People across Gedling borough are being invited to join Nottinghamshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden for an community-led conversation about crime across the borough.
Mr Godden (pictured, below) said the Public Safety Social in Gedling Borough event will be ‘about listening, explaining and solving things together.’
“It’s an opportunity for residents who care about public safety in Gedling to share local insights, hear what’s already happening, and explore what more can be done through partnership,” he said.
PICTURED: Gary Godden holds the police force to account.
“It is not a public meeting or complaint forum, but a space for people who want to contribute thoughtfully to discussions about community safety, neighbourhood issues and prevention.
“Whether your interest is antisocial behaviour, neighbourhood policing, youth safety, rural crime, or wider community concerns, your perspective matters.
The event will begin with local overviews from the Police and Crime Commissioner, Neighbourhood Policing Inspector and Community Safety Manager. There will then be open conversations over tea and coffee and opportunities to raise issues, ask questions and share ideas
The event will take place on March 30 at 6pm and the location will be confirmed 48 hours prior to event to ensure security.
High-visibility patrols will remain in place across the borough as a national ‘scare mongering’ online trend encouraging violence between schools continues.
The ‘School Wars’ trend encourages pupils from different schools to fight one another, with a number of Nottingham schools mentioned in the online posts -including ones in Gedling borough.
Nottinghamshire Police have now issued a statement with an update on the situation to calm fears.
It said: “We know the impact these online posts are having on our local community especially concerned parents.
“We have a full policing plan to deal with this issue, and the high visibility patrols are designed to reassure and are there only as a precaution.
PHOTO: Adobe Stock
“We do not anticipate for these scare-mongering posts to be acted upon, but we are ready if they do.
“There were reports of an incident in the Ashfield area yesterday, where students from the same school gathered outside the grounds.
“I want to be really clear – this was a dispute between two pupils at the same school and there were no injuries, and the incident was controlled and deescalated.
“It was not related to School Wars.
“I want to take a moment to encourage people to ignore these posts and not give them any further ammunition by responding or sharing them.
“They are designed to divide our community and cause nothing more than fear and anxiety.
“Anyone who acts on these posts will be dealt with robustly. We simply won’t tolerate it. We want pupils and parents to feel safe within their communities and will act on any intelligence we receive.”
Plans for Carlton Active, the council’s proposed new health, wellbeing and leisure hub for the borough, have taken a significant forward after the council’s Overview and Scrutiny Committee voted to dismiss a call-in of the Cabinet decision on 19 February
The proposed development will create a state-of-the-art health and leisure centre, on the Richard Herrod site, replacing ageing facilities with modern spaces designed around community wellbeing and active lifestyles.
The council say the project has been developed with a focus on improving long-term health outcomes and encouraging more residents to be physically active.
So, what do the proposed plans for the new centre actually include?
Plans reveal the new centre would accommodate the following…
An eight-lane main swimming pool
A dedicated teaching pool to support learn-to-swim programmes
A large gym
Dedicated exercise studios enabling group wellbeing activities A sauna and steam room
An assisted exercise suite designed for rehabilitation and active ageing
Adventure soft play facilities for younger visitors
Flexible community spaces for events, youth services and health and wellbeing activities
A new café and social hub providing social connection for residents
Modern changing facilities and accessible design throughout
The council say they want the new centre to become more of a hub supporting everything from children’s swimming and play activities, fitness classes, accessible gym sessions as well as community events and social activities.
Specialist equipment designed for active ageing and rehabilitation will also be installed to help residents recovering from illness or managing long-term health conditions to exercise safely in a supportive environment.
The facility will also provide programmes offering support for people living with mobility issues, disabilities and long-term conditions, alongside targeted health referral initiatives such as cardiac rehabilitation support and physical activity programmes.
During the development of the latest proposals, the council listened to feedback from a wide range of user groups, including those who currently use facilities such as the Richard Herrod Centre and Carlton Forum Leisure Centre, as well as those who don’t currently the facilities to help shape the plans.
The Authority said detailed feasibility work also carried out revealed that incorporating a bowls hall within the development would significantly increase construction costs and reduce space for the facilities that are most in demand by residents, including swimming and fitness.
The council now plan to continue talking with all user groups as the project progresses to ensure the centre reflects the needs of the community.
Cllr Henry Wheeler, Portfolio Holder for Lifestyles, Health and Wellbeing at Gedling Borough Council, said: “Carlton Active represents one of the most ambitious investments in health and wellbeing our borough has seen in decades.
“This project is about much more than replacing an ageing building. It is about creating a modern, accessible space where people of all ages can improve their health, stay active and connect with their community.
“From swimming and fitness to rehabilitation programmes and community activities, Carlton Active will provide facilities that support thousands of residents every year.
“We know how important leisure facilities are to people’s daily lives and we are committed to delivering a centre that meets the needs of current and future generations.”
The project will now continue through the next stages of design and planning and the council hope make a decision on when to start construction of the new centre later this year.
The Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance (LNAA) has opened a new charity shop in Arnold town centre.
Located at 86–88 Front Street, the store is LNAA’s second shop in Nottinghamshire and joins the popular branch in Mansfield Woodhouse.
Inside, shoppers will find a fantastic mix of high‑quality, pre‑loved items including clothing, electrical goods, books, children’s toys and essentials, and a wide range of stylish homewares. Every purchase helps fund LNAA’s life‑saving missions, keeping its helicopter and critical care team ready to respond when every second counts.
LNAA receives no government funding, making its retail income a vital part of sustaining frontline operations. By donating, shopping, or volunteering, the local community plays a direct role in helping the charity continue to deliver critical care across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire.
The Arnold shop is actively welcoming new volunteers to join its friendly team. Details are available on the LNAA website: www.ambucopter.org.uk or pop into the shop for more information.
The shop is open for donations of good‑quality, saleable goods. Donors can use the convenient rear drop‑off point accessible via Blatherwick Car Park on Ravenswood Road.
A campaign group in Gedling borough have refuted claims their recent protest held at County Hall was organised by local councillors and intended to be ‘political.
Members of the Gedling Borough Potholes Group carried out a demonstration outside Nottinghamshire County Council’s HQ last week and then handed over a petition raising urgent concerns about the condition of roads in the area to leaders.
But they say it has been widely noted in the media that several Conservative councillors arrived at the same time as the demonstration and their presence has led to some members of the public believing the event was organised or co-ordinated by those councillors.
“This is not the case,” a spokesman from the group told Gedling Eye.
“The protest was arranged solely by the Gedling Borough Potholes Group, and the date and time had been publicly shared in advance.
“We are disappointed that the arrival of political representatives — who were aware of our plans — shifted the optics of the event and created the impression that it was politically driven or orchestrated by them.
“Our group is community-led, non‑partisan, and focused entirely on road safety and accountability. Our purpose last week, and always, is to ensure that the voices of local residents are heard and that meaningful action is taken to repair and maintain our roads.”
The spokesman added: “We remain committed to working constructively with Nottinghamshire County Council and all elected representatives who genuinely wish to address this issue.”
Take a look at the roadworks and closures scheduled for Gedling borough’s roads for the week beginning March 9.
Make sure to plan your journey and check before your travel as these planned works could affect you.
Arnold Lane, Gedling 11 March – 14 March Roadworks, Delays likely Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Breck Hill Road, Woodthorpe 10 March – 12 March Roadworks, Delays likely to install double yellow lines Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Carlton Hill, Carlton 10 March – 12 March Roadworks, Delays likely for pothole infill across the whole road Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Emerys Road, Gedling 10 March – 12 March Road closure Responsibility for works: Network Rail Infrastructure Ltd
Main Road, Ravenshead 12 March Roadworks, Delays likely Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Mansfield Road, Papplewick 13 March – 13 March Roadworks, Delays likely from B6011 Forest Lane junction extending in a northernly direction for 400-metres. Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Mavis Avenue, Ravenshead 10 March – 10 March Road closure Responsibility for works: Openreach Ltd
Nottingham Road, Burton Joyce 15 March Roadworks, Delays likely Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Trent Valley Road, Netherfield 13 March – 15 March Road closure for carriageway patching works from the junction with Colwick Loop Road for 50m on a northerly direction Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Arnold Lane, Gedling 11 March – 17 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: National Grid
Arnot Hill Road, Arnold 11 March – 12 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Aylesham Avenue, Arnold 11 March – 13 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Openreach Ltd
Bonner Lane, Calverton 11 March – 13 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Bourne Street, Netherfield 11 March – 12 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Carnarvon Street, Netherfield 10 March – 13 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Dalbeattie Close, Arnold 10 March – 12 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Openreach Ltd
Dereham Drive, Arnold 10 March – 12 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Openreach Ltd
Douglas Avenue, Carlton 12 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Severn Trent Water
Elmhurst Avenue, Mapperley 11 March – 12 March Roadworks, Delays possible Traffic management: Traffic control (give & take) Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Foxwood Lane, Woodborough 11 March – 12 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Killisick Road, Arnold 10 March – 12 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Openreach Ltd
Main Street, Calverton 11 March – 12 March Roadworks, Delays possible before Hollinwood junction and outside Calverton Fish Bar Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Main Street, Woodborough 11 March – 12 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Okehampton Crescent, Mapperley 13 March – 17 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Openreach Ltd
Oxton Road, Calverton 10 March – 11 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Oxton Road, Arnold 10 March – 11 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Parry Way, Arnold 12 March – 16 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Openreach Ltd
Plains Farm Close, Arnold 11 March – 13 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Openreach Ltd
Smalls Croft, Woodborough 12 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Vale Road, Colwick 13 March – 16 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Westdale Lane East, Gedling 13 March – 16 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Whinbush Lane, Calverton 10 March – 11 March Roadworks, Delays possible Responsibility for works: Nottinghamshire County Council
Gedling Borough Council last week approved their budget for 2026/27, which sets out how key services for residents will continue to be delivered and outlining the council’s priorities for the borough.
A council tax increase of 2.998% has now been approved – equivalent to £5.82 per year in Gedling’s share of council taxbased on a Band D property. This means Gedling Borough Council’s portion of Band D council tax will be £200.32 annually.
Their share represents only one part of the overall council tax bill, which also includes Nottinghamshire County Council, the Police and Crime Commissioner, the Combined Fire and Rescue, and where applicable, local parish councils.
Gedling Borough Council says it continues to face increasing financial pressures due to rising service demand, inflation and ongoing funding constraints in local government, making careful financial planning essential to protect services for residents.
Leader of Gedling Borough Council, John Clarke, said: “Setting a balanced budget in the current financial climate is increasingly challenging for councils across the country. This budget allows us to continue delivering vital services for our residents while investing in the things that matter most to our communities.
“We remain committed to managing the council’s finances responsibly and ensuring that Gedling continues to be a great place to live, work and visit.”
The budget also supports delivery of the council’s forthcoming Legacy Plan, which will set out Gedling Borough Council’s priorities for the coming years, including continued investment in communities, local services and the future of the borough.
The council said further information about the council’s priorities and future plans will be shared shortly. You can read the Legacy Plan HERE
An Arnold butchers triumphed at this year’s British Pie Awards, taking home the top prize in their respective category.
AE. Chamber Ltd scooped best Pork Pie, seeing off a total of 56 entries.
The pie-oneering awards have honoured the most delectable pies across the nation for the past 18 years, ranging from classic British staples to tantalising, trend-topping creations.
The competition is comprised of 26 distinct categories, encompassing traditional favourites alongside Vegetarian, Vegan, and Gluten-Free options.
Family butchers AE. Chambers Ltd have been serving the people of Arnold since 1898 and is well known for its handmade pastries, including the best-selling Pork Pie. The fourth-generation butchers scooped the crown in the same category just two years ago.
Matthew O’Callaghan, Chairman of the Mowbray Pork Pie Association and host of the British Pie Awards, said: “These awards highlight the true skill and imagination of pie makers across the UK, which is why this win is so well-deserved.”
A record 187 judges are on the panel, with extensive industry experience between them. This includes pie buyers from Tesco and Sainsbury’s, a selection of esteemed food writers and journalists, and the 2015 Supreme Champion, Neil Broomfield.
Campaigners are continuing the fight to save a Wetherspoon pub in Arnold which they described as the ‘heart and soul’ of the community.
Community leaders and residents alike were left in shock in February after it was announced the town’s well-frequented Wetherspoon pub – The Ernehale – had gone up for sale.
The pub giant has put the spot in Nottingham Road on the market for offers in excess of £400,000.
However, the move has been met with widespread criticism and more than 1,200 signatures have been left on a petition set up by Gedling’s Labour MP Michael Payne, who has called on the pub company to reverse its decision.
Andrew Ludlow, secretary of the Nottingham branch of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA), said The Ernehale was a popular meeting place and that it offered affordability during the cost of living crisis.
He said: “While Wetherspoons are a business entity, they are often the heart and soul of communities.
“They offer facilities for such long periods of the day, with good value beer, wines, cider. In places like Arnold I doubt there’s many that can open and cover all those requirements.
“The amount of times I’ve been in there and there’s people sitting there having a beer and reading the paper – if the pub goes, where are they going to go?
“You’ve got company and warmth. These days we’re being bombarded by increased costs on everything. Sometimes it can be difficult to strike up acquaintances.
“You can sit there and have a good-value meal, coffee, have the advantage that it’s warm – during a bad winter you do worry about people living on their own who can’t get out and can’t afford to keep the heating on.”
Mr Ludlow called the popular chain a “magnet” for towns, helping boost the other pubs in the area and called it a “dreadful loss”.
Gedling Borough Council leader, John Clarke (Lab), said the sale of the Wetherspoon pub would be “another empty hole in the high street”.
He said: “I’m just baffled, it’s been pretty full every time I go past.
“The key thing is mental health, quality of life issues. When I was younger back [at home], every street corner had a pub or off licence on it.
“If you wanted to listen to what was going on [it was in a pub]. They’re great places for charities, family groups. It’s the way people can think and discuss things, it’s good, healthy debate and we’ll lose that – everyone’s now sat on their phones and taking things as gospel.”
“If you go into [The Ernehale] you feel safe and you actually get something to eat and if you need to use the facilities they’re excellent – a lot of people who use it are on a fixed income, that’s where it will have a great effect.”
Cllr Clarke says he would “encourage everybody” to get involved in the campaign to stop from it being sold.
He added: “[The closure] would probably be balanced out from the smaller bars but I wouldn’t want to see anything else go.”
Michael Payne wrote to Wetherspoon founder and chairman, Tim Martin, and the chief executive, John Hutson, asking them to reconsider the decision to sell the Arnold pub, telling them he would be willing to meet in person to discuss the sale.
Wetherspoon were contacted for an update on whether discussions had taken place on reversing its decision since the petition was set up.
In a statement, a Wetherspoon spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Wetherspoon has placed the pub on the market. We understand that staff and customers will be disappointed with the news.
“Wetherspoon does, on occasion, put some of its pubs up for sale and this is the case here. It is a commercial decision taken by the company. The pub will continue to operate as a Wetherspoon until it is sold.
“We have had discussions with a number of different pub operators who are interested, so it is likely that this site will continue as a pub for the local community.”
In the last two years Wetherspoon has sold off other Nottinghamshire pubs – including The Regent in Kirby-in-Ashfield and The Sir John Arderne in Newark.
A teenager has been charged following reports of a group fighting in a Carlton street with weapons.
Police were called to Cavendish Road at 12.20pm on Sunday (1) after a passing motorist witnessed the altercation.
Officers located and arrested three suspects, aged 16, 16 and 17, on suspicion of affray.
Police were called to Cavendish Road in Carlton
The 17-year-old, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has now been charged with possession of a knife in a public place and possession of a Class B drug.
He is expected to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on March 11, 2026.
Sergeant Karl Wilson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We always respond quickly to any report of weapons being brandished in the street.
“Officers attended the scene of this incident quickly and worked efficiently to locate three suspects.
“Carrying a knife is a very serious offence and our investigations have now resulted in one suspect being placed before the courts.”
