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Sustainable Gambling: Eco-Friendly Trends in UK Betting

As environmental concerns gain traction across the UK, the gambling industry is quietly shifting toward more sustainable practices. From energy-efficient data centres to paperless registration systems, modern operators are finding inventive ways to reduce their ecological footprint without compromising the player experience.

Green Moves in a Digital Age

The transition to online betting has already slashed a large portion of gambling’s traditional carbon output. Compared to brick-and-mortar establishments, online platforms eliminate the need for physical buildings, printed materials, and in-person transactions. This move alone reduces energy consumption tied to lighting, heating, and land use.

In addition, some UK operators are investing in renewable-powered servers and low-emission tech infrastructure. Cloud-based systems not only streamline operations but also help minimise hardware waste. It’s a quiet but important shift in an industry not often associated with green credentials.

Fusing Convenience and Sustainability

Sustainability isn’t just about emissions. It also involves cutting down on bureaucratic friction, especially where tech can provide a cleaner, leaner alternative. This is where digital-first features like no KYC casinos come into play. These platforms allow users to register and play without traditional identity checks, reducing the need for physical document handling and excessive data processing. Visiting these platforms also means quicker access to games and a smoother user experience, especially for those seeking hassle-free gameplay.

By removing manual verification steps, such models not only improve user convenience but also shrink the operational energy footprint. It’s one of several ways the online sector is showing that fast access and responsible tech use can go hand in hand.

The Future Is Paperless

Eco-conscious gambling doesn’t stop at infrastructure. Operators are phasing out paper mailers, printed promotional materials, and physical loyalty cards in favour of fully digital alternatives. As UK regulations continue to evolve, expect more pressure on operators to prove their green credentials, not just to regulators, but to a consumer base that increasingly values sustainability in every choice they make.

One thing is clear moving forward: the path to sustainable gambling in the UK lies in smarter, simpler, and cleaner systems, both for the planet and the players.

Northern Premier League Day Out: A fan’s guide to matchday at Carlton

For football fans in Gedling and nearby, few things match the charm of a Carlton Town matchday. Based at Stoke Lane, the Millers have built a strong local following, and every home fixture delivers a raw, no-nonsense experience that keeps people coming back. It’s not flashy or corporate , it’s football in its purest form. From the car park to the clubhouse and right up to the final whistle, a day out at Carlton is the kind of matchday that reminds people why they fell in love with football in the first place.

Getting to Stoke Lane

The ground is located just off Burton Road in Gedling. For drivers, there’s a small car park that usually fills up about 30 minutes before kick-off, so arriving early is smart. Locals often walk in or cycle, while visitors from Nottingham or further afield can take the train to Carlton or Netherfield stations. Both are within walking distance, though Carlton Station is slightly closer. Bus services from the city centre are reliable and run regularly on matchdays, with a short walk once you hop off.

Some fans also make use of the journey to check pre-match stats and place small wagers online. Many mobile-friendly bookies not on gamstop now offer competitive odd across diverse sports betting markets on Northern Premier League matches, including odds on first goal scorers or correct scores, where punters can also enjoy fast payouts and generous bonuses like welcome rewards, free bets, and cashback offers. It’s all part of the build-up,  something to chat about on the way in or over a drink before kick-off.

The Warm-Up: Arrival and Atmosphere

One of the best parts about non-league football is the relaxed, welcoming, and financially accessible feel, and Stoke Lane is no exception. There’s no massive turnstile rush or confusing stadium layout, just friendly stewards, a few regulars outside the clubhouse, and a steady flow of fans chatting, grabbing a pint, or reading the matchday programme. Many supporters from the away team are recognised and welcomed, and it’s not uncommon to see fans of both sides chatting about team form or sharing stories from other grounds.

Inside the Ground

Stoke Lane isn’t massive, but it’s full of character. There’s a covered stand that gives decent shelter when the weather turns, plus standing room around most of the pitch, allowing fans to pick a spot and stay close to the action. You’re never far from the players, and that connection,                                                hearing the shouts, feeling the tackles, and watching every pass from a few feet away, brings a closeness that bigger clubs can’t offer.

The Clubhouse and Food Options

The bar inside the clubhouse opens before kick-off and usually stays open after the final whistle. It serves draught beers, soft drinks, and occasionally guest ales. The prices are reasonable, and it’s a proper football bar, simple, welcoming, and filled with talk of league tables and local fixtures.

For food, the snack hut handles business. Expect match-day food classics: sausage rolls, pies, chips, and hot drinks. There’s something comforting about the smell of food drifting across the pitch at half-time, and for many, grabbing a warm pie on a cold afternoon is part of the ritual. Prices won’t leave your wallet hurting, and it all adds to the charm.

Matchday Vibe and Support

Carlton Town fans are loyal, loud when needed, and realistic; they want effort, commitment, and a bit of flair when the team’s in the mood. You’ll hear chants during key moments, shouts of encouragement, and the odd bit of banter from behind the goal. Every corner, free-kick, or scramble in the box feels like a moment that matters, and the crowd reacts accordingly. It’s a football experience that pulls people in because it feels real.

Recent seasons have seen Carlton deliver solid performances at home, such as their convincing 4–1 win over Sherwood Colliery in April. Victories over Sherwood Colliery, North Ferriby, and Sleaford Town showed just how effective the team can be in front of their fans. Even in matches that didn’t go their way, there was no shortage of grit and energy, the kind of performances that make people proud to support their local side.

Why It’s Worth Your Saturday

What makes a Carlton Town matchday special isn’t just the football, it’s everything around it. The honesty of the game, the people, the routines, and the feeling that you’re part of something local. It’s affordable, close to the action, and never feels commercialised or disconnected. For those tired of overpriced tickets and plastic atmospheres, this is where real football lives.

So whether you’re a lifelong fan, a groundhopper ticking off another non-league venue, or just someone looking for a proper Saturday out, Carlton Town delivers. Win or lose, Stoke Lane leaves you with that unmistakable feeling: this is what matchday should feel like.

MAPPERLEY: Teenager jailed after stabbing dad in front of his kids

A teenage knife carrier who stabbed a dad in front of his children has been locked up.

The victim, who police haven’t named, had been alerted that his son was being followed through Marmion Park, Mapperley, by a group of youths who were trying to steal his electric bike.

He travelled by car to Beecham Avenue with other children to collect his son around 6.30pm on October 27, 2024.

Among a group of youths gathered at the scene was Dearnie Jones.

Jones, who was wearing a mask, brandished a large knife before threatening and chasing several people.

He then targeted and pursued the victim, aged in his 40s, around his car and across the road before cornering him close to a fence.

Jones, now aged 19, stabbed the victim in the stomach before fleeing from the scene.

The victim got back in his car and drove the children to safety at a supermarket car park in Carlton Road.

He required emergency surgery and was in a coma for a week after the incident.

Detectives identified Jones as a suspect and he was arrested following a manhunt involving a number of policing teams.

Jones, of Ruddington Lane, Nottingham, denied the offence but was convicted of wounding with intent and possession of a knife in a public place on 6 June 2025 following a trial.

At Nottingham Crown Court on Monday (7) he was sentenced to a total of nine years in a young offenders’ institution.

Detective Constable Charlotte Webster, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “What happened that evening is yet another example of how the presence of a knife can instantly lead to an escalation of any incident.

“Despite the presence of a number of onlookers, including children, Jones brandished a knife, cornered the victim next to a fence and stabbed him.

“His actions inflicted serious injuries and the outcome could have been even more grave without the efforts of emergency responders and hospital staff.

“Jones could quite easily have been in court today to be sentenced for killing a man.

“A team of detectives and other officers worked hard on this investigation to understand what happened, track down Jones, arrest him and build the case against him.

“I’m grateful to all the people who gave their accounts of the incident and particularly to the victim. His help proved vital in achieving this outcome at court.

“We continue our work as a force, alongside partners, to educate people about making the right decisions and to never leave their home with a knife.”

Full list of road closures and roadworks planned across Gedling borough

There are a number of road closures in place across Gedling borough this week that drivers should be aware of.

Some roads are closed while others have lane closures. Temporary traffic measures or diversion routes may also be in place on roads in the region. Motorists are urged to make allowances for these closures and alter their travel arrangements if necessary.

If you’re planning to travel through the borough over the next few weeks take a look at the list below to see whether your journey will be affected.

Florence Road, Mapperley
14 July – 25 July
Road closure
Responsibility for works: Nottingham City Council

Leapool Roundabout, Redhill
08 July – 01 August
Delays likely due to lane closure
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Mansfield Road, Woodthorpe
11 July – 13 July
Delays likely due to lane closure
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Mapperley Plains, Arnold
14 July – 15 July
Roadworks, Delays likely
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Old Rufford Road, Calverton,
14 July – 01 October
Road closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Ollerton Road, Calverton
11 July – 01 October
Road closure from B684 Lime Lane to Burntstump Hill.
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Ollerton Road, Calverton
11 July – 01 October
Road closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Baker Avenue, Arnold
08 July – 08 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Bank Hill, Woodborough
14 July – 18 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Bank Hill, Woodborough
14 July – 18 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Birchwood Close, Ravenshead
14 July – 15 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Collyer Road, Calverton,
10 July – 11 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Coppice Road, Arnold
10 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Coppice Road, Arnold
11 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Coronation Road, Woodthorpe
14 July – 16 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Georges Lane, Calverton
13 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Howbeck Road, Arnold
16 July – 18 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Lambley Lane, Gedling
15 July – 17 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Cadent

Mansfield Road, Daybrook
08 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Moor Road, Papplewick
14 July – 25 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Cadent

Oakwood Drive, Ravenshead
14 July – 15 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Rushcliffe Avenue, Carlton
09 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Sherbrook Road, Arnold
08 July – 14 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: National Grid

Spring Lane, Mapperley
08 July – 14 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: National Grid

Spring Lane, Lambley
09 July – 10 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Station Road, Carlton
13 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Stonehaven Close, Arnold,
15 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Surgeys Lane, Arnold
13 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Whinbush Lane, Calverton
10 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Whinbush Lane, Calverton
13 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Date set for UK emergency alert test that will be sent to every mobile phone

Millions of phones will receive emergency alerts on Sunday, September 7 as the Government announces a second national test of the warning system.

The Emergency Alert test will happen at around 15:00pm

The Government says the system is used to warn if there’s a danger to life nearby, including extreme weather. It allows vital information and advice to be sent to people rapidly in an emergency.

During the test, mobile phones will vibrate and make a loud siren sound for roughly ten seconds, even if they are set to silent.

Ahead of the national test, the government will be running a public information campaign to notify people that the test is taking place

A message will also appear on phone screens, making it clear the alert is only a test. There are approximately 87 million mobile phones in the UK.

The test will be just the second of its kind and is designed to familiarise the public with the alerts. This is in line with standard practice in other countries, such as Japan and the USA.

Ahead of the national test, the government will be running a public information campaign to notify people that the test is taking place, including communications targeted at vulnerable groups, such as victims of domestic abuse. The campaign will also feature products in British Sign Language.

Pat McFadden, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, said: “Emergency Alerts have the potential to save lives, allowing us to share essential information rapidly in emergency situations including extreme storms. Just like the fire alarm in your house, it’s important we test the system so that we know it will work if we need it. 

Since the first national test of the Emergency Alerts system in April 2023, five alerts have been sent, including during major storms when lives were at risk.

Councillor voices fears over Gedling borough green space being ‘concreted over’ for housing

‘Our precious and beautiful green space and countryside will be concreted over.’ That’s the view of Conservative Councillor Sam Smith, who represents the Trent Valley ward on Gedling Borough Council and has fought to preseve important greenfields in Stoke Bardolph.

Back in 2022, more than 1,000 people signed a petition to protect Stoke Bardolph’s green belt land, with support from Conservative councillors, Sam Smith and Mike Adams.

Concerns over flooding and the loss of green space were among reasons why the land was removed from the borough council’s local development plan, which identifies sites for future housing.

But now the space is back in the spotlight under a draft new council development plan, with Cllr Sam Smith telling the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) he is “horrified and disgusted”.

The fields, which surround a substation, are located off the A612 Colwick Loop Road and situated at the back of Persimmon Homes’ Bardolph View development in Magenta Way, with the land provisionally again allocated for future housing under Gedling Borough Council’s new draft local plan.

Bardolph View is part of the wider Rivendell development, between Netherfield and Stoke Bardolph, where, in its current form, up to 800 homes are expected to be built.

It’s safe to say Cllr Smith, who is also leader of the opposition on the county council, isn’t happy. “It means our precious and beautiful green space and countryside will be concreted over,” he said.

“The Rivendell site extension was [previously] removed. We’re horrified and disgusted to see it back in this update, and we will work with residents again to fight to see it removed and protected.

“A public consultation on these sites will be triggered by end of July and, once that’s live, we will encourage resident to object to this in a fight to protect our green belt.”

The Labour government’s housing targets has meant a 45 percent increase for the borough which equates to 631 new homes being built a year. The new local plan runs until March 2043.

Also speaking to the LDRS, Cllr Adams said: “I’m really sad for [residents]. The sad thing about planning is there’s no planning law that entitles people to a [picturesque] view – people don’t just buy a house for bricks and mortar, they buy into a way of life.”

The LDRS approached residents living on the Bardolph View estate last Friday (July 4) to share their views on more housing.

One man, who asked not to be named, said: “I’d say no thank you, we’ve got enough [development] around here. [It’s] whether the infrastructure’s there. We’ve got the school [on the estate] and I know it’s hard for people on this estate to get a place at that school anyway.

“We’ve got a kid on the way, I’m worried we’re going to struggle to get them in places.”

Another man said he would oppose development plans, saying the countryside was “one of the main reasons” he bought his house on the estate.

One couple, who also asked not to be named, expressed traffic concerns any potential new through-roads could cause. They said: “[If the land is developed on] the house would be up for sale, we would move, we wouldn’t live here.

“The previous place we lived it was like living next to the M1, the lorries would shake our bedroom – it was terrible. If they decide to open up a main road through [the field] it would be horrific.

“With the retail park you get a lot of [young] racers doing loops up and down so if there was a loop between there and here it might be another race track.”

The area has experienced vast regeneration in recent years, with the new Teal Park industrial estate, housing a mixture of warehouse industrial units and an Aldi supermarket, built next to Bardolph View.

Gedling Borough Council had previously worked with Nottingham City Council, Broxtowe Borough Council, and Rushcliffe Borough Council on a ‘Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan’ that would plan out housing across the south of Nottinghamshire. The council pulled out of this joint plan after the Government changed national planning guidance in December 2024, explaining it could better meet local housing needs this way.

Subject to cabinet approval on July 10, the consultation over the new Gedling local plan runs from Monday, July 21, to Sunday, September 1.

Appeal to trace the names of those who died in World War II

Residents in Gedling borough are being encouraged to play their part in helping to record the names of those from the county who died during the Second World War.

The Nottinghamshire Great War Roll of Honour, which was launched in 2011 and funded by Nottinghamshire County Council, lists the names of almost 14,000 local men, women and children who lost their lives in the 1914-1918 war. 

More than 5,000 names have also been added to the permanent tribute documenting the county’s fallen from the Second World War.

However, the dedicated team of volunteers which compiles the Roll of Honour says many names are missing and are calling on the public to help provide a lasting legacy to the brave men and women from Nottinghamshire who made the ultimate sacrifice between 1939 and 1945.

Councillor Colonel(retired) Kelvin Wright, the county council’s Armed Forces Champion and a former serviceman, said the Roll of Honour is a unique project and paid tribute to the team, led by Dr David Nunn BEM, which painstakingly puts together the online database.

He said: “I am extremely proud to advertise and support the great work to date by David Nunn BEM and the volunteers of the Roll of Honour Project.

“More than 14,000 names listing those from Nottinghamshire who died during the First World War are already included and it is important the sacrifice they made is never forgotten.

“This fantastic project is a significant piece of work as lessons from history help to shape the future.

“It has rightly received international acclaim and Royal approval and, as it continues to grow, we want to do everything we can to remember those who gave their all during the Second World War.

“Therefore, David and his team need your help to build the archive and commemorate those individuals. Already 5,000 names have been added but there are many more to be acknowledged.”

The digital Roll of Honour was launched 14 years ago and has been compiled following years of research by the volunteers who have scoured the county’s memorials to put together a lasting legacy to Nottinghamshire’s fallen.

Dr David Nunn BEM said: “If you wish a Nottinghamshire man, woman or child killed during Second World War to be commemorated who is currently not on the site, please let us know via missingnames@outlook.com.”

For more information, visit Roll of Honour | Nottinghamshire County Council.

Police partnership with tech platform helps officers foil thieves targeting Netherfield store

An organised crime gang who were targeting a store in Netherfield have been foiled thanks to a new police partnership with a tech platform.

Nottinghamshire Police is trialling the use of a new crime intelligence software platform enabling them to take even faster action to tackle and deter shop thieves blighting retailers. 

They have been using the Auror platform over the last two months. It enables store staff to report crimes directly to the police within minutes in real time and making it quicker and easier for businesses to capture and share key evidence and information about incidents, such as CCTV footage, offender and vehicle descriptions, and witness statements. 

Three large bin bags full of cosmetics were recovered from the vehicle. (PHOTO: Nottinghamshire Police)

In one recent instance intelligence was provided by Boots staff, via the Auror platform, following a report of a travelling organised crime gang targeting items from a store at Victoria Retail Park in Netherfield.

Police were swiftly able to carry out inquiries into the theft, which happened on May 17, leading to the arrests of three suspects on suspicion of theft. 

Officers arrested the suspects, all from the Luton area, after finding them in a car in the Newark area. Three large bin bags full of cosmetics were also recovered from the vehicle. 

The investigation is ongoing. 

Business crime officer PC Joanna Baxter, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The roll-out of crime intelligence platforms like Auror are helping us tackle retail crime by improving the speed and efficiency of reporting and giving us an even richer intelligence picture to help us identify and pursue offenders, such as organised crime groups targeting multiple locations. 

“Our effective use of this technology is helping us to build a comprehensive picture of offending and is sending a clear message to retail crime offenders. There is nowhere for them to hide and we will do everything we can to bring them to justice.”

Nicky Harrop, head of security, fraud and contract management at Boots, said: “Tackling the growing levels of retail crime is a collaborative effort, so we’re pleased to work alongside Nottinghamshire Police, and use effective platforms like Auror to help make our stores safer for our customers and colleagues.”

Traffic and flooding concerns over potential extra homes at Linby housing estate

Hundreds more homes could be built at Top Wighay after extra usable land was identified under a new plan – but there are fears nearby villages will become “gridlocked”.

Gedling Borough Council is set to discuss its developing Local Plan in a cabinet meeting on Thursday, July 10, which includes a map revealing where thousands of homes could be built across the borough.

The former Top Wighay Farm site, near Hucknall and Linby, already has permission for 763 one, two, three, four and five-bedrooms homes to be built along with 21 acres of employment land, a local centre and new primary school.

This land has been previously allocated for around 1,500 homes.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s new £19 million Oak House building also forms part of the site.

But the new map to be discussed next week shows more land near the Top Wighay site could be used for further housing – potentially meaning hundreds of extra homes could one day be built at the growing site.

Conservative county councillor for Newstead and borough councillor for Newstead Abbey, Stuart Bestwick, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) today (July 3) of his concerns for the increased traffic through nearby villages if these homes are built in future.

He said: “That’s going to be an enormous increase in traffic going through Linby and Pappelwick, and Hucknall as well – that would be a major consideration.

“They’ll say [in future] the developers will have to make payments to bodies like the NHS, education [as community contributions] – that’s not going to change the road between Pappelwick and Linby, there’s no space for a bypass or a dual carriageway.”

Denise Ireland, chair of Linby Parish Council, told the LDRS “we’re going to be gridlocked” if any extra housing development takes place at the site.

She said nearby residents are concerned about potential flooding issues with the growing number of homes in the area, saying the parish has already experienced run-off from the county council’s new Oak House building.

She added: “There’s real concerns that never get addressed. All the houses we’ve had so far, like in Hucknall, have we had more infrastructure? The new Labour government promises there won’t be new houses without infrastructure.

“Why doesn’t Nottingham [city] look towards [building] up? Nottingham’s quite a low-level city. We can’t just keep going out and out without the infrastructure to support that growth.”

Cllr Bestwick said there are meetings planned “in the near future” to resolve flooding concerns in the area.

He also added the land identified as extra space for development offers “more houses than [the council] actually needs” where not all of it will be used, with the 15-year plan not starting until 2028.

Gedling Borough Council had previously worked with Nottingham City Council, Broxtowe Borough Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council on a “Greater Nottingham Strategic Plan” that would plan out housing across the south of Nottinghamshire.

The council pulled out of this joint plan after the Government changed national planning guidance in December 2024, explaining it could better meet local housing needs this way.

The 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 Telegraph names Lambley pub as one of best 500 in the country

A Lambley pub is one of the best 500 pubs in the country according to a national newspaper.

The Woodlark Inn on Church Street is one of 500 pubs to receive recognition in The Telegraph.

The extensive list has been put together by The Telegraph’s pub expert Will Hawkes, who has visited thousands of pubs in his career and has spent the last few months travelling around the country to fill in any gaps in his knowledge, according to the paper. 

Following his visit to the Woodlark Inn, Hawkes wrote: “Bouillabaisse is not that easy to find in rural Notts, you won’t be surprised to hear, but it’s on the menu at the Woodlark, where high-quality food, and particularly seafood, is as important as beer.

“It’s a lovely place for a meal, bereft of electronic background noise in one of Nottinghamshire’s most quiet villages, but there’s space for drinkers too (turn
left when you come through the main entrance).

“The pub also hosts regular events, from summer festivals to tapas events, and has plenty of outdoor space too.”

Gedling MP Michael Payne praised the pub in a Facebook post following the announcement

He wrote: “Huge congratulations to The Woodlark Inn, Lambley for being awarded one of 500 Best Pubs in England by The Telegraph.

“An outstanding village pub in the beautiful village of Lambley with great beer and exquisite food.”