LATEST ARTICLES

Petition urging Government U-turn on Nottingham council expansion receives more than 2,000 signatures

A petition calling on ministers to reverse their decision to scrap district councils in Nottinghamshire and expand Nottingham City Council’s boundaries has reached more than 2,000 signatures.

The move, announced on July 16, would see the city absorb large parts of Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe, despite widespread opposition when the idea was first floated.

Tens of thousands of residents previously signed petitions against the merger.

Councillor Mike Adams, leader of the Conservative group on Gedling Borough Council, said the Government should admit it has “got this wrong”.

“The Government has been forced into a series of U-turns already in the last two years and they need to do another one,” he said.

“This proposal has been made to cover up poor decisions made by Nottingham City Council in the past and to provide more land for housing development. Our residents do not want this, and we will stand up for them.”

“The people have spoken, and they are telling Andy Burnham and co. they do not want to be forced into Nottingham City Council against their will, it’s time for the Government to admit their mistake and scrap the plans.”

The petition — titled Reverse the decision to merge Gedling, Rushcliffe and Broxtowe into the city — is hosted on Change.org and is already attracting signatures from across the county.

You can sign the petition HERE

Drug dealer who turned one-bed Daybrook flat into cannabis factory jailed after police stop

A drug dealer who turned his one-bedroom flat into a cannabis factory has been jailed for three years.

Craig Dickman, 48, came to the attention of police after the Ford S-Max he was driving triggered ANPR cameras on May 19, 2025.

Officers from the Gedling Central neighbourhood policing team were alerted that the vehicle could be linked to drug supply and stopped it in Daybrook at around 8pm.

A search of the car uncovered a knife in the glove box, a large quantity of cannabis hidden inside a lunch box in the boot and a bag containing cash.

Police also found notebooks detailing drug deals and money owed by customers.

Mobile phones seized during the stop were later analysed and revealed evidence of Dickman’s involvement in the supply of Class A drugs.

After arresting him, officers visited his home in Markham Close, Ollerton, where they were met by a strong smell of cannabis coming from the property.

Inside the sparsely furnished flat, they discovered the remains of a cannabis grow operation. Cropped cannabis plants were found in the living room, while fans and specialist lighting equipment were located in the bedroom.

PICTURED: Craig Dickerman

Dickman was charged with multiple offences but fled to Scotland after being granted bail.

He was later traced to an address in Newark and admitted being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, possession with intent to supply cannabis, cannabis production, possession of a knife in public, possession of criminal property and a Bail Act offence.

At Nottingham Crown Court on Monday, July 13, Dickman was sentenced to a total of three years in prison.

PC Michael Callan, of the Gedling neighbourhood policing team, said the case was the result of officers’ “alertness and determination”.

He added: “The car stop and arrest allowed us to seize a phone which showed Dickman’s involvement in the supply of very harmful Class A drugs.

“By searching his home, we also discovered the remains of a cannabis grow which could easily have become active again.

“Cannabis grows within residential areas create a host of issues for neighbouring properties, who are put at risk from people trying to steal the crop and from the fire hazards they create.”

Residents warn: “local identity at risk” as boundary shake‑up pulls Arnold into expanded Nottingham

Those living in Arnold and close to Nottingham’s current boundaries say they have concerns “local voices may be drowned out” after it was confirmed the city would expand to form a new, much larger council.

Arnold will soon merge with the city under what is the biggest shake-up of Nottinghamshire’s boundaries in five decades.

All nine current councils in Nottinghamshire will cease to exist under the Labour Government’s proposals for local government reorganisation.

As confirmed on Thursday (July 16), the current two-tier system will be dropped in favour of two completely new unitary authorities.

One will cover the city and parts of Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe, and another will cover Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, as well as the remaining parts of the three boroughs bordering the city.

The journey to arrive at a decision has been a contentious one, with council leaders and politicians arguing the case for different options.

The city’s leader, Cllr Neghat Khan (Lab), had been calling for a boundary review, citing that over 51 per cent of Nottingham’s workforce lives outside the city boundary – and as such relies on its services and uses its infrastructure.

Yet, she said, they have no say in how those services are run.

She had also been arguing, as have many other politicians for many years, that the city is under-bounded, meaning it struggles to bring in enough council tax to pay for all of these well-used services.

It is this boundary review option, proposed by the city council, that has been chosen by the Government.

The Labour Government and the city council say the aim of the shake-up is to end duplication and inefficiencies by creating a single set of politicians, as well as officers across planning teams and finance departments.

The new authority can deliver real benefits for residents if implemented properly, they added in a statement.

In Arnold, residents have fears about the move – but said the people are typically pessimistic in any case when it comes to change.

Arnold is similarly covered by two councils: Labour-led Gedling Borough Council as well as Nottinghamshire County Council.

Jordan Roach, a teacher, who was shopping on the high street with his daughter, Anya, who is three, said: “Finances are a challenge. What does this mean for council tax and local resources?

“That I have apprehension about. There might be efficiencies internally, the council might be more efficient, but what does it mean for us?

“Sometimes we are so pessimistic about change. So you never know.

“I think overall the councils here are good. I do feel it is inevitable local representation could reduce. The voice of the local community could be drowned out a little bit. That I think is the biggest thing.”

Vanessa Astill, who has lived in the area for 45 years, worked as a secretary for an estate agent before retiring so she could volunteer in her local area.

“The council is quite good at doing things in our borough,” she said.

“So are we not going to see the money spent here? We do not want it to go down hill. You go to the city and it is so scruffy.”

Labour MP for Gedling, Michael Payne, said: “The decision to split my home community of Gedling borough in half and to force communities in Gedling into an expanded Nottingham city council area against their will is bad for my constituents and bad policymaking. This is a decision I cannot and will not support.”

Elections for the new authorities will be held in May 2027, but the councils will only operate as shadow authorities for the first year.

A gradual transfer of power from the current councils to the new ones will take place, with the new authorities becoming operational in 2028.

Future-Proofing your tool investment strategy

Every tool you buy influences how efficiently you work. Although a lower price can seem appealing, long-term value often depends on durability and ongoing running costs. Treating each purchase as part of a wider investment helps you avoid unnecessary expense later. A well-planned choice saves time and gives you the flexibility to take on new jobs without replacing equipment that still has plenty of life left.

Looking Beyond the Initial Purchase Price

The cheapest option does not always cost the least over time. Consider how frequently you use the tool, how easily you can find replacement parts, and whether it will continue to meet your needs in a few years. For example, a contractor who uses a combi drill every day may spend more initially on a dependable model yet avoid repeated repair bills and lost working time. Compare the expected warranty and maintenance costs before deciding.

The Importance of Battery and Charging Compatibility

Buying equipment that shares the same battery platform reduces the number of chargers and spare batteries you need, making storage and transport much simpler. If you already own a cordless drill, adding a matching impact driver or circular saw lets you use the same batteries across several tools. This approach saves money while reducing clutter in your workshop or van. Many users also find that cordless chargers are a great option because they support a practical charging setup for compatible battery systems. Check that the manufacturer continues to develop the platform before expanding your collection.

Balancing Performance, Reliability, and Long-Term Costs

Higher specifications only offer value when they match the work you complete. Instead of paying for maximum power, choose performance that suits your typical workload. A reliable saw that produces accurate cuts every day can reduce wasted materials and minimise delays caused by poor results. Consistent performance also helps you finish jobs with greater confidence. Read independent reviews alongside warranty information to understand how a tool performs in everyday use rather than relying solely on advertising.

Choosing Tool Platforms That Can Grow with Your Business

As your workload changes, your tools should adapt with you. Choosing an established platform makes it easier to add specialist equipment without replacing your existing batteries and chargers. A small business might begin with a drill and impact driver before adding grinders or outdoor power tools from the same range. This gradual expansion spreads costs while keeping equipment compatible and easier to manage. Research the manufacturer’s wider product range before investing, so your tools continue to support your business as it grows.

A Strategy That Delivers Lasting Value

The strongest tool collection develops through informed decisions that reflect the way you work today while leaving room for tomorrow’s opportunities. When you evaluate each purchase against your long-term goals instead of short-term savings, you create a setup that remains practical as demands change. That measured approach also makes budgeting easier because you replace equipment less often and avoid incompatible purchases. Eventually, your tools form a dependable system that helps you work efficiently and approach every new project with greater confidence.

Local government reorganisation decision announced

Central government has today announced its plans for the future of local government in Nottinghamshire.

Government officials today met with the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Council Leaders and Chief Executives and verbally confirmed the decision. A formal, written decision is expected in due course. The Secretary of State has also announced this in Parliament.

It has been decided, as part of the local government reorganisation (LGR) process, to implement the proposal brought forward by Nottingham City Council which will replace the nine existing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire councils and create two, single-tier unitary councils.

This would create two new councils; 

  • One covering the current local government areas of Nottingham City and parts of Broxtowe, Gedling, and Rushcliffe.
  • And one covering the current local government areas of Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, and parts of Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe.
The split shows all towns and villages on the Arnold side of the map going over to City

A map is available to find out which authority your postcode would be part of when they are created in 2028. Check your postcode here: LGR Notts

In the short term, there will be no change to existing services. All services currently delivered by the nine affected councils will continue as normal. 

The LGR proposals were submitted to central government in November 2025. A statutory consultation took place between February and March 2026. This was followed by visits to Nottinghamshire by officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government ahead of today’s decision.

Work will now begin on the transition towards the creation of the two new unitary councils. Elections for these will take place in May 2027, followed by the creation of shadow authorities ahead of the new councils being formally established in April 2028.

Any final decision on the future options must receive parliamentary approval before they can be implemented. 

Two other proposals were submitted, one by Nottinghamshire County Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council, the other by Bassetlaw District Council, Gedling Borough Council, Mansfield District Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council. Ashfield District Council did not express a preference between the options, and Broxtowe Borough Council decided not to support any of the proposals and requested that the LGR process be paused to enable more detailed consideration.

A spokesperson for all nine councils said:

“The government has today announced its preferred option for local government reorganisation.

“All nine councils have worked hard to meet the deadlines set by central government and to provide submissions that we believe are best for the residents we serve.

“We will continue to work together to ensure services continue and that residents and businesses remain our priority.

“We know this decision will generate significant reaction, especially in the media. We want to reassure everyone that this will not affect the day-to-day running of your local council, our services will continue and we are working closely with the thousands of staff who are coming on this LGR journey with us. The work has only just begun, and we can now start the work of transitioning to be ready by April 2028.”

More information about the local government reorganisation process is available at www.lgrnotts.org.uk

Crackdown launched after anti-social youths spark concern in Burton Joyce village centre

Police have stepped up action in Burton Joyce after residents raised the alarm about groups of young people gathering around the village centre and the Co‑op car park.

Gedling’s neighbourhood officers — working with the area’s police inspector — have now rolled out a dedicated plan aimed at prevention, engagement and keeping the community safe.

Here’s what police say what’s happening on the ground…

  • More targeted patrols at key spots and peak times
  • A full review of reports to pinpoint hotspots and recurring issues
  • Risk assessments so residents’ concerns directly shape the response
  • Early intervention with young people to steer behaviour in a positive direction
  • Parents contacted when needed to tackle problems early
  • Partnership work with youth services, Gedling Borough Council and local organisations to offer better activities and address root causes
  • Escalation where required, including warning letters and Acceptable Behaviour Contracts

Neighbourhood officers will continue monitoring the situation closely. Councillors say there’s no sign of serious criminality, but the aim is to stop issues escalating and reassure residents.

Encouraging better hangout spots

Young people are being urged to make use of Burton Joyce’s open spaces — including Chestnut Grove park, Poplars Sports Field, The Grove and the Old School Community Garden — instead of gathering outside shops where it can cause concern for locals and businesses.

A reminder on e‑scooters

Privately owned e‑scooters remain illegal to use on public roads, pavements or cycle lanes in the UK. They’re only allowed on private land with permission.

Message from local councillors

Cllr Sam Smith and Cllr Mike Adams say they hope the new measures provide the reassurance residents “have asked for and rightly deserve”. They represent Stoke Bardolph, Gedling, Rivendell and Burton Joyce on Gedling Borough Council — with Adams also serving as Nottinghamshire County Councillor.

Pub and drive-thru plans for land next to Chase Farm housing estate in Gedling get green light

Plans for a major employment-led development on land at the former Gedling Colliery have been approved, paving the way for new business units, a pub/restaurant and drive-thru facility at Chase Farm.

Gedling Borough Council has approved reserved matters for the scheme on land north of the Chase Farm housing development, bringing forward the next stage of a long-anticipated commercial development that forms part of the wider regeneration of the former colliery site.

The application, submitted by Mypad Ltd, sought approval of the detailed design, layout, landscaping, appearance and scale of the development following the granting of outline planning permission in 2020.

The approved proposals include five buildings, comprising three employment units, a public house/restaurant, and a drive-thru unit, together with parking, servicing areas and landscaping. The employment units are intended to accommodate a mix of industrial, storage, distribution and business uses.

The 3.76-hectare site sits alongside the Gedling Access Road (A6211), which was constructed as part of the wider redevelopment of the former Gedling Colliery. The road also serves the nearby Chase Farm development, where around 1,000 homes have been built in recent years.

Planning documents state that the site has long been earmarked for employment-led mixed-use development under local planning policy, with the aim of creating jobs and supporting regeneration in the area. The allocation allows for employment uses alongside visitor and leisure-related facilities linked to nearby Gedling Country Park.

According to the application, the buildings will be designed in a contemporary industrial style, featuring extensive glazing, modern cladding materials, brickwork and timber-effect detailing. Planning consultants said the approach is intended to create high-quality commercial buildings while reducing the visual impact of larger employment units.

A gas monitoring and extraction facility currently operating on part of the former colliery site will remain in place in the short to medium term, with the approved layout designed to accommodate its continued operation until it is no longer required.

The development will also include landscaped areas and ecological mitigation measures. Planning documents note that the site contains areas of ecological interest, with landscaping and habitat compensation proposals forming part of the approved scheme. Additional mitigation measures will be delivered through conditions attached to the wider outline consent.

In its planning statement, Mypad Ltd argued that the proposals comply with both local and national planning policy, support economic growth and make effective use of previously developed land. The statement concluded that the scheme would provide an appropriate scale and form of development without causing significant impacts on neighbouring occupiers.

The approval marks another milestone in the transformation of the former Gedling Colliery site, which has seen substantial residential development and infrastructure investment over recent years. With the reserved matters now approved, the commercial scheme can move forward subject to the discharge of remaining pre-commencement planning conditions.

How familiar surroundings can support people living with dementia

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Living with dementia can make everyday life feel increasingly confusing. Familiar faces, routines, and environments often become important sources of comfort as memory and cognitive abilities change. While every person’s experience is unique, remaining in a well-known home can help reduce anxiety, encourage independence, and improve overall wellbeing.

The Comfort of a Familiar Environment

Home is much more than a physical space. It is filled with memories, treasured belongings, and routines that have been built over many years. Even when short-term memory becomes affected, long-term memories connected to a familiar home may remain.

Recognising favourite furniture, family photographs, or the layout of a home can provide reassurance throughout the day. These familiar surroundings can help someone feel secure, particularly during moments of confusion or uncertainty.

Small details, such as knowing where the kettle is kept or recognising the view from the living room window, can make daily life feel more manageable and less overwhelming.

Supporting Daily Independence

Maintaining independence is important for self-esteem and confidence. A familiar home often allows someone living with dementia to continue carrying out simple daily tasks because they already know where things belong and how their environment works.

Activities like preparing a drink, watering plants, folding laundry, or spending time in a favourite chair can provide a valuable sense of purpose. While support may still be needed, encouraging these familiar routines helps people remain engaged in everyday life for as long as possible.

Family members and carers can also make gentle adjustments to improve safety without dramatically changing the home’s appearance, helping preserve that important sense of familiarity.

The Value of Consistent Routines

Routine and familiar surroundings work hand in hand. Having meals at similar times, following regular morning and evening habits, and enjoying favourite activities each day can reduce uncertainty and create a reassuring rhythm.

Consistency often helps minimise stress and can make transitions between activities much smoother. Familiar music, favourite television programmes, and cherished hobbies may also provide enjoyable moments that encourage conversation and emotional connection.

When routines are maintained in a familiar setting, many people feel more relaxed and confident throughout the day.

Helping Families Feel Reassured

Remaining at home can also benefit family members, who often find comfort in knowing their loved one is in an environment they know well. However, caring for someone with dementia can become increasingly demanding over time.

Professional support allows families to balance safety with independence. Choosing dementia care at home can provide personalised assistance while enabling someone to continue living in the place that feels most familiar. With compassionate care tailored to individual needs, routines and treasured surroundings can often be preserved for longer.

Creating a Place That Feels Like Home

There is no cure for dementia, but thoughtful support can make a meaningful difference to everyday life. Familiar surroundings offer comfort, reduce unnecessary stress, and help people maintain connections with their identity and daily routines.

By combining a safe home environment with compassionate care and understanding, families can help create a setting where a loved one continues to feel secure, respected, and valued throughout every stage of their dementia journey.

Latest Gedling borough planning applications – the schemes submitted this week

A range of planning applications have recently been submitted across Gedling Borough, covering everything from home extensions and loft conversions to commercial developments and tree works. According to the latest publicly available planning records, notable applications include:

  • 139 Gedling Road, Arnold – Application relating to photographs of completed works. (Ref: 2026/0375DOC)
  • 18 Northcliffe Avenue, Mapperley – Retention of a rear decking area together with the construction of a shed, summerhouse/garden office and greenhouse. (Ref: 2026/0397)
  • 38 Coronation Road, Woodthorpe – Proposed external alterations to existing rear garden terracing and boundary walls/fencing. (Ref: 2026/0427)
  • 22 Dalbeattie Close, Arnold – Plans for a first-floor extension above the existing garage and kitchen. (Ref: 2026/0448)
  • Beauclerk House, Bestwood Lodge Drive, Bestwood – Two linked applications seeking to convert the attic into an en-suite bedroom with a new staircase. (Refs: 2026/0449 and 2026/0450)
  • Northfield Construction Ltd, Tilford Road, Newstead – Certificate of lawfulness application to confirm the site’s lawful use as a B8 storage and distribution facility, including associated hardstanding and open storage. (Ref: 2026/0463)
  • 326 Spring Lane, Lambley – Proposal for a single-storey garage/carport. (Ref: 2026/0465)
  • 129 Victoria Road, Netherfield – Construction of an external metal staircase, loft conversion to a first-floor flat and internal alterations to the ground floor. (Ref: 2026/0467)
  • Papplewick Lodge, Main Street, Papplewick – Tree works application including the removal of a yew and holly tree and crown lifting of three additional trees. (Ref: 2026/0469TCA)
  • Land west of Mansfield Road, Redhill – Application seeking modifications to a Section 106 agreement relating to affordable housing provisions. (Ref: 2026/0476)

Residents can view full details and track the progress of applications through Gedling Borough Council’s planning portal.

Roadworks and closures planned for Gedling borough this week

Take a look at the roadworks and closures scheduled for Gedling borough’s roads for the week beginning July 13.

Make sure to plan your journey and check before your travel as these planned works could affect you. 

Burntstump Hill, Papplewick
14 July – 16 July
Delays likely – Road closure
Responsibility for event: Nottinghamshire County Council

Carlton Hill, Carlton
15 July
Road closure
Responsibility for event: Nottinghamshire County Council

Chapel Lane, Arnold
20 July – 31 July
Road closure
Responsibility for event: Nottinghamshire County Council

Freda Avenue, Gedling
20 July – 24 July
Road closure
Responsibility for event: Nottinghamshire County Council

Moor Road, Papplewick
14 July – 18 July
Road closure
Responsibility for event: Nottinghamshire County Council

Shearing Hill, Gedling
20 July – 01 August
Road closure
Responsibility for event: Nottinghamshire County Council

Haywood Road, Mapperley
14 July
Road closure
Responsibility for event: Nottinghamshire County Council

Ash Close, Burton Joyce
15 July
Road closure
Responsibility for event: Nottinghamshire County Council

Park Road, Carlton
15 July – 17 July
Road closure
Responsibility for event: Nottinghamshire County Council

Ash Close, Burton Joyce
15 July – 15 July
Roadworks, Delays likely
Road closure
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Burntstump Hill, Calverton
14 July – 16 July
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Burton Road, Carlton
15 July – 17 July
Roadworks, Delays likely
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Coppice Road, Arnold
15 July – 16 July
Roadworks, Delays likely
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Gedling Road, Arnold
16 July – 17 July
Delays likely due to lane closure
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Haywood Road, Mapperley
14 July
Traffic management: Road closure
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Little Lane, Calverton
19 July
Road closure
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Moor Road, Bestwood
14 July – 18 July
Roadworks, Delays likely
Road closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Park Road, Carlton
15 July – 17 July
Road closure for pothole pro patching
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Birchfield Road, Arnold
16 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Blidworth Waye, Papplewick
14 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Crookdole Lane, Calverton
16 July – 20 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Dunelm Drive, Calverton
16 July – 20 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Elmtree Road, Calverton
14 July – 15 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Gunthorpe Road, Gedling
17 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Hallams Lane, Arnold
19 July – 20 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Killisick Road, Arnold
17 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Longue Drive, Calverton
15 July – 17 July
Roadworks, Delays possible

Main Street, Calverton
15 July – 17 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Mansfield Road, Arnold
15 July – 15 July
Lane closure
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Mill Lane, Lambley
15 July – 17 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Neville Road, Calverton
15 July – 17 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Park Road, Calverton
14 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Park Road East, Calverton
14 July – 15 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Roe Lane, Woodborough
14 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Sheepwalk Lane, Ravenshead
15 July – 16 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Virgin Media

Spindle View, Calverton
15 July – 17 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

St Helens Grove, Burton Joyce
15 July – 17 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Tithe Lane, Calverton
15 July – 17 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Openreach

Westdale Lane East, Gedling
14 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water

Willerby Road, Woodthorpe
14 July – 15 July
Roadworks
Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council

Wordsworth Road, Arnold
15 July – 16 July
Roadworks, Delays possible
Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water