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, to ensure the funding remained on the table – but we’ve had to wait far too long for the County Council to step up and do their part. 

“These upgrades are critical for reducing congestion, improving road safety, and supporting new jobs and homes across our area. We’re finally seeing the momentum we need, and I’ll keep pushing until the work is delivered.” 

The MP said the focus now must remain on getting shovels in the ground without further delay: 

“Residents have waited long enough. Now that we’ve finally got everyone pulling in the same direction, I’ll make sure this stays at the top of the Government’s agenda until it’s delivered.”

The project, which has been in the works since 2019, would also improve two other junctions and support new housing developments in all the affected areas. Work to Ollerton Roundabout would see new lanes created on the busiest approaches, as well as new pedestrian crossings and a speed limit reduction.

The White Post roundabout at Farnsfield would get significant resurfacing and lining, whilst the Lowdham Roundabout would also be expanded. The project would also fund significant junction improvements, including new lanes at the junction of Bridgford Street and Kirk Hill in East Bridgford.

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