More than 500 cannabis plants found after fire breaks out at Ravenshead house

Emily Sanchez
-
0
More than 500 cannabis plants found after fire breaks out at Ravenshead house

More than 500 cannabis plants were discovered inside a Ravenshead house after an illegal power supply sparked a fire.

Police were called to the large detached property on Nottingham Road in Ravenshead at around 2.55pm on Friday, August 7, after the blaze broke out.

Firefighters extinguished the fire, which officers believe was caused by an unlawful electricity connection being used to power a cannabis grow.

When they searched the house, officers uncovered 11 separate growing areas containing more than 500 cannabis plants at various stages of development.

Detective Sergeant Jackie Price said the operation was both sophisticated and highly profitable for those behind it.

She said: “This was a sophisticated and substantial grow which would have made the criminals behind it a considerable amount of money.

“As so often with these enterprises, it had become a fire hazard.

“It is fortunate, given the current hot and dry conditions, that the fire did not spread further and cause more damage.

“Needless to say, neighbouring properties and families were put at risk by the presence of this grow.”

Police said the cannabis factory has now been dismantled and the equipment used to power it has been destroyed.

DS Price added: “Tackling drug crime, which includes preventing the cultivation of cannabis in our communities, is a priority for officers so it is pleasing to be able to take action like this.

“Our investigations will continue and, as always when we discover these grows, we won’t hesitate to take further action if landlords are found to be allowing this sort of criminal activity inside their properties.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 433 of 7 August 2026, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Mapperley among areas targeted as three arrested after BB gun shootings from moving car

Emily Sanchez
-
0
Mapperley among areas targeted as three arrested after BB gun shootings from moving car

Three men have been arrested after a string of alleged BB gun attacks left people struck by pellets in Mapperley and other Nottinghamshire towns.

Police launched an investigation after reports that members of the public had been hit by pellets fired from a moving vehicle in Mapperley, Hucknall, Kimberley, Sutton-in-Ashfield and The Meadows on Monday and Tuesday.

Thankfully, nobody suffered any serious injuries, but officers described the incidents as “reckless and dangerous”.

The suspects were arrested after Operational Support officers stopped a car on the A38 near Kirkby-in-Ashfield at around 2pm on Tuesday.

Three men, aged 18, 19 and 22, were detained after officers allegedly found two BB guns and a container of pellets inside the vehicle.

All three were arrested on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to cause fear of violence and six counts of assault.

Inspector Chris Chell, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Thankfully, no one has been hurt during this series of incidents but firing anything from a moving vehicle is reckless and dangerous.

“Following investigations, we pulled over a car yesterday, made three arrests and recovered two BB guns and pellets.

“The officers involved should be commended for their efficient and rapid response to the incidents.”

Despite the arrests, Nottinghamshire Police said enquiries are continuing and officers are keen to hear from anyone who witnessed the incidents, particularly in Mapperley and the other affected areas.

Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 328 of 11 August 2026, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Awards to shine light on community heroes and organisations across Gedling borough

Gedling Eye Reporter
-
0
Awards to shine light on community heroes and organisations across Gedling borough

People are being urged to nominate a local hero or organisation for recognition at the borough’s annual community awards event.

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

Last year, the council received over 320 nominations across six categories, reflecting the generosity and community spirit in Gedling.

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

In addition to the six main categories, one exceptional nominee will be chosen to receive the prestigious Overall Pride of Gedling Award. Last year, this honour was awarded to Tommy Thompson for his vital fundraising efforts and unwavering commitment to supporting communities across Gedling.

The six award categories for 2026 are:

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

To nominate your local hero in any of these categories, please visit the dedicated website at www.prideofgedling.co.uk.

Councillor Lynda Pearson, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Place, said:  “The Pride of Gedling Awards are a powerful reminder of the kindness, dedication and community spirit that define our borough. Every day, people go above and beyond to support others, often without recognition. 

“These awards give us the chance to shine a spotlight on those remarkable individuals and groups, and I encourage everyone to put forward a nomination”.

Nominations will be accepted until Sunday, August 23. The awards ceremony will take place at the council’s Civic Centre in Arnold on Friday, October 16, 2026.

Cllr Henry Wheeler: ‘Sticking plaster solutions aren’t enough to keep our current leisure centres open – a new facility is desperately needed’

Gedling Eye
-
0
Cllr Henry Wheeler: ‘Sticking plaster solutions aren’t enough to keep our current leisure centres open – a new facility is desperately needed’

Cllr Henry Wheeler is Gedling Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Lifestyles, Health & Wellbeing. He has penned this response to recent criticisms from opposition councillors about the new Carlton Active leisure centre project…

There has been a lot said recently by opposition councillors on Gedling Borough Council about Carlton Active. Put simply they criticise without saying what they will do differently themselves to prevent the loss of Gedling’s flagship leisure facility in Carlton. 

Carlton Forum Leisure Centre has about 2,300 health and fitness members and 1,900 children’s swim school members. It is one of the most frequently used council facilities in the Gedling borough area.  

Are opposition councillors seriously saying that they don’t want residents to have a leisure centre in Carlton?  Because that’s what will happen if Carlton Active does not go ahead. 

Carlton Forum is well over 55 years old and is failing structurally with sewers and drains that are collapsing and creaking at the seams.  No amount of sticking plaster solutions is going to change that.  At least by building a new centre on the former Richard Herrod Site we can combine a leisure offer with acommunity and wellbeing offer and keep the sports hall open at the Carlton Forum site. 

Are opposition councillors who have no plan seriously suggesting that the council does nothing and run the risk of closing a flagship leisure asset on health and safety grounds because of excrement entering the building? That’s what will happen as there’s the very real risk of sewage leaking into the swimming pool at Carlton Forum and not having a Leisure and Community Hub to replace Carlton Forum would be disastrous.  Also, the knock-on effect would have financial consequences for all the other leisure facilities which Gedling Borough Council operates. 

As it stands, Carlton Forum is under a joint-use agreement with the County Council and the Redhill Academy Trust.  I have this to say to the Conservatives: in all the time they were in office at County Hall they failed to put the significant investment that was needed into the structural integrity of Carlton Forum including the drains and sewers, despite it being part of the Joint Use Agreement with Gedling Borough Council.  They can criticise all they want but if opposition councillors haven’t got an alternative plan and cannot admit that they failed to invest in assets they had responsibility for, then it’s a pointless exercise in spouting hot air.

It is absolute nonsense to say that we should wait for a new authority to decide on what to do with Carlton Forum. Local Government Reorganisation does not change the fact that Carlton Forum is structurally at end life.  How much longer can the sewage be kept at bay? 

Carlton Active will pay for itself in savings made in far lower energy costs for example, also as a flagship leisure and wellbeing centre there will be no shortage of people visiting and using the new Carlton Active. 

What’s for sure is this: regardless of Local Government Reorganisation whoever takes over Gedling will inherit aging leisure facilities and will be faced with the same challenges that we are currently faced with.  

What we are doing is investing in the future and ensuring Carlton, and indeed Gedling residents, have leisure facilities that are fit for purpose. We are most certainly not lumbering a new council with a white elephant. 

As it stands, we are not closing Carlton Forum until the new Carlton Active is built. To sum up the stance opposition councillors are taking risks leaving Carlton with no leisure facilities at all and that’s not a risk we are prepared to take. 

Finally, I won’t take any lectures on Indoor Bowls from the Conservatives when a Conservative Council not a million miles away evicted an Indoor Bowls Club in Rushcliffe.  As a Council, our officers have been very diligent in trying to help the Gedling Indoor Bowls Club find an alternative venue.

Police step up patrols after woman reports serious sexual assault in Newstead country park

Gedling Eye
-
0
Police step up patrols after woman reports serious sexual assault in Newstead country park

Police have increased patrols and deployed specialist search teams after a woman reported being seriously sexually assaulted in a Nottinghamshire country park.

The attack is believed to have happened in a wooded area of Newstead and Annesley Country Park shortly after 11am on Tuesday, August 4.

Officers remain at the scene as investigations continue, with drone operators and dog units assisting the search for the suspect.

Detective Inspector Ed Cook, of Nottinghamshire Police, said the incident was “extremely concerning” despite offences of this nature being rare.

He said: “I would like to reassure people we have a large team of officers working on this investigation and we are doing everything we can to find the person responsible.

“The suspect has been described as a white man in his 30s.

“Public safety remains our top priority and extra patrols will continue to be carried out in the area.

“I’d also encourage the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious or concerning behaviour to us immediately.”

Anyone who was in the area and witnessed anything suspicious, or who may have information that could help investigators, is urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101 quoting incident 38 of August 7.

Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

REVEALED: Plans for new £30m leisure centre in Carlton submitted by council

Lauren Monaghan
-
1
REVEALED: Plans for new £30m leisure centre in Carlton submitted by council

Designs for Carlton’s incoming brand-new leisure centre have been submitted.

Gedling Borough Council wants the Carlton Active centre to be built on land off Foxhill Road, where the Richard Herrod Centre currently stands.

That leisure centre has served the community for decades, housing a dry ski slope between the 1960s and 1990s and acting as the home of Gedling Indoor Bowls club from 1987 until 2026.

It closed its doors at the start of May this year, following the bowl club’s lease expiring, and to make way for the council’s nearly £30 million replacement building.

The Carlton Active project involves demolishing the Richard Herrod and the Carlton Forum site, deemed “not fit for purpose”, where the authority submitted formal plans outlining its intention to knock down the building around mid July.

Planning documents say the new building would have a smaller footprint than the current centre and would be built further south on the site.

Detailed drawings reveal that the ground floor will include an eight-lane swimming pool, a teaching pool, changing rooms, a café, a soft play area, a community room, and a studio with power-assisted equipment and toilets.

The first floor would house a gym, two studios, changing and toilet facilities, and the viewing area for the pool.

Gedling Borough Council has been criticised for its decision not to include an indoor bowls facility in the Carlton Active project, despite it having been originally considered in the proposals.

It meant the 300-member-strong Gedling Indoor Bowls Club was effectively displaced from the end of April, with no solid alternative location to move into.

Those involved have previously expressed concern for the health and well-being of club members, many of whom are older, fearing some could be left “isolated”.

Ian Summerscales, a director at the club, previously said that the lowest-priced relocation option would have cost between £2 million and £3 million to take over an industrial unit, refurbish it, and cover bills.

Current planning documents for the project say that the construction costs of including an indoor bowls hall in such plans are “substantial,” as it requires a site with clear spans, high ceilings, and environmental controls. 

Documents say: “When assessed alongside the overall project budget, the addition of a 3-rink, 4-rink or 6-rink facility would result in a level of cost that would render the scheme unaffordable and place the wider development at financial risk.”

The new centre will be constructed on the site of the Richard Herrod Centre in Carlton

Councillor Henry Wheeler (Lab), portfolio holder for lifestyles, health and wellbeing, previously told the authority’s cabinet that a six-rink bowls facility in the plans would add between £5.6 million to £7.7 million to capital costs, leaving the council a subsidy of around £500,000 a year.

Opposition councillor, Sam Smith (Con) said in July the project was a “complete white elephant” and criticised the authority for pushing ahead with the plans despite Local Government Reorganisation happening in the county, which will involve two new unitary authorities being created, including one which will now include Nottingham and parts of Gedling, Broxtowe and Rushcliffe and the other containing the rest of the county.

Cllr Smith said: “It is beyond ridiculous that the taxpayers of Gedling borough are being lumbered with a loan of £30 million to build a new leisure centre where the keys are going to be handed over to Nottingham City Council.

“The Carlton Active project is a complete white elephant. £30 million of debt the new council will be lumbered with, and it’s a new centre that doesn’t deliver everything the residents want.”

He called for the Labour-run Gedling council to “slam the brakes” on the project and let the new unitary authority take over, adding: “They’re gambling with residents’ money.

Councillors won’t be there to answer for it because it will be a new authority.”

Gedling Borough Council previously said more than £2m in backlog works were required for the two existing leisure centres, which, along with a £545,000 yearly subsidy, made them “unsustainable in their current form”.

The new Carlton Active building will have 154 parking spaces,  15 motorbike spaces, and 81 bicycle spaces.

The goal is to start demolishing the Richard Herrod Centre on September 28, 2026, with completion expected in either November or December.

Why More Sports Fans Are Turning to In-Play Betting During Live Games

Graham Finch
-
0
Why More Sports Fans Are Turning to In-Play Betting During Live Games

Watching live sports has become a far more interactive experience than it was just a few years ago. Instead of placing a prediction before kickoff and waiting for the final whistle, many fans now follow changing situations throughout the game and react as new opportunities appear.

In-play betting has become a popular way to stay connected to the action because it reflects what is happening in real time. As technology continues to improve, live markets, faster updates, and detailed statistics are giving sports fans more ways to follow games while making informed decisions.

Live Games Create Constant Opportunities

Unlike traditional pregame wagers, in-play betting evolves throughout the contest. Odds can shift after key moments such as touchdowns, goals, penalties, turnovers, substitutions, or momentum swings. This creates new opportunities that did not exist before the game began.

Many sports fans enjoy following these changes because they can evaluate how the game is actually unfolding instead of relying only on pregame expectations. A team that started slowly might begin controlling possession, while an underdog could exceed expectations after making tactical adjustments.

Some of the most common live betting markets include:

  • Next team to score,
  • Total points or goals,
  • Team to win after halftime,
  • Player performance markets,
  • Quarter or period outcomes.

Many sportsbooks, including FanDuel, organize these markets with continuously updated odds, allowing users to compare options while watching the game. Clear navigation and frequent updates make it easier to understand how events on the field affect available markets without leaving the live broadcast.

Better Technology Supports Faster Decisions

Modern sports technology has made in-play betting far more accessible than it once was. Live data feeds update scores, statistics, and odds within seconds, allowing sportsbooks to quickly adjust prices as games unfold.

Mobile applications also contribute to this experience. Fans no longer need to remain at a desktop computer because nearly every aspect of live betting can be managed from a smartphone or tablet while following the game from home or on the go.

Reliable live platforms typically provide:

  • Fast score updates,
  • Live statistics and team comparisons,
  • Simple navigation between markets,
  • Quick access to available wagers,
  • Secure payment and account management.

These improvements help reduce delays between important moments and updated betting options. As technology advances, the overall experience becomes smoother, helping fans focus on the game rather than navigating complicated menus.

Live Statistics Add Valuable Context

Live betting becomes more useful when it is supported by accurate information instead of emotion alone. Real-time statistics help explain whether momentum is actually changing or whether a short sequence simply appears more dramatic than it really is.

  • Team Performance: Possession, shots on target, first downs, passing efficiency, rebounds, and time of possession help show which team is creating better opportunities throughout the game.
  • Player Trends: Individual statistics such as passing yards, strikeouts, rushing attempts, assists, or shots provide additional context when evaluating player-related markets.
  • Game Momentum: Penalty counts, turnovers, scoring runs, corner kicks, power plays, and field position often reveal how quickly a contest is changing.

Rather than switching between several websites, many fans prefer platforms that combine these statistics with live odds in one location. Seeing performance data alongside available markets creates a clearer picture of what is happening and helps users understand why odds continue to move during the game.

Timing Matters During Live Betting

One of the biggest differences between pregame and in-play betting is how quickly conditions can change. Odds are constantly updated to reflect what is happening on the field, meaning timing often becomes just as important as the information itself. A scoring drive, pitching change, or successful challenge can all influence available markets within moments.

Many sports fans watch the game closely before placing a live wager, looking for patterns that emerge over several minutes rather than reacting to individual plays. Team adjustments, player substitutions, and tempo changes often provide useful context that is not immediately reflected by the scoreboard.

Waiting for a clearer picture of the game can also improve understanding of how momentum is developing. Combining live observations with updated statistics helps fans assess changing game situations more effectively. This thoughtful approach helps explain why many viewers prefer following the action closely before exploring the latest in play betting opportunities.

Different Sports Offer Different Live Experiences

Every sport creates unique in-play betting opportunities because the pace of competition varies significantly. Understanding those differences helps fans know which markets are available throughout each event.

Football often produces new markets after every drive, turnover, or scoring play. Basketball offers constant updates because scoring happens frequently and momentum can change within only a few possessions.

Baseball provides opportunities after every inning, pitching change, or important at bat. Hockey presents new options during power plays, penalty kills, and overtime periods. Soccer focuses on possession, corner kicks, substitutions, and match tempo as odds continue adjusting throughout ninety minutes.

The pace of each sport influences how quickly betting markets move. Faster sports tend to produce more frequent updates, while slower games give fans more time to review statistics before making decisions. Recognizing these differences allows viewers to approach each live event with more realistic expectations while enjoying a more engaging experience.

Following the Action With Greater Engagement

Many sports fans appreciate in-play betting because it keeps them connected to every stage of a game rather than focusing only on the final result. Each possession, inning, period, or drive can introduce new information that changes how the contest is viewed. At the same time, successful live betting depends on paying attention to reliable information instead of reacting to every exciting moment.

Watching the game carefully, reviewing updated statistics, and understanding how different sports develop over time all contribute to a more informed approach. As technology continues to improve, live betting is likely to remain an important part of the sports viewing experience. Faster updates, detailed statistics, and easy access through mobile platforms allow fans to follow games with greater awareness while enjoying the excitement that unfolds from the opening whistle to the final play.

Boy, 11, robbed of scooter as thug pulls out meat cleaver in Carlton street attack

David Bratton
-
1
Boy, 11, robbed of scooter as thug pulls out meat cleaver in Carlton street attack

An 11-year-old boy was robbed of his scooter after being pushed off it by two moped riders in a shocking street attack in Carlton.

The youngster was riding along Burton Road in Carlton, Nottingham, at around 4.45pm on July 16 when he was approached by two suspects on a moped.

Police said the boy was knocked from his scooter before a member of the public stepped in to help.

But the situation escalated when one of the offenders allegedly brandished a meat cleaver.

The pair then made off with the scooter, heading towards nearby Netherfield.

Detectives have been investigating the robbery and have reviewed CCTV footage from the area as part of their enquiries.

They have now released images of two people they believe may be able to help with the investigation.

Detective Constable David Hanmore, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We want to speak to the two individuals pictured so we can take their account.

“While we fully understand the images are not very clear, we believe the distinctive balaclava and top worn by one of them could assist with identification.

“Our young victim was left shaken by what happened to him, so we’d urge anyone with any information or relevant footage to get in touch without delay.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 576 of July 16, 2026. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

More Notts Residents Are Trying Their Hand at Trading: A Few Things Worth Knowing First

Gedling Eye
-
0
More Notts Residents Are Trying Their Hand at Trading: A Few Things Worth Knowing First

Trading apps have made the markets as easy to reach as online shopping – and around 1.6 million people in the UK now trade from their phones. Before joining them, it pays to know what the adverts leave out.

Talk to people around Gedling borough about money at the moment and a theme comes up: everything costs more, wages have not kept pace, and the adverts promising a second income from trading have never been more visible. Trading apps sit on the same phones as the supermarket app, sign-up takes minutes, and some platforms now offer products – options, leveraged trades – that used to be the preserve of City professionals.

None of this is automatically bad. Investing sensibly over years is one of the better financial habits a household can build. But there is a real difference between patient investing and the high-speed trading the adverts glamorise, and the gap between the two is where people get hurt.

The number the adverts must show you – and why it matters

By law, UK providers of the riskier trading products must publish what percentage of their retail customers lose money. Look at the small print at the bottom of those adverts and you will see it: across the industry, well over half of retail customers lose, year after year. That is not a scandal being hidden – it is printed right there – but it is the single most useful fact in the entire subject, and almost nobody reads it.

Options and leverage: know what you’re holding

The products deserving most caution are the leveraged ones – options, CFDs and spread bets – where a small stake controls a much larger position. Losses arrive faster and larger than beginners expect, and with some products can exceed the money put in. Options in particular have genuine, sensible uses for experienced investors, but they are a professional’s tool being marketed with a consumer’s interface.

Anyone determined to explore them should do two things first: understand exactly how the product loses money before thinking about how it makes it, and choose a provider on independent evidence rather than advertising. Comparisons of UK options trading platforms published by The Investors Centre are compiled from real funded accounts rather than providers’ marketing, which is the difference between a road test and a brochure.

Sensible rules for a first-timer

Use only money whose loss would change nothing – never the bill money, never the emergency fund. Check any provider on the FCA register before depositing a pound, because clone-firm scams specifically target new traders. Treat anyone on social media promising returns as a red flag, since promising returns is precisely what regulated firms are not allowed to do. And start with boring: for most households, a simple diversified investment held for years beats every exciting alternative on the app store.

The markets are not a scam and they are not a lottery ticket. They are a tool – and like any tool, the outcomes depend less on the tool than on whether the person holding it read the instructions.

Bold new mural brings colour and community spirit to Lambley Lane Rec

Gedling Eye
-
2
Bold new mural brings colour and community spirit to Lambley Lane Rec

A vibrant new mural has transformed Lambley Lane Recreation Ground, celebrating the area’s sporting heritage, local history and natural environment—while helping to deter vandalism after recent graffiti incidents.

The artwork, painted across the newly installed sports cabins, was championed by local ward councillor and Deputy Leader Jenny Hollingsworth, who also works with community groups supporting parks and open spaces in Gedling village.

Created by Nottingham artist Alex Rubes, the mural reflects everything that makes the site special. It features nods to Mapperley All Stars Football Club and Burton Joyce Cricket Club, alongside imagery inspired by Gedling’s landscape and its close ties to Gedling Country Park.

The design was shaped through consultation with ward councillors, the Friends of Gedling Country Park, and regular park users, ensuring the final piece truly represents the community. Rubes is already well‑known locally for his popular mural at Breck Hill Park in Arnold, which has become a much‑loved landmark.

Councillor Viv McCrossen, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Parks and Environmental Health, said:

“This mural is a fantastic addition to Lambley Lane Recreation Ground. Not only will it help discourage further graffiti, it’s created a real sense of identity and pride for the site.”

The finished mural now stands as a colourful, lasting feature for residents, visitors and sports clubs—celebrating the people, history and natural beauty that make Gedling unique.

1...456...1,036Page 5 of 1,036