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Nottingham City Transport confirms £3 fare cap for 2025

Lucy Linton
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Nottingham City Transport confirms £3 fare cap for 2025

Nottingham City Transport (NCT) has confirmed its participation in the government’s £3 single bus fare cap from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025.

The cap ensures that the cost of an adult single journey remains affordable, including popular routes to Loughborough, Southwell and Calverton.

While the single fare remains accessible, regular travellers are encouraged to explore day and season tickets for additional savings. For those making two or more journeys within the Nottingham City Zone, the All-Day Ticket costs £5.30, offering better value than purchasing separate single fares.

Alternatively, customers can buy ten journeys via the NCTX Buses app for £27, saving £3. Frequent travellers can further reduce costs with NCT’s Easyrider Everyday or Anyday passes.

The cap ensures that the cost of an adult single journey remains affordable (PHOTO: NCT)

Under-19 single fares remain capped at £1.70, while students and passengers under 22 can access single tickets for £2.30 – available exclusively through the NCTX Buses App.

In the Outer Zone, those making two journeys a day should ask for a return ticket, which is capped at £6. But those making three journeys or more should buy an All-Day Network Ticket, priced at £7.80 for adults and £5.50 for under-19s.

The £2 fare cap scheme, introduced during the cost-of-living crisis in January 2023, saw a rise in bus usage, with 80% of passengers agreeing it helped reduce financial pressures.

Although the fare cap has increased, NCT remains focused on affordability. David Astill, NCT’s Managing Director, said, “NCT continues to offer some of the lowest bus fares in the country and with our high frequency services, we offer a genuine alternative to using the car.”

Bus fare can be purchased on board with Contactless Tap&Go, using cash (the exact fare is needed), via the NCTX Buses App, or with Robin Hood Pay As You Go cards.

For more details on fares and tickets, visit www.nctx.co.uk/fares-and-tickets or download the NCTX Buses App.

WEEKLY WALKS: A picturesque circular walk around Linby, Newstead Abbey Grounds and Papplewick

Graham Finch
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WEEKLY WALKS: A picturesque circular walk around Linby, Newstead Abbey Grounds and Papplewick

This week’s circular walk takes you from the picturesque village of Linby, through into the historic grounds of Newstead Abbey, then onwards to Papplewick before returning you to the start of your journey.

Distance: 8.78 km
Calculated time: 2h 40
Difficulty: Easy

Map of the walk


Visorando

Linby

From the Top Cross in Linby village walk up the hill to the traffic island. Turn right onto the path signed Linby Trail and National Cycle Network. This is along a railway cutting which follows the route of the Great Northern Railway. Here you will walk alongside a pond and see plenty of wild flowers and plants associated with railway lines.

At one point on the left some of the present day railway line called the Robin Hood line which runs into Nottingham can be viewed. To the right there are large conservation areas. This straight path continues for some considerable time until some large boulders are seen ahead partially blocking the path. Here the path turns sharply to the right still signposted the National Cycle Network alongside a woodland walk which may be visited if time allows.

Newstead Abbey estate

The walk will take you through the historic grounds of Newstead Abbey

The path then joins a tarmac road at one of the lodges to Newstead Abbey estate. Passing through this gate (there is no charge for walkers) follow the road until Newstead Abbey ruins come into view. The road is mostly flat apart from a couple of short climbs through glades. There are views over the country side and horses grazing in the fields on either side. As the road descends towards Newstead Abbey the upper lake and stable block can be seen to the left followed by a waterfall and then the magnificent aspect of Newstead Abbey comes into view with the garden lake to the right. Although originally an Augustinian Priory built in 1170 it is best known as the ancestral home of Lord Byron. There is a charge to visit the museum which houses Byron memorabilia and gardens. On the grassy areas in front of the Abbey there is usually an abundance of ducks and peacocks grazing.

Papplewick Hall

Follow the road round to the left between the ruins and the upper lake. Ahead is the stable block and bell tower. After passing a car park on the left and the cricket pitch to the right there is a crossroads. Turn right here and follow the tarmac road winding through the woods until a pair of wrought iron gates appears ahead. This it the entrance to another lodge, a footpath for walkers is marked to the right of the gates and follows alongside a hedge. At the other end there is a metal kissing gate to pass through before following a wide grassy path ahead with hedges on either side. At the end proceed through a metal gate and onto an unmade road which bears to the left and has large properties on either side. Follow this road called Hall Lane until a tree can be seen ahead in the middle of a small grassy area with a seat where the path meets the main road B683. Papplewick Hall can be seen immediately to the right at this junction.

Papplewick Village

Turn right along the road, with a footpath, following it into Papplewick village. It bears sharply right past a row of cottages and then right where there is a wide gap after Papplewick lodge showing a sign to The Church of St James Papplewick and a public footpath signposted to Linby. Pass through the wooden gate and follow this tarmac road in the direction of the church, which unfortunately is kept locked when not in use. Before reaching the church there is a well trodden signed path on the left through the fields to Linby. At the end of the field pass through a metal gate and over a wide footbridge over the river Leen and then continue alongside a hedge bordering an arable field until it emerges onto the main road B6011 into Linby.

Return to Linby

Turn right and follow this road into the village passing the Bottom Cross on the right and the old village school. On the left hand side, next to the bus shelter is an interesting Parish Map of Linby explaining the history of the village. Continue up the hill to the Top Cross to the start of the walk.

  • Have you got a suggested walk around the borough you want to share with our readers? You can email details to news@gedlingeye.co.uk

Parliament set to be told of risk of marrying first cousins

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Parliament set to be told of risk of marrying first cousins

Marriages between first cousins could soon be banned in Britain if a new proposal makes it through Parliament.

Tory MP Richard Holden introduced the Marriage (Prohibited Degrees of Relationship) Bill in the Commons yesterday (10) – where he argued that such marriages are linked to higher rates of birth defects and can “reinforce negative structures and control women”.

UK law currently prohibits marriages between siblings, parents and children, but not between first cousins, according to the Marriage Act 1949.

The Sexual Offences Act 2003 also criminalises sexual activity with certain family members – but though this does not include first cousins.

Holden’s proposed changes would require amendments to both these pieces of legislation.

Placing restrictions on first-cousin marriage would require changes to the Marriage Act 1949 and potentially the Sexual Offences Act 2003

Studies show that first-cousin marriages are associated with “approximately double the rate of birth defects compared to the general population”, the Basildon & Billericay MP said.

Holden has pointed out that the controversial form of marriage is “cultural rather than religious” in “some of the communities where it is more prevalent”.

Holden said: “Building on my previous work to ban hymenoplasty and so-called virginity testing in the last Parliament, I will urge the Government to reconsider the legality of first-cousin marriage in the UK.

“Many nations and states have taken action on this issue in recent years and it is time for us to do the same.”

Justice Minister Alex Davies-Jones, in response to a written parliamentary question on clamping down on first-cousin marriages, said: “Section one of the Marriage Act 1949 sets out that any marriages that take place within prohibited degrees of relationship are void.

“Under the legislation, prohibited degrees of relationship for marriage include marriages to a sibling, parent or child, but not marriages between first cousins.

“The Sexual Offences Act 2003 also makes sexual activity with the above family members, amongst others, a criminal offence, but this does not include first cousins.

“Placing restrictions on first-cousin marriage would require changes to the Marriage Act 1949 and potentially the Sexual Offences Act 2003.

“We are aware that all aspects of weddings, including first-cousin marriage, are important issues. We will take the time as a new Government to properly consider our marriage law, including the Law Commission’s 2022 wedding report, before publicly setting out our position.”

‘Heartfelt thanks’: Mapperley Greek restaurant Kalimera will grill ‘final gyros’ on Saturday as it prepares to close for good

Emily Sanchez
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‘Heartfelt thanks’: Mapperley Greek restaurant Kalimera will grill ‘final gyros’ on Saturday as it prepares to close for good

A popular Greek restaurant in Mapperley has announced the sad news it will close its doors for good on Saturday (14)

Kalimera announced the sad news on their Instagram account earlier this week.

The restaurant on Plains Road, which has been opened for half a decade, revealed the reason for closing in the post.

They posted: “On Saturday, December 14, Kalimera will be grilling its final gyros

“It’s now time for Theo to concentrate on his journey to a full recovery after his kidney transplant.

“Theo and Dora would like to give their heartfelt thanks to everyone for their custom, support and loyalty over the last 5 years.”

Customers expressed their sadness in comments.

One wrote: “You will be missed very much. We have loved our brekkies there over the years. We wish you well with your recovery.

Another posted: “The best gyros, Greek sandwich and pastries. You’ll be missed. All the best with your recovery.”

We reviewed their amazing breakfast three years ago…

Two men arrested in Arnold town centre as knife, cash and laughing gas seized

Gedling Eye
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Two men arrested in Arnold town centre as knife, cash and laughing gas seized

Two suspects were arrested and a knife, cash, and canisters of laughing gas were seized by patrolling officers in Arnold town centre.

Members of the Gedling North neighbourhood policing team were on patrol when their suspicions were peaked by a car spotted in a car park off High Street. 

The occupants were stopped and searches were carried out which resulted in officers finding a bag inside the vehicle which contained a hunting knife. 

Nitrous oxide cannisters and balloons, as well as a large amount of cash, were also seized while officers carried out their inquiries around 11.20pm on Friday (6). 

Two men, aged 22 and 27, were arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife in a public place and possession with intent to supply nitrous oxide – which is a Class C drug – for wrongful inhalation. 

PC Michael Callan, of the Gedling North neighbourhood team, said: “This was a really good stop by Gedling North’s proactive beat team.

“The whole team was involved and I hope it reassures members of the public that the local night-time economy is regularly patrolled as part of our daily work to crack down on crime and protect people from harm.

“I also hope our arrests and seizures serve as a reminder to people that we will take robust action against anyone suspected of carrying a knife or any other weapon on our streets and also that nitrous oxide, while legal to buy, is considered a controlled drug when possessed and used for wrongful inhalation.

“As a team we will continue to patrol in hotspot areas to deter anyone thinking about committing any kind of crime.

“Anti-social behaviour, violence and drug use will not be tolerated in our communities, and we hope our presence in these areas and our proactive work will assist those who need us on a night out, as well as making people feel safer.”

Public could soon be asked to share views on proposals for new Gedling heritage centre and Arnold park and ride site

David Bratton
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Public could soon be asked to share views on proposals for new Gedling heritage centre and Arnold park and ride site

Residents could soon be asked for their views on how cash given to the council from developers of local housing projects could be spent to improve parts of Gedling borough.

Gedling Borough Council’s Cabinet will meet on Thursday (12) and decide on if to go ahead with the recommendation of a new report about consulting the public over a number of projects that could be funded that include creating a new Park & Ride site near the A60 in Redhill, a heritage centre in Gedling Country Park and a leisure centre in Carlton.

The cash to pay for the proposed projects would come from the Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) which is a charge from local authorities on developers when there is new development in their area. It is used to help them deliver the infrastructure needed to support development in their area.

Now that the council has fulfilled its commitment to part fund the construction of the Gedling Access Road (GAR) now known as Colliery Way, through £4,448,120 of CIL and a visitor centre at Gedling Country Park – spending of £1,454,360 of CIL cash to cover the construction costs – two new projects can be selected.

A view of Gedling Country Park. PHOTO: Terry Lock
A new heritage centre could be constructed at Gedling Country Park. PHOTO: Terry Lock

The report proposes a number of projects that could be put before the public to share their views on.

These include a new bus-based Park and Ride Facility near Leapool Roundabout on the A60 which is not deliverable with the current level of funding available at present.

The report stated: “The land identified for the Leapool Park and Ride remains safeguarded and further design work will continue whilst future funding opportunities, such as the strategic CIL, are investigated.”

The cash could also be spent on improving pedestrian and cycle routes along the northern bank of the River Trent within Gedling, the Calverton Mineral Line and Gedling Colliery and Mapperley Plains.

It proposes that the recently-announced strategic vision for Arnold Town Centre called “Ambition Arnold” could also be delivered through CIL.

Money could also be used for the development of a new Carlton Leisure and Community Wellbeing Centre.

The report said: “Given the significant costs expected to arise from the development of a new Centre it is considered likely that a funding gap will exist in relation to the wider infrastructure works required to deliver this. As such it is considered that CIL receipts could be appropriate to help meet any potential funding gaps.”

Finally, the construction of a Heritage Centre at Gedling Country Park has also been proposed to display and educate visitors about the history of the site would again further encourage visitors into the Borough and enhance one of Gedling’s key Green Spaces.

The cabinet meet on Thursday to discuss plans and the meeting will be streamed live on YouTube. You can find the link HERE

Carlton developer celebrates success of Nottingham’s ‘Carnaby Street’ creation 

David Bratton
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Carlton developer celebrates success of Nottingham’s ‘Carnaby Street’ creation 

A Carlton-based developer who championed the regeneration of Bridlesmith Gate has celebrated the realisation of his vision of creating a thriving ‘Carnaby Street’ in Nottingham. 

Arran Bailey, managing director of ALB Group, bought 14 properties in Bridlesmith Gate and Byard Lane and seven in Lister Gate in a bid to maintain the prestigious, and once thriving, thoroughfares. All properties are now let. 

ALB Group have their headquarters on Cavendish Road in Carlton.

The developer, who embarked on the project in 2021, said the regeneration programme was achieved despite “disappointing” setbacks surrounding the Broad Marsh regeneration. 

Arran said: “I’m Nottingham born and bred and so knew the history of this area of town. My aim was to re-establish its vibrancy and appeal. By buying up empty units and injecting the spirit of creativity back into the area, I knew it would draw in independent as well as established retailers and re-establish its prestige.”

Bridlesmith Gate has been regenerated by the Carlton-based developer

Flexible rent agreements and unit sizes ranging from 400 sq. ft to 5,000 sq. ft have ensured a mix of high-calibre tenants at the locations, from established premier retailer Fred Perry Nottingham, to start-up coffee shop and private dining restaurant Table 47, music store Fopp and Coco Tang Cafe and Cocktail Bar.

Following the multiple property acquisitions, five local artists were enlisted to design and create murals on some of the high profile Bridlesmith Gate and Byard Lane buildings.

 One mural in Byard Lane adorned the first ever Paul Smith store. The building, now home to Brik Barbers, celebrated the Nottingham legend in artform and was honoured with a visit from the world-renowned fashion designer.

Arran said: “We had a fantastic reaction to the art installations, especially when Paul Smith himself came down. They’ve been a huge talking point and immensely instagrammable and, in my opinion, have absolutely helped achieve my vision of creating a thriving ‘Carnaby Street’ in Nottingham.” 

The developer is now turning his attention to Lister Gate. High-end retailer Flannels has already established its Nottingham store there. Sports Direct is moving into a unit previously occupied by H&M in early 2025. 

Arran has long been an advocate for retailers. He previously urged the City Council to offer rate discounts to businesses to secure the future growth of the area.

 He said: “Our approach to re-establishing the area’s appeal has been a huge success. Bridlesmith Gate has been reinvigorated and is back to being the thriving location it was before the Broadmarsh Centre closed. 

 “The closure was massively upsetting, as were the delays to the decisions on the site’s future. However, the new Broad Marsh Green Heart park is now open and has created an attractive gateway into the city. It is definitely another step in the right direction.

“The future is bright for Nottingham.” 

People from the past who helped shape the town of Netherfield

Graham Finch
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People from the past who helped shape the town of Netherfield

Below are three people from Netherfield’s past who have had a lasting impact on the town.

John Henry Bell

John Henry Bell was landlord of Netherfield’s only public house, the Railway Inn, or more familiarly, Jackie Bells.

Bell is remembered as everyone’s idea of what a pub landlord should look like – big, stout and cheerful.

Bell took over from John Stretch, the first landlord who opened the hotel in 1890, in about 1902 and retired in 1924.

Interested in Sports, he held boxing matches in an upper room at the Railway Inn and trained his whippets and ferrets in the nearby field, – which is still known as Jackie Bell’s field.

The former Jackie Bells pub is now apartments
The entrance to Jackie Bell’s Playing Field on Victoria Road in Netherfield

Samuel Bourne

Samuel Bourne was the son of a prosperous Staffordshire farmer.

Born in 1834, Samuel came to Nottingham in 1855 to work as a bank assistant. Developing an interest in photography he left the Bank in 1862 to go on a tour of India. When he returned to Nottingham in 1867 he married Mary Tolley, the eldest daughter of the Nottingham silk merchant and elastic web manufacturer, Abraham Tolley.

Having set up a business in India he went back there, with his wife, for two years before returning (now with a daughter) to England in 1869.

One of Samual Bourne’s photos taken during a trip to India
Portrait of Samuel Bourne, former president of Nottingham and Notts Photographic Society.

Once more in Nottingham, he entered into partnership with his brother-in-law, James Tolley, in factory in Robin Hood Street originally built by the well-known manufacturer William Windley.

Samuel Bourne soon took over a controlling interest in the cotton doubling aspect of the business and by 1877 he had formed his own independent Company.

Apart from the energy which he showed in running and expanding Brittania Mills there were several other outlets for his talents. He was a photographer of national importance and a water-colourist of distinction, a Justice of the Peace and heavily involved in Local Government at District, City and County levels.

He died at his home in the Park in 1912 and was buried in Nottingham General Cemetery. A blue plaque was placed on the side of his home. There’s also another memorial to him in the road name Bourne Street, in Netherfield.

Bourne is still regarded as one of the finest landscape and travel photographers of 19th-century India; combining a fine eye for composition with high technical expertise

Stanley Bourne

Samuel’s son, was born in 1875 and was educated at Nottingham High School, Rugby and Cambridge University.

He left Cambridge University and entered his father’s business and did much to promote overseas trade.

He eventually became Chairman of Directors of Bourne’s and Deputy Chairman of Courtaulds, Ltd.

Stanley continued to expand the family business and by the eve of the Second World War, Britannia Mills in Netherfield employed 1,000 people.

In addition to his business interests he was involved in public affairs as President of Nottingham Children’s Hospital, as a County Magistrate and in 1927 as a High Sheriff Of
Nottinghamshire.

He died at his home in Epperstone in October 1942.

Arnold Foodbank receives cash boost to help feed local families this Christmas

Emily Sanchez
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Arnold Foodbank receives cash boost to help feed local families this Christmas

With more people expected to rely on food banks this winter due to the cost-of-living crisis, the McCarthy Stone Foundation has donated £500 to an anti-poverty charity in Arnold to help hard-pressed families this Christmas.

The donation comes as a study revealed 10 million children and adults in the UK are experiencing food insecurity.

Part of the Trussell network, the Arnold Foodbank at Daybrook Baptist Church on Mansfield Road provides emergency food supplies and practical support to local people in need. In 2023, it supplied 2,397 three-day food parcels. Daybrook Baptist Church also runs ‘Kettle’s On!’, a free warm space every Wednesday morning between 10.30am and 12pm during which free breakfast is served and guests, who don’t need to be Foodbank users, can mingle and join in a range of activities.

As part of its commitment to making a positive difference to people’s lives, the McCarthy Stone Foundation said it hopes the donation will help alleviate some of the pressure on families at this time of year, so they can enjoy the magic of Christmas.

Pictured: Helen LLoyd, manager of Arnold Foodbank (Courtesy of Arnold Foodbank)

The foundation supports grassroots, volunteer led charitable causes that promote the health and wellbeing of older people. It is the independent, registered charity of the UK’s leading developer and manager of retirement communities, McCarthy Stone, which is due to begin construction work on a new Retirement Living development on Mansfield Road in Daybrook.

Helen Lloyd, manager at Arnold Foodbank, said: “The foodbank is a vital resource in Arnold, helping to provide food and other essential items to those in need. Christmas can be a tough time for families, especially when combined with the ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

“It is our busiest time of year, which is why donations are more important now than ever.

“We’re incredibly grateful to the McCarthy Stone Foundation for their generous donation which will go a long way in ensuring locals don’t go without food on Christmas. We also welcome their help, as part of our work focuses on engaging with older people in the community, so it’s a natural fit for us.”

Declan Fishwick, Business Development Manager at McCarthy Stone, added: “Right now, many families are under increasing financial pressure from inflation and high energy prices, which means many will be forced to choose between putting food on the table and buying presents. This is a choice no one should have to make, which is we’re supporting the Arnold Foodbank.

“Their contribution to the community is outstanding and we’re delighted to be able to chip in and help make a difference at this special time of year.”

Arnold man one of 30 local people training to be HGV drivers following council funding boost

Emily Sanchez
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Arnold man one of 30 local people training to be HGV drivers following council funding boost

HGVC, a leading HGV driver training specialist, is helping Gedling Borough Council train 30 local people to become HGV drivers as part of its fully funded Skills Bootcamps scheme.

The HGV Skills Bootcamps are flexible courses of up to 16 weeks, helping people build sector-specific skills.

The camps were first launched in December 2021 by the Department for Education (DfE) in response to a chronic shortage of HGV drivers, they have proven so successful that the DfE has since extended the programme into 2025.

Organisations of any size can access 100% funding by enrolling new recruits on the training scheme before they are employed. For organisations with fewer than 250 employees, the Skills Bootcamps are 90% funded, with employers paying the remaining 10 per cent of the course cost. For larger employers, the Skills Bootcamps are 70% funded.

Gedling Borough Council is supporting 30 fully funded places on Skills Bootcamps to help local people get into work and secure higher-paid careers.

The Skills Bootcamps will also help employers across the region to find the HGV drivers they need to keep their businesses growing and support the local economy.

Six of the 30 candidates have already completed the Skills Bootcamps training and secured employment.

Nick Norman, who lives in Arnold, secured one of the fully funded places made available by Gedling Borough Council.

He completed the HGV Skills Bootcamp (class 2) course with HGVC Training in September 2024 and was offered a job at Mobile Services in Ellistown as a car transporter driver the same month.

Describing his experience, Nick said: “I’ve always wanted to drive lorries ever since I passed my car driving test in 2004 but unfortunately, I was never able to afford it. When I came across the HGVC training, through a friend, I applied and was accepted. It was a dream come true that I could finally get my lorry licence. 

“I’m so happy I passed everything first time.”

James Clifford, CEO of HGVC, said: “The Skills Bootcamps have been crucial in helping remove the financial barrier that can deter entry into this profession for new drivers.

“Traditionally, 12-month apprenticeships were a common route into the industry. Now candidates can secure a high-paying HGV driving job in 16 weeks. It’s wonderful to hear stories like Nick’s and to see the real impact that the Skills Bootcamps can have.”

The Skills Bootcamps in HGV Driving have been such a success that Gedling Borough Council has asked HGVC to deliver an FLT (Fork Lift Truck) Bootcamp, providing further valuable skills and employment opportunities for local people.

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