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Council talking to East Midlands mayoral authority for funds to realise masterplan for Arnold

Gedling Borough Council is talking with the East Midlands mayoral authority and the Government to help it realise “impressive” plans to revitalise Arnold town centre.

The masterplan, called ‘Ambition Arnold’, outlines the potential for a new public square with better bus stops, green space and seating, an improved Arnold Leisure Centre, expanded Bonington Theatre, and more town centre homes.

Under the plan this area would become Arnold’s ‘cultural heart’, while Front Street could be transformed with more greenery, lighting, art, improved shop fronts, and children’s play features, to give it a better sense of identity.

Further afield the masterplan outlines ideas to improve pedestrian and cycle connections between Eagle Square and Arnot Hill Park.

A consultation, held in the summer this year, received responses from more than 650 residents and stakeholders.

It found 92 per cent of respondents felt the town was “tired” and in need of investment.

The masterplan was approved by the Labour-led council’s cabinet members on Thursday (December 12).

During the meeting Cllr David Ellis (Lab), who represents the Ernehale ward, said: “One of the things that is worth stressing, because we get criticism about spending money in Arnold, is how important Arnold is as a town centre for the borough as a whole. It is not a borough in two halves, it is a borough that works together.

“On the consultation it is pleasing the general response is the direction of travel is the right [thing], and the way we are looking to go is echoed by the residents.

“It is important is doesn’t just sit on the shelf now. The easy question is; what next?”

The council’s assistant director for housing, growth and regeneration, Tanya Najuk, said the authority had already acquired property in the town as part of the regeneration plans.

These properties include the vacant Arnold Working Men’s Club and shops at 135 to 141 Front Street.

The authority is also talking with the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA), led by Labour mayor Claire Ward, and the Labour Government, to secure funding to realise the masterplan.

Ms Najuk said: “The council has made the bold decision to acquire property as part of the land assembly strategy to look at how we can improve Arnold town centre to the north, where the feedback has highlighted particular issues in terms of that area suffering from neglect.

“We are busy working on those plans, talking to the mayoral authority in terms of what our ambitions are, talking to the Government to identify funds, but also through other funding mechanisms through the council as well.

“It is very much a living document that gives us the basis to make the argument that we’ve got a case, it is proven, it has support, therefore we have got a strong case to make for funding.”

The council has already invested £200,000 from its budget, on top of an additional £150,000 in ‘One Public Estate Programme funding, to support the Ambition Arnold project.

Consultants Willmott Dixon has been working with the council on drawing up the masterplan.

Cllr Jenny Hollingsworth (Lab), the deputy leader and portfolio holder for sustainable growth and economy, added: “David is absolutely right about the importance of Arnold town centre. It is our only town centre in the borough, but clearly shopping trends have changed, so we need to be looking at how we accommodate that.

“The public engagement has been really encouraging. The responses have been by and large very positive.”

How to find safe, quick, and easy ways to pay in an online casino

One of the key aspects while online gambling is the right selection of the method of payment. This ensures seamless transactions, better security, and a generally better gaming experience.  Kajot casino at slotovaslava.com. Understanding features and benefits will make informed choices and enjoy a smooth gaming experience.

Why Payment Methods Matter in Online Casinos

The means of payment you will use determines how quickly you deposit the funds and withdraw your winnings. While safe ones protect your financial information, flexible options ensure continuous gameplay.

Key Statistics:

About 68% of online casino players consider transaction speed when choosing a means of payment.

Over 50% of users prefer e-wallets due to increased security features and faster withdrawals.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Payment Method

Not all payment methods are suitable for every player or casino. Consider the following factors before deciding:

Speed of Transactions: Choose methods offering instant deposits and quick withdrawals.

Security Features: Opt for options with encryption and fraud protection.

Compatibility: Make sure the payment method works with your preferred casino and is available in your region.

Fees: Avoid methods with high fees that could reduce your winnings.

Ease of Use: Choose the most convenient methods to have smooth transactions with no hassle.

Following is the detail of most used options and their attributes:

1. Credit and Debit Cards

Accepted by almost all casinos.

Deposits are instant, but withdrawing takes a few days.

2. E-Wallets

Examples include PayPal, Skrill, and Neteller.

Highly secure and offer fast processing times for deposits as well as withdrawals.

3. Cryptocurrencies

Examples include Bitcoin and Ethereum.

Known for anonymity, low fees, and instant transactions. More than 20% of casinos already support cryptocurrencies.

4. Bank Transfers

Reliable, intended for larger transactions.

Slower than others, taking 3-5 business days.

5. Prepaid Cards

Examples include Paysafecard.

Great for safe deposits, but cannot be used for withdrawals.

6. Mobile Payment Solutions

Examples include Apple Pay and Google Pay.

Ideal for users who prefer gaming either on smartphones or tablets.

Tips for Choosing the Best Payment Method

Follow these tips to make sure you choose the correct payment method for your online casino transactions:

Research Casino Compatibility: The payment method should be accepted by the casino.

Read Reviews: Feedback from other players about the reliability of the method.

Test with Small Deposits: Do a smaller deposit to see how fast and secure it is.

Check for Bonus Eligibility: Some payment methods may be qualified for special promotions.

Choosing the best online casino payment method is crucial for an enjoyable and stress-free gambling experience. Whether you are one of those who prefer speed-a lot of e-wallets-or anonymity from cryptocurrencies, or if it’s the comfort of credit cards, there’s a method for you.

Exploring 888starz bookmaker in Somalia

888starz has established itself as a notable choice for bettors in Somalia. The platform combines a diverse range of betting options with user-friendly features, appealing to both new and seasoned users. Its intuitive design, dedicated mobile application, various payment methods, and dependable technical support make it a standout in the growing online betting market within Somalia.

User Interface Designed for Easy Navigation

The 888starz website presents a clean and organized interface, allowing users to find what they need with minimal effort. Key functional buttons, such as “Log In,” “Sign Up,” and “Deposit,” are prominently displayed at the top of the homepage. The menus are straightforward, guiding users through sports betting and online casino options.

The “Sports Betting” category is located within the main menu at the top, offering instant access to a wide range of events, both live and pre-match. Similarly, the “Online Casino” section is easily accessible from the same space, leading users to a diverse collection of casino games. 

Navigating between categories is fluid, ensuring users spend less time searching and more time enjoying the platform. With an overall clean layout and logical arrangement, 888starz provides an accessible and enjoyable betting experience.

Mobile Application Tailored for On-the-Go Betting

888starz understands the importance of mobile accessibility in the modern betting landscape. The platform offers a dedicated mobile application that enhances user convenience and allows seamless wagering from anywhere. The app comes in a compact size of approximately 38 megabytes, ensuring it doesn’t take up too much storage space on a smartphone.

It is important to note that the official 888starz mobile application is exclusively available for download from the platform’s official website. This ensures user safety and protects against counterfeit versions that might compromise personal information. The app mirrors the website’s functionality, offering smooth navigation and quick access to all betting sections, including sports and casino. With its responsive design and user-friendly interface, the app enriches the overall user experience for Somali bettors.

Reliable and Flexible Transactions

888starz prioritizes smooth financial transactions, providing users with multiple payment methods to suit their preferences. These include commonly used options like mobile money services, bank transfers, and e-wallets, all widely utilized within Somalia. The platform guarantees fast and reliable deposits and withdrawals, minimizing the wait times for users.

For local bettors, the minimum deposit amount is set at 15,000 Somali Shillings. This makes the platform accessible to a broad audience, including those preferring lower-stakes betting. Transactions are processed securely, ensuring user information remains protected at all times. The platform’s diverse payment solutions, combined with its efficiency, make deposits and withdrawals a stress-free process for all users.

Dependable Technical Support and Platform Reliability

The technical support system at 888starz is another highlight of the platform, providing consistent assistance to its users. Available 24/7, the support team can be reached through live chat or email, ensuring that any queries or technical issues are quickly resolved. The live chat feature, in particular, stands out for its prompt responses and friendly customer service agents.

The platform is also characterized by its reliability, with servers designed to handle heavy traffic without performance dips. Whether it’s placing a bet during a live match or withdrawing winnings, users can trust the system to perform seamlessly. By prioritizing user satisfaction with reliable technical support and a robust platform, 888starz maintains its appeal among Somali bettors.

Exploring Sports and Casino at 888starz

The 888starz platform in Somalia offers an exciting blend of two major forms of entertainment—sports betting and online casinos. It caters to bettors with a keen interest in diverse sports events, while casino enthusiasts can experience a broad selection of games. The platform’s well-crafted options make it a top choice for those looking to explore various betting opportunities in a secure and engaging environment.

Sports Betting at 888starz

Sports betting on 888starz gives users a rich assortment of sports to wager on, tailored to the preferences of Somali bettors. The bookmaker brings a user-friendly layout for avid sports fans to find their favorite events swiftly. With both pre-match and live betting options, it keeps excitement high, offering flexibility in how bets are placed.

Among the most popular sports for betting on 888starz are football, basketball, and tennis. Football enthusiasts can place bets on outcomes like match results, over/under goals, or specific player performances. The platform also covers a wide array of tournaments, including the UEFA Champions League, the English Premier League, and major international events such as the FIFA World Cup. 

Basketball betting includes games from the NBA and FIBA tournaments, with options like point spreads and total points. Tennis fans can explore events such as Wimbledon, the US Open, and the French Open, betting on match winners or specific sets.

The Online Casino Section at 888starz

The online casino section on 888starz provides an immersive range of games, designed for players of all preferences and experience levels. The platform stands out for its variety, offering both classic games and modern slots with attractive features and themes. Whether users prefer strategic games or those based on sheer luck, there’s something for everyone.

Popular games in this section include roulette, blackjack, and slots. Roulette comes in multiple versions, such as European, American, and French, offering players plenty of variety. Blackjack enthusiasts can enjoy different variations of the classic card game, designed to suit both beginners and seasoned players. 

Slots are plentiful, showcasing colorful and engaging designs, with themes ranging from adventure to mythology. Beyond these, the casino also offers poker, baccarat, and other favorites to cater to a broader audience.

Bonuses and Promotions at 888starz Somalia

The 888starz bookmaker in Somalia presents a generous array of bonuses and promotions crafted to attract both sports betting enthusiasts and online casino fans. By offering tailored incentives, the platform ensures that users can enjoy heightened excitement and benefits as they engage with their favorite activities. Bettors in Somalia will find these promotions appealing, with various bonuses that cater to both newcomers and regular users.

Sports Betting Bonuses

For sports betting fans in Somalia, 888starz provides several enticing bonuses that significantly enhance the betting experience. One standout bonus is the welcome offer, which matches a user’s first deposit. With a minimum deposit of 25,000 Somali Shillings, new users can receive a 100% bonus, up to a maximum of 1,500,000 Somali Shillings. This promotion gives newcomers an ideal starting point to explore the platform’s expansive sports options.

The bookmaker also offers a cashback bonus for sports enthusiasts. Users can earn back 10% of their weekly losses in sports betting, with cashback amounts capped at 400,000 Somali Shillings. 

Additionally, 888starz runs promotions tied to major sporting events, awarding free bets or enhanced odds for select matches. Bettors also can find accumulator boosts, where correctly predicting a multi-bet can increase winnings by as much as 20%. These bonuses create a rewarding experience for both casual and high-stakes bettors.

Online Casino Bonuses

The online casino fans at 888starz enjoy a variety of bonuses designed to add excitement to their gameplay. The welcome bonus for this section is equally compelling, offering a package of up to 3,750,000 Somali Shillings spread across the first four deposits. To qualify, users need to make a minimum deposit of 50,000 Somali Shillings for each phase of the offer.

Additionally, new players are rewarded with 150 free spins as part of the welcome package, which can be used on select slot games. Beyond that, loyal players benefit from weekly reload bonuses, where they can receive a 50% deposit bonus up to 1,000,000 Somali Shillings each week. The platform also features regular slot tournaments, offering cash prizes of up to 2,000,000 Somali Shillings for the top participants.

Your Guide to Betting on 888starz

Placing a bet on 888starz in Somalia is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. From creating an account to making your first sports bet, the entire process flows smoothly. With a few simple steps, bettors can quickly access the platform’s diverse betting options and start enjoying their favorite sports and events. Here’s a comprehensive guide to get you started.

How to Register on 888starz

Before placing a bet, users must create an account on the 888starz platform. The registration process is quick, ensuring that users can join and start exploring the site in no time. Follow these simple steps to register your account:

  1. Visit the official 888starz website.
  2. Click on the “Sign Up” button, located in the top-right corner of the homepage.
  3. Choose your preferred registration option. You can sign up using your email address, phone number, or through social media accounts.
  4. Fill in the required details, such as your name, contact information, and preferred currency (Somali Shillings).
  5. Create a secure password and agree to the terms and conditions.
  6. Complete the process by clicking the “Register” button. You also need to verify your account through a confirmation link sent to your email or phone.

How to Make a Deposit on 888starz

After creating an account, users need to fund it before placing any bets. Depositing money on 888starz is fast and secure, with several payment options available for Somali bettors. Here’s a step-by-step guide for making your first deposit:

  1. Log in to your new 888starz account.
  2. Click on the “Deposit” button, located at the top of the homepage.
  3. Select your preferred payment method. Options include mobile money services, bank transfers, or e-wallets.
  4. Enter the amount you wish to deposit. The minimum deposit is 25,000 Somali Shillings, making it accessible for all users.
  5. Follow the payment instructions for your chosen method. This includes entering your mobile money details or confirming the transfer through your bank.
  6. Once the transaction is complete, your account balance will update, and you’re ready to explore the betting opportunities.

How to Place Your First Sports Bet on 888starz

Placing your first sports bet on 888starz is just as easy as registering and depositing funds. With a wide range of events and betting options available, users can engage with their favorite sports effortlessly. Follow the steps below to get started:

  1. Log in to your 888starz account and ensure your balance is sufficient for the bet you plan to place.
  2. Navigate to the “Sports Betting” section, located in the top menu of the homepage.
  3. Browse the available sports and select the one you wish to bet on. Popular options include football, basketball, and tennis.
  4. Choose the event or tournament that interests you. For example, select a Premier League football match or an NBA game.
  5. Pick your desired betting market. Options like match outcomes, total goals, or specific player stats are available.
  6. Enter the amount you wish to wager and review your bet slip.
  7. Confirm your bet by clicking the “Place Bet” button.

Top five digital trends in modern entertainment for 2025

Regarding implementing new technologies, the entertainment industry has always led the way. From the emergence of streaming services to the development of more realistic video games, digital advancement has fundamentally impacted how we enjoy our preferred pastimes. It is quite evident from considering 2025 that these developments will only accelerate. Let us examine five main trends altering entertainment now and how they are opening doors for the future.

1. Streaming Takes Center Stage: The Future of Content Consumption

With on-demand access to an enormous collection of material, streaming services have become the pillar of entertainment. By 2025, streaming will surpass just passive watching experiences. Real-time polls or adaptable narratives are among the interactive components that probably will become standard. This change lets viewers relate to the material they consume more actively. Focusing on certain genres or groups, niche platforms—which provide highly customized experiences for audiences—are increasingly becoming popular. Furthermore, artificial intelligence is helping to improve suggestions so that viewers constantly find something suited for their taste. These developments point to a day when streaming will be about creating a customized trip rather than being about material.

2. Immersive Gaming: The Evolution of Casino Entertainment

It’s still clear that gaming, especially casino gaming, is a big source of new ideas in the entertainment business. Live player games have changed the way people play at online casinos by letting them connect with real people in real time and experience the thrill of a real casino from home. These sets let players connect with agents and other players, which makes the games feel more like a community.

Online casinos are also growing in popularity, providing players with diverse options to enjoy their favorite games. Platforms, including kansas online casinos, have attracted attention by offering convenient access to exciting games and immersive experiences. This surge highlights the increasing demand for digital platforms that prioritize accessibility and variety.

In addition, the combination of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology is changing the gaming industry by making it safer and more open. Systems that are driven by AI are also helping to encourage ethical games by finding trends of behavior to keep players safe. These new ideas are not only making gambling games more fun, but they are also making them better and more reliable for fans all over the world.

3. Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: Beyond the Basics

Virtual reality and augmented reality aren’t just used for games anymore. These tools are becoming important parts of many types of entertainment. AR and VR are now being used in movies, shows, and even live acts to make unique experiences.

More and more big towns are getting VR theaters, and gadgets that people can use at home are getting cheaper, so people can go on adventures in other worlds from the comfort of their own living rooms. Companies are also making it harder to tell the difference between fiction and reality by adding mixed experiences to live events where people can connect with digital elements.

In the future, VR theme parks that mix real and virtual worlds could be fully engaging. VR and AR have a lot of promise in the entertainment industry. They can add a new layer to how we experience stories and events.

4. Social Media as Entertainment Hubs

Social media sites have changed a lot since they were first created to connect people. These sites are now big entertainment places where you can find short videos, live streams, and tasks you can play online. TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube are the most popular sites, with millions of new people joining every day.

Bite-sized material is becoming more and more popular, and makers are getting more creative to keep people interested. AI tools are helping leaders make unique experiences for their fans, like votes and filters that they can interact with and videos that are made just for them.

Making money from ads, partnerships, and fan donations has also become an important part. Creators use these sources to keep their work going. As entertainment becomes more integrated into social media, it gets harder to tell the difference between professional and user-generated material.

5. AI and Personalized Experiences in Entertainment

In ways we never thought possible, AI is changing entertainment. AI is making everything more personalized and fun, from music streaming services that make mixes based on your mood to game systems that change how hard they are based on your skill level.

In 2025, material like music, movies, and art that is made by AI will become more popular. Even though these works are based on technology, they will offer a new point of view that combines imagination with mathematical accuracy. Virtual helpers and robots are also making it easier for people to interact with content by responding in real time and making suggestions based on personal preferences.

But the rising role of AI in entertainment brings up moral questions. Can AI really make art that looks like it was made by a real person? As technology gets better, these arguments are likely to keep going, making sure that entertainment changes in a good way.

Conclusion

Without a doubt, internet leisure is the way of the future. As we’ve seen, innovations in streaming, interactive games, and the rise of AR/VR are all going to change the way we interact with material. AI and social media are making events even more personalized, which makes entertainment more lively and open to everyone.

As 2025 draws near, it’s important to keep up with these trends so you can fully enjoy the exciting opportunities they bring. These improvements make sure that there’s something for everyone in the constantly changing digital world, whether you’re a casual watcher, a serious gamer, or a tech fanatic.

Gedling Borough Council announces bin collection changes over festive period

Residents in Gedling borough are being reminded of adjustments to rubbish and recycling collection schedules during the festive period.

All households will be affected by the Christmas bin collection changes this year due to Christmas Day falling midweek,

All collections will be earlier than usual, starting on Saturday, December 21, until Monday, January 1

A spokesman for Gedling Borough Council said: “Please make sure that your bin is put out before 6am as we will be collecting  all bins earlier than usual.”

When will my bin get collected over Christmas?

Bins will be collected on the following dates over the festive period:

Usual collection dateRevised collection date
Monday 23 DecSaturday 21 Dec
Tuesday 24 DecMonday 23 Dec
Wednesday 25 DecTuesday 24 Dec
Thursday 26 DecFriday 27 Dec
Friday 27 DecSaturday 28 Dec
Wednesday 1 JanThursday 2 Jan
Thursday 2 JanFriday 3 Jan
Friday 3 JanSaturday 4 Jan

Will the council be taking extra rubbing over Christmas?

Yes.

The council will be collecting extra rubbish between 21 December-10 January 2025:

  • a maximum of 2 extra bags of black bin waste (leave next to your black bin when it goes out for emptying), 
  • extra recycling, please leave it in cardboard boxes (next to your green bin when you put it out for emptying)

Driver detained in Colwick for possession of cannabis and ‘going equipped to steal’

A man has been arrested in Colwick on suspicion of ‘going equipped to steal.’ and possession of cannabis by the police’s road teams – who have stepped up patrols in the run up to Christmas.

He was also detained on suspicion of driving while disqualified and driving without insurance

The force’s dedicated roads crime team, supported by road policing colleagues, followed and stopped the car in Candle Meadow, Colwick, last Friday (6) which was suspected to be involved in criminality.

He was stopped by Nottinghamshire Police’s dedicated roads crime team PHOTO: Adobe Stock

Searches of the vehicle led to a 36-year-old man being detained.

He was also breathalysed, with the reading coming back as negative.

Chief Inspector James Walker, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We will continue to proactively patrol the roads, whether they’re strategic main routes or rural roads, to identify and target drink and drug drivers and take appropriate action to make sure all road users are safe.”

Anyone with information about suspected drink or drug driving should contact Nottinghamshire Police, by calling 101.

In case of an emergency, or if you believe a crime is in progress, always dial 999.

Ofcom fines Royal Mail £10.5m for ‘poor delivery performance’

Ofcom has today (13) fined Royal Mail £10,500,000 for failing to meet its First and Second Class delivery targets in the 2023/24 financial year. 

It is the second time the regulator found the company in breach of its regulatory obligations in recent years, after they fined it £5.6m in November 2023 for its performance during 2022/23.

Ofcom’s rules require Royal Mail to deliver, in each financial year, 93% of First Class mail within one working day of collection and 98.5% of Second Class mail within three working days of collection.

Royal Mail
The company blamed its poor performance on its challenging financial position

From April 2023 to March 2024, the company only delivered 74.7% of First Class mail on time and 92.7% of Second Class mail on time. The company blamed its poor performance on its challenging financial position, and delays to the ballot on a deal that followed the previous year’s industrial action.

Ian Strawhorne, Ofcom’s director of enforcement, said: “With millions of letters arriving late, far too many people aren’t getting what they pay for when they buy a stamp. Royal Mail’s poor service is now eroding public trust in one of the UK’s oldest institutions.

“This is the second time we’ve fined the company since the pandemic. Royal Mail has provided an improvement plan, and we’re seeing some signs of progress, but it must go further and faster to deliver the service that people expect.”

The financial penalty of £10,500,000 will be passed in full to HM Treasury, and a non-confidential version of Ofcom’s full decision will be published in due course.

The fine includes a 30% reduction from the £15,000,000 we would otherwise have imposed, reflecting Royal Mail’s admissions of liability and agreement to settle the case.

ALFRED SWINSCOE: New BBC documentary reveals FAMILY FRIEND with ‘history of violence’ is suspect in unsolved murder of miner who went to pub toilet and then vanished 57 years ago

A new BBC documentary airing tonight (13) will delve into the unsolved murder of Alfred Swinscow, and claims a family friend with ‘a history of violence’ was one of two suspects police have identified.

Mr Swinscoe’s remains were discovered in a field near Ravenshead last year and his family identified him by a pair of odd socks he was wearing.

The investigation by the BBC has established that a family friend is one of two suspects in the unsolved murder.

Both suspects in the murder were known to Alfred and one was a family friend with a history of violence, it will reveal.

The Odd Socks Murder, which will be broadcast on BBC One in the East Midlands also uncovers that Alfred’s family gave one of the suspect’s names to the police at the time of his disappearance 

The documentary raises questions about the thoroughness of both that original investigation – and the current murder inquiry. 

Alfred Swinscoe, aged 54 at the time, went missing in mysterious and unusual circumstances

The odd socks that led to the family identifying the remains of Mr Swinscoe

Alfred (54) was last seen alive by his family in the Miners Arms pub in the Derbyshire village of Pinxton in January 1967. His remains were found in a farmer’s field in April 2023, and it was discovered that he had been beaten and stabbed repeatedly in the neck. Alfred’s grandson, Russell Lowbridge, identified his body by the distinctive socks he was wearing.  

In August 2024, Nottinghamshire Police identified two suspects in Alfred’s historic murder. However, both suspects have since passed away and have not been named by the police. 

While the BBC have said they will not be naming the suspects, interviews with those who knew the family friend, as well as historical records, build a picture of a man with a history of violence. 

In August 2024, Nottinghamshire Police said this suspect had access to a vehicle and carried out a violent assault in April 1966 – a year before Mr Swinscoe was killed, inflicting some similar injuries on the victim. 

The BBC has established that the victim of that attack was a man called John Shawcroft. 

He has lived in Pinxton all of his life. He drank in the Miner’s Arms, where Mr Swinscoe was last seen, and saw him regularly. 

He also knew the “family friend” suspect well. 

“We used to go drinking, he said. “And mess about with motorbikes and cars.” 

But their friendship ended suddenly one night in April 1966. 

After driving to Mansfield to go drinking, the pair were sitting in the man’s car together. 

Without warning, he hit Mr Shawcroft in the face, then walked from the driver’s side to the passenger seat, dragged him out of the car and kicked him repeatedly as he lay on the floor. 

“We were just talking. Next thing bang,” said Mr Shawcroft. “I can remember him kicking me and that were it. I just lay there, I did.” 

Mr Shawcroft was left “bleeding profusely”, and was so badly injured he was in hospital for two weeks. 

Nottinghamshire Police said some of his wounds were similar to the blunt-force injuries believed to have been inflicted on Mr Swinscoe. 

His attacker was convicted of malicious wounding, one of the most serious violent offences in our legal system. 

After Alfred’s body was unearthed in 2023, the police issued an appeal for information, but have been accused of disregarding potentially new evidence from other witnesses. The BBC revealed details of its investigation to Mr Swinscoe’s grandson Russell Lowbridge. 

“It don’t seem right, does it,” Mr Lowbridge said. “They put an appeal out there for the public to help, and to me that’s just snubbing them.” 

  • The Odd Socks Murder will broadcast on BBC One on Friday, December 13 – and will be available on BBC iPlayer.  

Gedling Borough Council cabinet approve masterplan to improve Arnold town centre

Gedling Borough Council’s cabinet have officially approved the authority’s long-term plan to improve Arnold.

They say Ambition Arnold Visionary Masterplan report is a strategic framework designed to revitalise Arnold town centre and address its long-term sustainability.

Cabinet members met today (12) to discuss the report which was created following extensive public consultation and reveals strong support for improvements across key areas in Arnold.

The consultation, held in summer 2024, gathered feedback from over 650 residents and stakeholders. Findings showed clear backing for measures to improve the town’s appearance, diversify its shops, enhance safety, and create more appealing public spaces. Residents highlighted priorities such as reducing vacant shops, tackling anti-social behaviour, and providing better facilities for pedestrians and young people.

The council was awarded £150,000 from the One Public Estate (OPE) programme to support the feasibility studies to see how the Arnold Town Centre could be improved. A further £200,000 from existing budgets was used to create a business plan, surveys, and design works that will bring to life the vision of a revitalised town centre.

The council said the delivery of the masterplan is subject to significant funding, either from government, private investors or a combination of the two. 

Leader of Gedling Borough Council, Councillor John Clarke MBE said: “Arnold is a vibrant community with great potential.

“This masterplan gives us a clear vision for creating a thriving town centre that meets residents’ needs and attracts investment. Public feedback has been central to shaping this plan, and we are committed to delivering improvements that make a real difference. 

“We need to be clear that this is just a plan, for us to realise any of this, we will need huge investment, either from central government or through the private sector but this document makes it clear that if you invest in the area, it will deliver incredible results for the region.

Now that is has been approved by Cabinet, the Ambition Arnold Visionary Masterplan will serve as a framework for future projects and funding bids, supporting the regeneration and long-term prosperity of the town.

You can find out more about the plan at www.gedling.gov.uk/ambition-arnold

Council confirms it wants to make Eagle Square permanent home of Arnold Market

Gedling Borough Council has confirmed it wants to make Eagle Square the permanent home of Arnold Market, subject to final approvals.

The decision follows extensive consultations and the council said it aligns with the long-term vision for Arnold town centre’s development.

The market was temporarily relocated to Eagle Square in 2022.

Feedback from traders, businesses, and residents highlighted strong support for the move, with many recognising the benefits of keeping the market in this central location. Retailers and market traders were especially supportive, citing the market’s potential to drive footfall and boost local trade.

A recent consultation gathered input from over 130 stakeholders, including shoppers, business owners, and traders. While public opinion was mixed, with 48% of residents in favour, 62% of businesses and all market traders supported the permanent relocation. Suggestions included more variety in market stalls, regular deep cleaning of the area, and introducing specialist markets such as farmers’ or artisan events.

The market area has also seen significant investment with over £20,000 agreed for new canopies to be installed in the new year, alongside recent changes to the landscape of Eagle Square to make it more accessible, funded by the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

The council’s broader Ambition Arnold masterplan, which aims to revitalise the town centre, also prioritised enhancing the market offer. A benchmarking review showed Arnold’s market days bring higher footfall compared to similar towns, underlining its importance to the local economy. Despite this, the market has struggled to attract traders, with current numbers below the national average.

Plans for Eagle Square include a review of pricing, marketing, and management models to create a sustainable and vibrant market strategy. The council is committed to supporting local entrepreneurs and increasing visitor numbers to ensure the market thrives.

Councillor John Clarke MBE, Leader of Gedling Borough Council, said: “Arnold Market is a key part of the town’s identity, and keeping it at Eagle Square is the right decision for the community.

“We have been in constant contact with the traders, who have been on the site for over three years, and they have been supportive of this permanent move.

“The ambition we have for all of Arnold, our largest town centre and most visited shopping centre, will help revitalise our town centre, support local businesses, and attract more visitors. We’re committed to ensuring the market becomes a thriving hub for traders and shoppers alike.”

Final decisions will follow necessary planning and street trading permissions, expected in early 2025.