Nottingham City Council say work is ‘going well’ to complete a new footbridge over the River Trent near Colwick as they prepare for its opening this spring.
“We’re now working on walking and cycling connections that will help safely link up those on bike and on foot with the new bridge,” a spokesman said.
“The project includes a three-metre shared-use path along the southern side of the pavement on Daleside Road, including a new planting area providing separation between the new path and the road. It’s being funded by the East Midlands Combined Authority.
“On site, work is taking place to prepare the area ready for the smaller basin bridge and the ramps and footpaths that will lead to the main bridge on each side of the river.”
Gedling neighbourhood policing team’s Inspector Steve King has provided an update on how they have progressed on tackling crime across the borough during January…
King wrote: “As we head into a new month, I’d like to update you on the work your Neighbourhood Policing Team has been carrying out.
“Our priorities from January to March 2026 remain the same with acquisitive crime (burglary, robbery, shoplifting and theft), anti-social behaviour (including behavioural, motorcycle, speeding, begging) and drugs (possession, supply, cannabis cultivation)
“We’ve continued to build on the positive progress made at the end of 2025, particularly in reducing shop theft. Our list of the Top 5 repeat locations for shoplifting has recently been refreshed, and officers have been carrying out focused patrols – both uniformed and plain clothes – at each site.
“We’re working closely with local businesses to identify prolific offenders and take appropriate action. Where possible, this includes supporting individuals with underlying vulnerabilities that contribute to their offending.I’m pleased to report that this sustained effort has resulted in a 17% reduction in reported shop theft in January.”
The Inspector had previously informed residents about an increase in vehicle thefts late last year. In response, a proactive policing operation was launched in December and was strongly supported by intelligence from both officers and the public.
“This led to the arrest of a suspect believed to be linked to a series of offences,” said King.
“Since then, vehicle crime has continued to fall – down by 17% in January alone. Investigations remain ongoing to ensure we maintain this progress.”
It was revealed there had been a slight increase in burglary reports over the last six weeks. Inspector King said investigations were making full use of available technology – including ANPR, forensics, and facial recognition – to identify those responsible.
“I would like to take this opportunity to remind residents about home security,” he said.
“Simple steps such as using light timers, closing curtains at night, and investing in CCTV or alarms can significantly deter potential offenders.”
Anti-Social Behaviour (ASB) has continued its year-on-year downward trend, with a 10% reduction in January.
King wrote: “We have seen a small number of youth related ASB reports, including a group causing damage and nuisance in Arnold Town Centre. Our team has taken firm action and we recently seized an illegal e-bike after it was ridden through a store. To be absolutely clear: this behaviour will not be tolerated in Gedling borough. We will take positive action, which may include prosecution and working with partners to consider civil measures or tenancy interventions where appropriate.
He added: “I also want to thank the many parents who know where their children are and who reinforce clear boundaries at home. Working together, we can ensure Gedling borough remains a safe and enjoyable place for everyone.”
The Neighbourhood Policing Team say they are continuing to proactively target drug use and supply in the local area, and this work has resulted in an increase in recorded offences for January.
“In this case, an increase is welcome,” said Inspector King.
“It reflects the success of our proactive disruption.We are acutely aware of the impact that illegal drug activity has on communities, including ASB, exploitation and wider criminality.
“Community intelligence is key to tackling this, so please continue to report concerns via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
He concluded: “Thank you, as always, for your continued support of your local policing teams.”
A few things clicked for me after last year’s Coffee Morning. The cakes were a hit, the company was lovely, and the fundraising went well… but my bin bags told a different story. I filled two full sacks by the end of the afternoon, and that didn’t sit right with me. It wasn’t anyone’s fault; I’d just underestimated how quickly cups, napkins, packaging, and leftovers add up.
So this year, I tried something new: an eco-friendly, low-waste setup that ended up saving me money, making the room calmer, and surprisingly boosting donations.
Here’s the playbook I used, with notes you can easily copy for your own Macmillan Coffee Morning.
What I learned from last year’s waste audit
After hosting a few fundraisers in the same space, I had an idea of where the main waste came from.
So last year I did a simple “audit” (just tipping everything out afterwards and sorting it into rough groups).
Waste Type
Notes
Single-use cups
The biggest category by far
Paper napkins
Used quickly and often grabbed in handfuls, so lots of waste
Food packaging
Supermarket cake trays, cling film, bakery wrappers, and foil
Leftovers
A full tray of brownies and half a quiche nobody touched
Just spending 15 minutes looking at the pile made it much easier to see where small swaps would help next time.
Reusables that made a real difference
I didn’t buy anything fancy to cut down on waste. I just gathered what I already had and asked friends to bring a few extras.
What I used this year:
Mugs (plastic for the kids!) instead of disposable cups
Real cutlery (plastic for the kids!)
A couple of large jugs of water and juice
Wipeable signs instead of paper ones
A washing-up station with two bowls and a tea towel
The washing-up looked like a hassle on paper, but it worked surprisingly well. People rinsed their own mugs without me asking, mostly because everything was in one place. It also kept the tables looking tidy.
Top Tip: Plan with RSVPs (and avoid panic-baking)
Last year, I baked far too much, wanting to impress my friends and make sure I had a big selection. This year, I sent a tiny RSVP form the week before so I had an idea of numbers.
How I used the info:
I reduced the baking list to three things, assuming everyone would have 3-4 pieces each
I bought two supermarket traybakes and gave them a quick “signature drizzle” to make them look homemade
I portioned everything before the guests arrived
Working based on actual headcount kept costs down and left me with just a small container of leftovers, nothing like the mountain from last year.
What happened to the leftovers
I put aside a few slices for neighbours who couldn’t attend but sent donations online. The rest went straight to our local community fridge, where it all disappeared within an hour.
Knowing the food went to good use was genuinely lovely, and it stopped me grazing for the rest of the day out of guilt!
Screenshot
Turning savings into donations
By cutting out disposable cups, I saved an easy £6–£8. Buying fewer ingredients and using traybakes also lowered my spend. I counted the difference and added it straight into the donation pot.
Where the savings came from:
Change
Approx. Saving
No disposable cups
£6
Fewer home-baked items
£10–£12
Less packaging
£4
Using reusables already at home
£5+
Total added to the pot: around £20, which pushed us past our target.
Little systems that reduce rubbish on the day
These small tweaks kept everything running smoothly, and I’d recommend them for any Coffee Morning:
A labelled bin for recyclables only
A clearly marked mug-return area
A small compost caddy for fruit peels and coffee grounds
Pre-cut servings to avoid extra napkins and crumbs everywhere
They sound tiny, but guests noticed, and a few even asked for tips for their own Coffee Mornings!
All the low-waste swaps that helped
Old Way
New Way
Disposable cups
Mugs from home + washing station
Loads of home baking
2–3 bakes + supermarket traybakes with drizzle
Guessing numbers
Simple RSVP count
Big stack of napkins
Small pile + reusable cloths nearby
One big bin
Recycling + compost + minimal general waste
Unplanned leftovers
Pre-portioned plates + community fridge drop-off
Why low-waste hosting raises more
I didn’t expect this, but running a low-waste Coffee Morning became a talking point. Guests asked questions, stayed longer, and got more involved because it felt thoughtful and organised.
A few even said the effort behind the low-waste approach nudged them to add an extra donation.
A low-waste Coffee Morning isn’t about being perfect. It’s about hosting something warm, welcoming, and easy to run without a mountain of rubbish afterwards. If you try even one or two of these swaps, the difference is huge.
I think everyone should host a (low-waste) Coffee Morning if they can! It’s the best way to donate to Macmillan Cancer Support, spend time with friends, and make a real difference together.
BIO
I’m Holly, a business owner and lifelong lemon-drizzle enthusiast who loves nothing more than a good natter over a cup of coffee. When I’m not writing, chatting, or working, you’ll probably find me helping out at my local church or cuddling my two dogs. Hosting my first Macmillan Coffee Morning reminded me how powerful small community moments can be and I can’t wait to plan the next one.
Building credit in your twenties doesn’t mean getting loans later. It means creating opportunities you don’t even realise you’ll want yet. Whether it’s securing a better rate on a car loan, renting a flat without a guarantor, or eventually getting a mortgage, your credit score is the invisible key that unlocks those possibilities.
The good news is that you’re not starting from zero, you’re starting from the perfect age, while time is on your side. Read along to discover how to build genuine credit habits that’ll pay off for decades.
Why Credit Matters for Young Professionals
Your credit score is essentially your financial reputation. Lenders use it to decide whether they’ll trust you with money and what interest rates they’ll offer you. A stronger score means better deals on mortgages, lower interest on loans, and even better terms on car finance.
If you’re just starting out, you might have little to no credit history. That’s not a problem, but it does mean you’ll need to build it deliberately. The sooner you start, the more time you have to establish a solid track record.
Getting a Car Loan in Nottingham
One of the most straightforward ways to build credit is through a car loan. Living in Nottingham, you’ll appreciate having reliable transport for commuting across the city or heading out to the countryside.
The key here is choosing the right loan for your situation. Start modest. Don’t get tempted by that fancy car you’ve seen around the Old Market Square. Instead, pick a reliable used vehicle that fits comfortably within your budget. You want a monthly payment you can easily handle without stretching your finances. When youapply for a car loan in Nottingham, focus on what you can afford to repay consistently.
Making regular, on-time payments on your car loan builds your credit score faster than almost anything else. Each month you pay, you’re proving to lenders that you’re trustworthy. That history becomes valuable.
Building Your Score Takes Time
Don’t expect overnight results. Credit builds gradually, and that’s actually a good thing. It means you’re establishing genuine, sustainable habits that will pay dividends later in life.
Alongside a car loan, you can boost your score by paying bills on time, keeping credit card balances low, and avoiding taking on debt you don’t need or can’t pay back. Every positive action adds up.
When You’re Ready to Upgrade
Resist the urge to buy your dream car straight away. Build your score first and let those consistent payments work their magic. Once you’ve got a solid track record, you’ll find better interest rates and more loan options available to you. When you’re ready, upgrading to the car you’ve been wanting becomes an achievable goal, not a financial stretch.
Your early twenties are the perfect time to lay this foundation. The habits you build now will serve you for decades.
Signing Off
Building credit doesn’t require anything fancy. It’s about making smart choices, managing money responsibly, and being patient. Start with a modest car, choose a loan you can comfortably repay, and stick to it. Your future self will thank you for starting early.
The imagined inspiration story for William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, this powerful tale of love, loss and grief stars Paul Mescal (Shakespeare) and Jessie Buckley (Agnes Hathaway), the haunting yet inspiring tale envisions how the anguish caused by the death of their 11-year-old son is transformed into the Bard’s greatest tragic play.
H is for Hawk (12A) Sun 8 – Thu 19 February
Grieving for the loss of her father, Cambridge-based historian, writer and illustrator Helen (Claire Foy) adopts stubborn goshawk Mabel, and begins to reconnect with her own needs and emotions as she teaches the bird of prey to hunt independently.
Event Cinema: The Royal Ballet: Woolf Works (Cert TBC) Mon 9 February at 7.15pm
Choreographer Wayne McGregor leads a luminous artistic team to evoke Virginia Woolf’s signature stream of consciousness writing style in this immense work that rejects traditional narrative structures. Created in 2015 for The Royal Ballet, this Olivier-award winning ballet triptych captures the heart of Woolf’s uniquely artistic spirit.
The Spongebob Movie: Search for Squarepants (PG) Sat 14 – Wed 18 February
Our plucky hero descends from Bikini Bottom to the underworld aboard mysterious ghost pirate ship The Flying Dutchman to prove his courage and daring to Mr. Krabs. This comedy-adventure includes all your favourite characters from the anarchic Nickelodeon show.
Marty Supreme (15) Sat 14 – Tue 17 February
Timothée Chalamet plays Marty Mauser, a roguish US table tennis champ with his eyes singularly set on becoming the world champion in a film loosely inspired by the exploits of Marty “The Needle” Reisman.
It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley (CERT TBC) Sat 14 – Sun 15 February
It’s Never Over, Jeff Buckley documents the career of the pioneering alt rock singer-songwriter before his tragic early death. Renowned for his ethereal voice and idiosyncratic style, Buckley released just one masterpiece record Grace before accidentally drowning in the Mississippi River.
Also playing…
R.E.M. X Buster Keaton’s Sherlock Jr. (12A) Sat 14 – Sun 15 February
Big Hero 6 (PG) + Meet The Robots! Fri 20 February at 1:30pm
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple Fri 20 – Tue 24 February
The Scarecrow’s Wedding (U) Sat 21 – Sun 22 February at 10:30am
Zootropolis 2 (PG) Sat 21 – Tue 24 February
Dance Party Screening: The Rolling Stones and Jake Bugg Sat 21 February from 6.30pm The Rolling Stones: Welcome to Shepherd’s Bush (1999) Jake Bugg: Live at the Royal Albert Hall (2014)
Is This Thing On? (15) Sun 22 – Thu 26 Feb
The Voice of Hind Rajab (15) Mon 23 – Wed 25 February
National Theatre Live: The Audience (PG) Thu 26 February – Fri 13 March
100 Nights of Hero Fri 27 February – Tue 3 March at 4.30pm
Police have issued an image of a man they would like to speak to after a diner left a restaurant without paying.
It was reported a customer at a Mapperley restaurant refused to pay his bill and also threatened to kick a member of staff when challenged.
Officers say they have ‘pursued a number of enquiries’ in an effort to identify the man in the image since the incident on October 30, 2025, as they believe he can assist the investigation.
Sergeant Liz Johnson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We are now appealing for the public’s help.
“Making off without payment harms businesses and there can be no excuse for threatening staff with violence.
“We are keen to speak to this man about the incident and would ask him, or anyone who recognises him, to come forward.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting 25*642769.
Police have now charged a woman following the investigation into the murder of Stephanie Irons in Mapperley.
Emergency services found the 23-year-old in the living room of her home on Westdale Lane on October 21, 2005 after concerns were raised about her safety by co-workers. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Stephanie’s former colleague Adedapo Adegbola, 40, pleaded guilty to her murder last month. Adegbola of Woodborough Road, Mapperley, is due to be sentenced tomorrow (5).
Police yesterday announced Mary Onolunosen, of Leeming Street, Mansfield, has now been charged with assisting an offender. The 40-year-old is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on March 6.
PICTURED: Stephanie Irons, who was murdered at her home on Westdale Lane
Detective Inspector Stuart Barson, lead investigator of the case, said: “This is a truly horrific incident, and Steph’s family and friends continue to be supported by our officers.
“Our team of investigators have worked extremely hard over the last few months on this case, and I am pleased we have now been able to charge a second suspect in relation to this investigation.”.
Miss Irons’ family previously paid tribute to the “bright young star,” saying: “Steph had an infectious smile and laugh which lit up any room she walked into.” They described her as a “beautiful, loving and caring daughter, sister, niece, cousin and friend” with “a huge heart.”
Work to create £20m of improvements to parts of Gedling borough will begin in April, it has been announced.
The Greater Carlton Regeneration Plan was launched back in 2024 by Gedling Borough Council and the new Greater Carlton Neighbourhood Board and has been described as ‘the most ambitious, community-led transformation programme the area has seen in a generation’.
Developed as part of the Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods and the wider Pride in Place programme, the scheme will deliver positive improvements for more than 53,000 residents in the designated area.
The council and Town Board say the plan has been shaped by extensive community engagement, with hundreds of residents contributing through surveys, workshops, school discussions and business engagement.
Investment is to be balanced across Greater Carlton, while providing targeted support in areas facing the greatest challenges, including parts of Netherfield, Carlton Hill and Cavendish.
The plan will also recognise and build on the area’s strong industrial, cultural and natural heritage.
