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15/10/2025

Arnold care home expansion to help ‘growing local demand’ for dementia support

An Arnold care home is set to expand to “address growing local demand” for support for people with dementia.

A three-storey extension will be built at The Manor Residential Home in Church Street, Arnold, after expansion plans were approved by Gedling Borough Council on Monday (October 13).

Plans say a “significant proportion” of residents will have dementia and limited mobility, requiring full-time care and the extension is “designed in line with increasing demand of the day care in the area” and give existing residents better facilities.

The existing care home provides long-term care for adults aged 65 and over who are no longer able to live independently.

An expansion to the site aims to offer assistance and support for those who require care “beyond what can be provided at home”, through family care or in a day care setting, according to plans.

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Planning documents also say the expansion will help “ease pressures on the NHS” by offering a variety of housing options for residents with different care needs and also generate various new jobs “across different skill levels”.

The new “contemporary” build will be built on the existing car park and will include 16 en-suite bedrooms, a hair salon, a communal bath, a communal area and two disabled toilets. The new building will be linked to the existing care home through a corridor.

Fourteen new parking spaces will be made at the front of the extension, along with a new entrance and exit made for the site.

Pre-application plans originally sought to have a four-storey extension to the care home which would have increased the available bedrooms from 27 to 49 but the fourth floor wad removed from plans following “concerns regarding its scale”.

In terms of potential overlooking impacts on nearby existing properties, planning papers say: “There are no side windows proposed on the main large extension at the front of the site, that would overlook neighbouring properties.”

Prickly patients receive cash boost from global packaging firm for ‘game-changing’ scanner

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15/10/2025

Prickly patients receive cash boost from global packaging firm for ‘game-changing’ scanner

A Nottinghamshire charity dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating hedgehogs has received a welcome boost thanks to a £1,000 donation from Colwic-based global packaging firm, The Wilkins Group.

The Beeston-based charity called Hedgepigs, founded by Deborah Brown in 2018, has used the funds to purchase an ultrasound scanner – helping it to diagnose and treat injured or sick hedgehogs more effectively, while also supporting other local animal rescue groups.

The donation forms part of The Wilkins Group’s ‘12 Months of Giving’ campaign, which sees the Colwick-headquartered company donate £1,000 each month to a different Nottinghamshire charity or community organisation throughout 2025.

Deborah said: “Our vet bills are always one of our biggest costs, so having our own ultrasound is a game-changer for us. It allows us to detect issues such as pregnancy or heart problems early, meaning faster treatment and better outcomes for the hedgehogs in our care.

“We’re also sharing the scanner with other local rescue centres, including Brinsley Animal Rescue, Charlie’s Place and The Little Garden Farm Animal Rescue. It’s already helped diagnose everything from a pregnant guinea pig to a mother cat and her kittens!

“We’re incredibly grateful to The Wilkins Group for their support, and it’s lovely to see a local business taking such a genuine interest in the small creatures that share our environment.”

Since its launch, Hedgepigs has rescued, rehabilitated and released hundreds of hedgehogs across Nottinghamshire, maintaining an impressive 75 per cent release rate.

Hedgepigs also forms part of a close-knit network of wildlife rescuers across the East Midlands. Deborah often works alongside a former NHS wound care nurse in Stapleford, with the pair regularly exchanging animals needing specialist support.

Deborah said: “If a hedgehog comes in with serious wounds, she’s the expert. And if one of hers needs an ultrasound or heart scan, it comes to me. It’s a brilliant example of the rescue community pulling together and using our different skills to give these little creatures the best possible chance.”

Justin Wilkins, Joint Managing Director of The Wilkins Group, said: “We love helping our local wildlife, and supporting Hedgepigs is just one way we can give back to the creatures that share our community.

“Hedgehogs are gentle, iconic animals whose numbers are sadly in decline. It’s easy to assume someone else is helping, but often it’s the small local charities doing the hardest work, with the fewest resources.

“Hedgepigs provides exceptional care, and it’s been incredibly rewarding to know that our donation contributed to the purchase of an ultrasound scanner to detect pregnancies – along with supporting many other vital needs.”

Justin added: “Sometimes the smallest creatures need the biggest help – and we’re proud to play our part. Nottingham is our home, and our year of giving is all about shining a light on the incredible local groups improving lives, protecting wildlife and supporting our communities.”

The Wilkins Group, a family-run firm founded in 1963, produces food packaging for leading brands including Pukka, Pizza Express, Harrods and Cadbury. Alongside its Nottingham headquarters, the company operates sites in China, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and has won multiple awards for its innovations in reducing single-use plastics.

Watchdog calls for price cap on vet prescriptions

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15/10/2025

Watchdog calls for price cap on vet prescriptions

Pet owners could soon be paying less at the vets if price caps are placed on prescriptions.

The Competition and Markets Authority, which has been investigating the sector since 2023, revealed owners could be paying twice as much for commonly prescribed medicines from vet practices than they could pay online.

The watchdog found customers could be paying “hundreds of pounds more” for commonly prescribed medicines from vet practices than they could pay online.

It wants to introduce a prescription fee cap of £16 and said vets should be required to tell customers about savings they could make by buying medicines online.

The CMA said “These measures will help prompt consumers to consider buying medication online and protect them from having to pay excessive prices for the prescriptions they would need to do so.”

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“Pet owners pay 16.6% more on average at large vet groups than at independent vets. For at least three of those large groups, average prices increased faster at practices they bought than at practices that remained independent.

“The current regulatory system is not fit for purpose. It only regulates individual veterinary professionals and not vet businesses, despite the majority of practices being part of a large corporate group.”

The CMA’s 21 proposed measures include:

• A requirement for vet businesses to publish comprehensive price lists
• Changes to make it easier for pet owners to access cheaper medicines online
• Requiring vets to give clear price information to pet owners arranging a cremation
• Giving pet owners clear price information when they are choosing a treatment, with prices in writing for treatments over £500 and itemised bills

Martin Coleman, chair of the inquiry group, said: “We believe that our proposals would enable pet owners to choose the right vet, the right treatment, and the right way to purchase medicine – without confusion or unnecessary cost.”

Firms will have until November 12 to respond to the CMA’s provisional decision.

A final decision is due in March.

1940s Steam Fair taking place this weekend at Papplewick Pumping Station

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15/10/2025

1940s Steam Fair taking place this weekend at Papplewick Pumping Station

The 17th 1940s Steam Event takes place this weekend at Papplewick Pumping Station.

The event on October 18/19 is the latest popular steam fair with something for everyone.

An array of military and civilian re-enactors will be on display throughout the two day event as well as period vehicles from the 1940s – which is the theme of the event.

There will also be a number of displays and encampments, trade stalls and a popular live-action skirmish taking place in the pumping station’s Cooling Pond at 2pm.

Visitors can enjoy live entertainment from Jayne Darling & Kevin Mac on Saturday and Johnny Victory & Lula May on Sunday, who will be recreating sounds of the 40s.

The Lincoln Green Brewery will be attending the event to provide a wide selection of ales to those seeking refreshment.

The events takes place this Saturday and Sunday between 10am-4pm.

Tickets can be bought online HERE

A spokesman said: “If possible, please buy your tickets online as it helps reduce the admin work for the Front of House volunteers and speeds up your entry.”

Gedling borough pensioners being warned about winter fuel payment text scam

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15/10/2025

Gedling borough pensioners being warned about winter fuel payment text scam

Pensioners in Gedling borough are being warned to look out for Winter Fuel Payment text message scams following a surge in activity from opportunistic criminals ahead of next month’s payments.

New data from HMRC shows reports of scam texts more than doubled in the last week of September when compared to the previous week

These scams – which see fraudsters exploit pensioners by posing as government officials processing Winter Fuel Payment applications – had begun to drop off after a peak in June but are now increasing again ahead of payments being made next month.

Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, and the government will never ask for bank details by text. Anyone who receives a text message inviting them to apply for a payment should not engage with it and instead forward it to 7726.

Work and Pensions Secretary Pat McFadden said: “If you get a text message about Winter Fuel Payments, it’s a scam. They will be made automatically so you do not need to apply.

“These despicable attempts by criminals to target people are on the rise. We are raising awareness to make it harder for fraudsters to succeed.

If you receive a suspicious message about Winter Fuel Payments, don’t engage – forward it to 7726 and delete it immediately.

Independent Age Chief Executive Joanna Elson CBE said: “Scammers are shamefully exploiting the Winter Fuel Payment to target older people living on low incomes. This entitlement is a vital lifeline that helps protect those facing financial hardship during the colder months.

“Our helpline has received calls from older people who have been sent these fraudulent messages. Many of them are already anxious about being able to afford to heat their homes this winter, and these scam texts may wrongly lead them to believe they must take action to receive their payment.

“The key message is clear: you do not need to do anything to receive your Winter Fuel Payment. If you are eligible, it will be paid automatically.

Winter Fuel Payments will automatically be paid into people’s bank accounts with eligible pensioners receiving a letter in October or November saying how much they will receive.

Payments will be made between mid-November and December 2025.

£1.7m awarded to pay for first phase of ‘urgent’ repairs to Newstead Abbey

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15/10/2025

£1.7m awarded to pay for first phase of ‘urgent’ repairs to Newstead Abbey

Cash has been awarded to fund the first phase of urgent repairs to historic house Newstead Abbey.

Nottingham City Museums has now secured £1.73 million to begin the first phase of essential works on the historic site.

The Abbey, which dates back to 1274 and was once home to Romantic poet Lord Byron, is owned by Nottingham City Council and managed by Nottingham City Museums.

Newstead Abbey was handed over to the city in 1931 and is operated as a museum and visitor attraction within 300 acres of parkland. It houses important collections, including textiles, costume, and the nationally recognised Designated Lace Collection.

It is a Grade I listed building and Scheduled Monument, and has been on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register for several years due to the deteriorating condition of its roofs and internal structures. Upgrades to fire and security systems and essential structural repairs will also be carried out.

The first phase of works will include replacing the copper and lead roofs, removing an obsolete water tank, and carrying out repairs to the Sussex Tower. The council has confirmed that no council capital funding will be required for this stage, as it will be fully covered by the two grants. Procurement for contractors and specialist survey teams will now begin, with the main contract estimated at £1.4 million.

The funding includes £1,482,882 from Arts Council England’s Museum Estate and Development Fund (MEND) Round 4, and £249,828 of match funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The money will allow phase one of a five-phase, £8.5 million restoration plan to get underway.

Further funding bids are being prepared for Phases 2 to 5, which will address the remaining slate roofs, upgrade mechanical and electrical systems such as heating, lighting and fire alarms, and improve accessibility to ensure the site meets modern standards for visitors.

To assist future phases, the council has ring-fenced £206,521 in existing reserves and donations linked to Newstead Abbey, and will also launch a public “Raise the Roof” fundraising campaign with the Newstead Abbey Partnership. The campaign will seek donations to act as match funding for upcoming grant bids and further restoration work.

Police share burglary warning ahead of dark nights in Gedling borough

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14/10/2025

Police share burglary warning ahead of dark nights in Gedling borough

Police are urging Gedling borough residents to be vigilant and take extra precautions to protect their homes and valuables as the darker nights draw in.

With autumn having arrived, the clocks set to go back, and winter soon approaching, there is often a seasonal increase in burglaries.

Opportunistic criminals will use the cover of darkness to commit offences such as theft, burglary, and robbery to steal jewellery and tech more easily.

Thieves will attempt to open insecure doors and windows or target empty homes and those with valuables clearly on display.

Always ensure that doors and windows are locked, and valuables are kept in a safe place and out of sight.

Inspector Paul Shortt, of Nottinghamshire Police’s burglary team, said: “We know that burglary is a personal and invasive crime and can often impact people’s wellbeing and sense of security, which is why we take all reports so seriously.

“The straightforward tips are often the most effective: ensure that all your doors and windows are securely locked, even when at home.

“Burglars don’t want to be seen or heard by neighbours or passers-by, as this will expose them, so installing motion-sensitive lighting to illuminate an area is an effective deterrent.

“We would advise people to remove keys from locks and ensure keys are out of reach and sight of a letterbox, so that a hook cannot be used by thieves to retrieve them.

“Don’t leave windows ajar because that might invite an opportunistic burglar to reach inside or jemmy a window to gain access.

“Installing and setting a burglar alarm, fitting robust bolts and locks to external gates, and removing expensive technology, jewellery, and cash from public view are all effective ways of reducing opportunities for thieves.

“We would always encourage residents to report any suspicious activity to Nottinghamshire Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.”

Gedling borough groups and charities urged to apply for council community grants

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14/10/2025

Gedling borough groups and charities urged to apply for council community grants

Groups and charities across Gedling borough can now apply for the latest round of community-boosting grants which is now open.

Nottinghamshire County County’s Local Communities Fund (LCF) is open to eligible groups which can provide evidence that their projects will or do make a difference in their communities. This includes helping residents live healthier and more independent lives and contributing to a prosperous and growing local economy.

Capital grants can offer support towards improvements to local facilities, such as sport grounds, play areas and community centres, while smaller revenue grants are available to help with essential running costs, such as paying wages and bills.

Eligible groups can apply for a one-off grant of up to £20,000 (capital) or up to £5,000 (revenue) if they have match-funding in place plus an endorsement from their local Nottinghamshire County Councillor.

Groups have until Friday, November 7, 2025 to apply.

Following a full assessment process, groups will hear back whether they have been successful in February 2026.

Councillor Dawn Justice, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health, said she was delighted that the grant scheme was now open.

She said: “Community groups do such vital work to improve the lives and well-being of our residents, so the LCF can really help communities thrive by financially supporting community groups and charities.”

“We are expecting a large number of applications, so we have decided to make the whole year’s funding allocation available in this round.

“Priority will be given to applications that best meet the criteria, especially if these bids are from organisations that did not receive funding in the previous funding round.

More details are here: www.nottscc.gov.uk/LCF

Generations unite as Arnold care home hosts monthly intergenerational playgroup