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Can Driving Offence Charges Get Dropped in the UK? Everything You Need to Do

Graham Finch
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A driving offence is a serious crime in the UK, often leading to serious consequences. Fortunately, being arrested or investigated for a motoring offence doesn’t necessarily mean you will be convicted. In fact, with an experienced criminal defence solicitor by your side, you can get the charges dropped. 

In the UK, especially in areas like Bournemouth, there are straightforward regulations and processes to get your charges dropped. This detailed guide explores common reasons charges could get dropped, and how criminal defence solicitors in Bournemouth can help. Let’s break it down. 

Source: freepik

What Counts as a Motoring Offence?

First things first, let’s clarify what counts as a motoring offence in the UK. Starting with minor offences, the law covers:

  • Speeding (but not excessively)
  • Driving without wearing a seatbelt
  • Using a mobile phone while driving
  • Driving without a valid MOT
  • Ignoring stop signs or road markings 
  • Parking violations (like overstaying in a restricted area)

In addition to minor offences, you could get a driving charge because of the following:

Dangerous driving

When you get charged with dangerous driving, the law believes your driving falls far below the minimum standard expected of a competent and careful driver. Your driving is also considered hazardous for other road users, including drivers and pedestrians. Common examples of dangerous driving include:

  • Speeding
  • Driving aggressively, such as braking too hard
  • Dangerous overtaking
  • Continuously ignoring traffic lights
  • Driving a vehicle with known faults
  • Driving when unfit, such as having an injury
  • Aggressively driving to evade the police

Careless driving

It means driving without due care or attention to yourself and others. Examples of careless driving include:

  • Overtaking on the inside
  • Turning into the path of another car
  • Using your phone or adjusting the volume while driving
  • Flashing lights to force other drivers to let you pass
  • Driving too close to the vehicle in front

Drink or drug driving

Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol is a serious criminal offence. In England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, there are legal alcohol limits, including:

  • 35 micrograms of alcohol per 100ml of breath, or
  • 80 milligrams per 100ml of blood, or
  • 107 milligrams per 100ml of urine.

Understanding what your driving charge actually means will help you navigate the next steps. 

What are the Charges for a Driving Offence?

Charges for drug offences vary depending on the severity of the actions. For minor offences, you could get a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN), which is usually between £50-£200. You could also get up to 3 penalty points on your driver’s license.

For major motoring offences, such as dangerous driving, you could get:

  • Up to 11 penalty points
  • 2 – 14 years imprisonment
  • Unlimited fine
  • Mandatory ban
  • Criminal record

Moreover, the consequences of a drink driving charge can include:

  • Up to 11 penalty points
  • 6 months imprisonment 
  • Unlimited fine
  • Driving ban of 1 to 3 years.

Reasons Charges Can Get Dropped

With a strong defence, it is possible to get driving offence charges dropped. A competent criminal defence attorney will construct a defence. They might bring up one of the following scenarios:

Lack of evidence

The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the police may choose to drop charges for various reasons. One key factor is insufficient evidence. For instance, in the case of a drink-driving offence, your solicitor could argue that the police don’t have enough proof of impairment. They might also challenge forensic reports to strengthen your case. 

Procedural errors

If the police made mistakes during the investigation, evidence gathering, or court process, your solicitor can argue to get your charges dropped. For instance, a drink- or drug-driving case is incredibly complex, and the police must follow specific procedures to build a case. They can, however, make mistakes. Examples include:

  • Failure to give a statutory warning
  • Improper sample collection
  • Improper sample handling
  • Incorrect breathalyser procedure
  • Errors in issuing the Notice of Intended Prosecution (NIP)

Procedural errors can directly and instantly invalidate evidence. A motoring offence attorney will scrutinise police procedures and find gaps. 

Mitigation 

A driving offence solicitor could also present factors like a good driving record or no prior convictions to reduce penalties. 

Special Reasons: A Way to Get a Reduced Sentence

Speaking of reduced penalties, your solicitor will try different methods to make it happen. Special reasons apply when you decide to plead guilty at the court hearing, but want to avoid harsh penalties. 

These reasons could include:

  • You were driving away from danger
  • You had a medical emergency 
  • Your drink was spiked without your knowledge

This method can help to avoid driving bans or unlimited fines. Keep in mind that the UK motorist law is incredibly rigid when it comes to presenting special reasons, so strong evidence is crucial. 

How a Drug Offence Solicitor Can Help

Remember: You’re not guilty just because you have been charged. Working with a skilled criminal defence solicitor can make a world of difference. They will scrutinise evidence, assess the validity of the arresting process, and help build a strong defence. 

Legal Disclaimer: Please be advised this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a trained legal professional. Please seek the advice of a legal professional if you’re facing issues regarding driving offences. 

Concerns raised as £20m earmarked by Government for improvements in Carlton is yet to be spent

Joe Locker (LDR Reporter)
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Concerns raised as £20m earmarked by Government for improvements in Carlton is yet to be spent

A councillor has raised concerns that ‘not one penny has been spent’ 18 months after Government funding was agreed for an area of Gedling borough.

In 2024 the then-Conservative Government announced a wide area covering Carlton and beyond would receive £20 million over the next decade for much-needed improvements.

A “Town Board” was set up to decide where the money should be spent, and while the work stopped when Labour took control of the government, it restarted shortly afterwards following a review.

It restarted under what is now known as the Greater Carlton Neighbourhood Board, and the old chairman, Sir John Peace, stepped down.

He has since been replaced by David Stewart, and the scope of the area that will get improvements has been widened to include Netherfield Lagoons, Stoke Bardolph, Mapperley local centre, Lambley Lane recreational ground and Gedling Country Park.

Both a new 10-year regeneration plan, and a four-year investment plan, were drawn up last year.

Carlton was awarded £20m in funding to make improvements (PHOTO: Gedling Eye)

However, Cllr Sam Smith (Con), who represents the Trent Valley ward, says there is concern over a lack of spending.

“Councillors of all parties who represent areas within the funds boundary are very, very concerned at the lack of engagement from the Board on local priorities and the lack of spending going on,” he said.

“The Conservative Government allocated the money to Gedling before July 2024 but not one penny has been spent as far as we are aware and we’re over a year and a half into it.

“It’s disappointing that this multi-million pound pot is yet to be spent or proposals even outlined after Gedling has been overlooked for investment for so many years.

“There are so many shovel-ready projects in Burton Joyce, Stoke Bardolph, Rivendell and Gedling that need funding.

“The funding is there and it’s time the Towns Fund was spent on delivering on local priorities. At the moment, it’s just a bureaucratic talking shop with zero delivery.”

Cllr Smith says he will be raising the concerns at a Gedling Borough Council meeting on Monday (12), where the project will be discussed.

The Conservative Government’s Towns Fund projects were deemed “too restrictive” by the Labour Party, promoting changes.

The same amount of money will be given over the same period of time, but the board and priorities are now more “community-led”, according to the council.

The government supported the establishment of the new neighbourhood board, with the expectation it will, in partnership with the council, develop a 10 year regeneration plan, setting out a vision for the next decade; alongside a more detailed investment plan for the first four years of the programme.

This plan was submitted to the Government in November.

Council documents now show where some of the money is expected to be spent over the next four years, but the exact details are yet to be finalised.

Some of the more significant spending will include £520,000 on funding for locally based activities and support programmes designed to enhance young adult skills, £1.5 million on local retail centres, including shop front improvements, and £1.4 million on improving green spaces, such as parks and recreational areas.

A further £205,000 will be given to local heritage asset owners to improve their offers and access, as well as just over £1.5 million for a series of council-led projects to improve leisure centres and sports facilities, and £260,000 to support community organisations and their buildings.

The documents reveal some spending will begin in the 2026/27 financial year, which begins in April, before properly taking off the following year through to 2029/30.

The new plan now covers Carlton, Netherfield, Colwick, Gedling and the country park, Stoke Bardolph and Burton Joyce.

The plan says: “Mapperley Top has been included due to its importance to the local economy, with a vibrant parade of independent shops and eateries.

“The areas including Gedling Country Park and the nature reserve in Netherfield were added in recognition of their cultural and heritage value, their role in connecting communities to the area’s mining legacy, and their contribution to the visitor economy.”

Chairperson of Greater Carlton Neighbourhood Board, David Stewart, added: “This 10-year plan is a wonderful opportunity for the residents of Greater Carlton to work together to enhance and regenerate the community.

“We want everyone to have a say in shaping the future so that there is a real sense of pride in place.”

Police dogs help foil attempted burglary in Mapperley

Emily Sanchez
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Police dogs help foil attempted burglary in Mapperley

Two police dogs have been praised after helping foil an attempted burglary in Mapperley.

Police were called to an address in Woodborough Road shortly after 5am on New Year’s Eve following reports of a break-in in progress.

Officers arrived on the scene causing a group of suspects to flee.

One suspect was chased down on foot and arrested, while three others were stopped in a car as they attempted to drive away from the scene.

They then abandoned the car and fled into the darkness.

PDs Wolf and Seth were called in to search the area, and it wasn’t long before Wolf had his first collar of the morning – a suspect found in a park off Ransom Road.

Continuing an impressive display of tracking, Wolf led his handler to another area in the park where a second suspect was found hiding in undergrowth.

PD Seth then located a third suspect lying down in brambles in Coppice Close.

Five men, aged 54, 27, 27, 26 and 22, were arrested on suspicion of burglary.

Inspector Tim Ringer, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was an impressive hat-trick for Wolf and Seth and another excellent example of what our dogs and their handlers can achieve.

“After some impressive work by Response colleagues to intercept suspects so quickly, our dogs capped off an excellent team effort by demonstrating their exceptional tracking skills.

“Without their expert noses and enhanced training, it is likely that at least three of the suspects in this case would have evaded arrest.”

Owners of The Lambley pub have now left the business and new tenants will now take over ‘in due course’

David Bratton
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Owners of The Lambley pub have now left the business and new tenants will now take over ‘in due course’

New management are set to take over The Lambley pub after the current owners announced they have now decided to leave the business.

In a post on social media they announced the decision was taken yesterday so that the owners can focus on their other businesses.

“This was not a decision taken lightly,” said owners David Hage and Mark Osborne in the statement.

“The Lambley has been part of our journey for many years, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has walked through its doors — our loyal customers, trusted suppliers, and the amazing team who brought the pub to life every day.”

“This closure is a business decision that allows us to focus our time, energy, and investment into our three award-winning gastro pubs: The Railway, The Radcliffe, and The Plough.

“These businesses remain strong, thriving, and full of exciting potential.”

They said that the staff at the pub will keep their jobs, with a new tenant set to take over the pub in due course ‘ensuring continuity for both staff and the village’.

“If you have purchased a Lambley gift voucher, these will be gladly honoured at The Railway, The Radcliffe, or The Plough, and we would love to welcome you there,” they said.

Teh concluded: “Thank you for the memories, the support, and the kindness you’ve shown us over the years. The Lambley chapter may be closing, but our passion for great pubs, great food, great service, great communities and the hospitality industry remains stronger than ever.

Customers took to social media to share their sadness at the news.

Dawn Edwards posted: “Sorry to hear this, but relieved to hear that there is a new tenant coming in. The staff team are lovely. Hope the next chapter for you, and for The Lambley is a positive one.”

Henry Appleby-Woolston wrote: “That’s such a shame; you had turned it into such a fantastic venue. Let’s hope the new people can make it work just as well as you have, if not better.”

John Densum posted: “Glad you were able to pass it on and keep it open and the Jobs. Here is to the new tenants’ success.”

Neighbourhood policing inspector for Gedling borough updates on crime fighting progress made in December

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Neighbourhood policing inspector for Gedling borough updates on crime fighting progress made in December

Gedling neighbourhood policing team’s new Inspector Steve King has provided an update on how they have progressed on tackling crime across the borough during December.

The Inspector shared his team’s crime-fighting priorities for the next three months

“January marks the start of a new policing priority cycle.

“After reviewing feedback from partners, the public, and crime data, I’ve decided to retain our existing priorities.”

These priorities are Acquisitive Crime (Burglary, Robbery, Shoplifting, Theft), Anti-Social Behaviour (including nuisance behaviour, motorcycles, speeding, begging) and Drugs (Possession, Supply, Cannabis Cultivation)

PHOTO: Adobe Stock

Why keep the same priorities? Because we’re making good progress – but sustained effort is needed to deliver long-term positive change for our communities.

Here’s an overview from Inspector King about progress made in December

Shop Theft

“We anticipated a rise in shoplifting before Christmas, but thanks to targeted problem-solving, offences did not increase from November, he said.-

“A fantastic result. Even better, our positive outcome rate improved, meaning more shoplifting cases were solved thanks to proactive operations. It shows the value in having Officers in the right place, at the right time to catch those that are responsible.

Vehicle Crime

November and early December saw a spike in auto crime, particularly in Gedling, Carlton, and Porchester, the inspector revealed.

He said: “Acting on community intelligence, we launched a multi-faceted operation with covert and overt patrols, target hardening, and enhanced investigations. This led to the arrest of a suspect and recovery of stolen property. Since then, offences have dropped significantly, and we’re continuing to monitor and adapt tactics.”

Burglary

“We’ve seen a slight increase in burglaries across Gedling borough,” he said.

“While numbers remain relatively low, we know how distressing this crime can be. P

“Please check your home security, use light timers, and make your home look occupied.

“If you see anything suspicious, call 999 or 101 – your information could be the missing piece we need.”

Anti-Social Behaviour

Inspector King: “ASB continues to fall year-on-year, though December saw a small seasonal increase.

“Our officers worked closely with licensed premises to keep festivities safe, and I’m grateful for their support during this busy period.

“We’re also continuing to deploy the Off-Road Bike Team to tackle nuisance motorbikes and e-bikes. This isn’t about spoiling fun – it’s about safety. Non-road-legal bikes, e-bikes, and e-scooters should only be used on private land with permission.

“For those interested in off-road riding as a sport, there are legal sites across the East Midlands, many of which are listed on our force website: https://orlo.uk/6Fcod

He added: “I’m excited to continue working with you all to make Gedling an even safer place to live, work, and socialise in 2026.”

12 shoplifters arrested and four jailed in Christmas crackdown in Gedling borough

Emily Sanchez
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12 shoplifters arrested and four jailed in Christmas crackdown in Gedling borough

Police in Gedling borough have made 12 arrests in a festive crackdown on retail crime in the area.

Sergeant Alison Riley has taken the reins as the new sergeant for the Gedling Central neighbourhood policing team – which has been recently set up to cover the Arnold area.

The newly formed team has been targeting shoplifters over the busy festive period, as well as catching five wanted people and issuing dispersal orders to tackle various forms of antisocial behaviour.

Four of the 12 arrested shoplifters went on to receive custodial sentences, with others being dealt with through community resolutions.

(PHOTO: Adobe Stock)

Sergeant Riley said: “Acquisitive crime, including shoplifting, is one of our priorities across Gedling borough so I was keen to deploy the team in a way which supported our stores and other local businesses during this crucial time of the year, including Christmas and the New Year sales.

“Officers were patrolling in the right place at the right time to catch a number of offenders in the act.

“Dispersal orders are an excellent tool we have been keen to utilise during this busy period so those engaging in antisocial behaviour or other low-level criminality can be moved on.

“We are keen to maintain this progress into the new year and would like to hear from members of the public with concerns in the Arnold neighbourhood.

“I’m hoping people will have seen more officers out and about in Arnold over recent weeks and would urge anyone who wants to raise an issue to approach us for a chat.

“Any issues raised by members of the community will be analysed and appropriate action taken.”

Could fourth River Trent bridge be coming to Colwick? New study backs project

Joe Locker (LDR Reporter)
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Could fourth River Trent bridge be coming to Colwick? New study backs project

A new study has backed plans to build a new road bridge over the River Trent at Colwick.

Colwick has often been touted as the best location for a new road traffic bridge over the river, aiming to reduce congestion and bring economic benefits by connecting the A612 to either the A46 or A52.

Nottingham is currently served by Lady Bay Bridge, Clifton Bridge, and Trent Bridge, with the last crossing having been built decades ago.

Between Lady Bay Bridge, the most easterly of the crossings, and the next road route at Gunthorpe, there is a distance of just over nine miles.

In March, before Reform took control of Nottinghamshire County Council from the Conservatives, money was allocated for a study into a fourth bridge over the river at Colwick.

The feasibility study was funded by a £1 million package from East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

County councillor Mike Adams, who represents Carlton East for the Conservatives, has been campaigning for a new bridge at Colwick for years.

He told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the feasibility study has graded the project as “good” against county council criteria.

Cllr Adams added: “But it requires significant funds to build it, which would be on EMCCA, so work continues at the county council to get the project shovel-ready.”

‘Wholly impractical’

Several feasibility studies have been conducted in the past.

In 2020, a leaked study revealed that a fourth bridge over the Trent would alleviate congestion, reduce journey times, and be an economic boost for the area.

The report was commissioned by Nottinghamshire County Council in 2016, but only came to light that year.

It examined the feasibility of a bridge from near the back of Colwick Industrial Estate to land to the west of Radcliffe-on-Trent.

It would have been built next to an existing train bridge.

However, then-Conservative leader of the county council, Kay Cutts, suggested that the bridge should be built at Gunthorpe – an 11-mile drive downstream.

She said the Colwick bridge would be “wholly impractical”, and that the study did not account for the land being very low-lying – meaning a very long structure would be required and would come at considerable cost.

Back in 2021 it was predicted a major Government investment to the tune of around £50 million would be needed to make the vision a reality.

However, the finances required would likely be considerably more today, with the costs of the new pedestrian and cycle bridge at Trent Basin now totalling £18 million – around double the figure initially quoted.

A crossing in the north?

More recently, in September of last year, a location further north in the county, in Bassetlaw, was suggested by a Reform councillor.

Nottinghamshire county councillor Mike Robertson, who represents the Misterton division, said there is only one bridge over the Trent within an 18-mile radius in that part of the county.

The existing single-carriageway Flood Road bridge connects Beckingham in Nottinghamshire to Gainsborough in Lincolnshire.

He stated that the road was closed in 2024 when the river breached its banks, causing significant traffic problems, and noted that a fourth crossing in the area could better serve the planned STEP nuclear fusion power plant in West Burton.

A matter for parliament

A debate over a new road crossing across the river was held back in 2022 in parliament, after the bottleneck became apparent following the closure of Clifton Bridge in 2020.

Some lanes on the bridge were closed for more than 20 months while repair work took place, and initial closures made Nottingham one of the world’s most congested cities at the time.

Later in July 2022, a lorry crashed through the side of Lady Bay Bridge.

The incident caused severe traffic problems across the city and West Bridgford, which continued until the works to repair it were completed a month later.

The feasibility study commissioned by the Conservatives is the latest step in the long-running effort to build a new road bridge.

Market growth analysis of online casino in European territories

Graham Finch
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Europe’s gambling landscape keeps shifting online, year after year. By 2024, digital channels captured €47.9 billion of the continent’s total €123.4 billion gaming revenue; a noticeable jump, with online gambling swelling by nearly 12% compared to last year. Access on mobile, evolving regulations, and a wider comfort with digital entertainment are factors in this change. At the center of this growth: online casino, a segment drawing fresh scrutiny for its dynamic evolution and ever-widening appeal.

Online gambling in Europe is enormous, and quickening its pace. Latest forecasts show revenues from these platforms rising at an annual clip somewhere between 7% and almost 12% through 2029, depending who you ask and where you look. In 2024, online casino finally topped the leaderboard. It now represents about 45% of all online gross gaming revenue in Europe, outpacing sports betting and other verticals.

Projections from Grand View Research peg the sector’s value at just over $18 billion by 2030, with European online casino likely to hit close to 12% annual growth for a few years. Players seem almost glued to slots, which drive roughly 75–80% of all online casino revenue in regulated jurisdictions. Meanwhile, governments across the EU keep refining regulatory frameworks, sometimes shifting support away from traditional venues to formal online growth. It’s a consistent pattern: digital platforms gain market share, expanding everywhere you look.

Online casino performance across European territories

Market performance in the online casino segment displays notable regional variation. In mature markets such as the UK and Nordic countries, online channels already command a majority of total gambling revenue. Denmark registered a total GGR of €1.9bn in 2024, with online casino accounting for €885.5m, around 47% of its market and rising 15% year-on-year, driven strongly by slots. Sweden is actively winding down land-based casino operations in favor of online alternatives, marking a clear structural shift. Among the larger continental economies, the market remains land-based skewed, but digital channels are catching up.

In Spain, online GGR reached €1.45bn in 2024 (+18% YoY); about half originated from online casino, which itself grew by 17%. France continues to prohibit online casino, directing growth to sports betting instead. Germany allows the product under strict oversight, with regulatory constraints expected to moderate revenue expansion. In Greece, digital adoption is robust, with online GGR topping €1.1bn in 2024 and now forming 37% of the national total. Across the region, even countries with advertising restrictions, such as Belgium and the Netherlands, report a steadily rising proportion of digital play.

Major structural growth drivers

What’s propelling this digital shift? Almost everyone in Europe now has fast, reliable internet and a smartphone within reach. People increasingly reach for their phones when they want to play; industry research and IBISWorld both flag mobile as the engine room for today’s online gaming habits. Land-based venues keep losing ground as EGBA research indicates online will soon capture nearly 45% of Europe’s entire gambling market.

In places where regulation is clear and long-settled, online casino has support to gain more per user, as operators roll out sleeker, more engaging platforms. Live dealer tables and more intricate slot games keep users participating. Still, everything depends on regulation. Where governments set strict limits, growth stalls, and some users seek out offshore operators. Clarity, on the other hand, brings formalization and market transparency.

Outlook across Europe’s regional clusters

Zooming in, expectations diverge sharply across the map. The UK, Nordics, Denmark, Netherlands—all digitally established—look set for moderate market growth, mostly by getting more from each player. In Spain, Italy, and Germany, digital gambling is less mature, but its share is rapidly climbing, with even regulatory hurdles proving only partial obstacles. Greece and states in Eastern and Southeastern Europe are newer to this transition.

Here, online casino is growing faster than anywhere; sometimes in double digits, thanks to rapidly developing regulations and consumers eager to try new platforms. France and Cyprus buck the trend: strong restrictions on online casino mean that other forms, especially sports betting, still dominate. But as laws shift, further migration to regulated digital options across lagging countries is expected.

Responsible gambling and the future landscape

With Europe’s online casino market advancing, obligations keep emerging alongside opportunity. Operators now deploy a menu of tools; self-exclusion functions, tighter account checks, stricter advertising rules; to help protect at-risk players. The regions leading the field balance hands-on regulation with player-friendly offerings, aiming for both innovation and responsibility.

As digital games draw more attention and more people, the insistence on responsible gambling remains crucial for longevity. The road ahead will be paved by new tech, focused oversight, and a shared priority: looking after the player as the heart of the entire enterprise.

Carlton Rotary thank community after santa collection raises almost £7,000

David Bratton
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Carlton Rotary thank community after santa collection raises almost £7,000

The Rotary Club of Carlton has thanked the community for their generosity after raising almost £7,000 for good causes with their Santa Sleigh

The cash from Santa’s sleigh collections will now be used to support community projects, charities and those most in need in predominately the Carlton, Gedling and Netherfield areas.

Members of Carlton Rotary and volunteers also worked throughout December on both mobile sleigh routes and at local supermarkets. The response from the public was overwhelmingly positive, particularly from children who loved to meet Santa and Rudolph. The funds raised will help make a real difference, supporting initiatives that improve wellbeing, reduce hardship, and strengthen community connections.

A spokesman for teh club said: “Carlton Rotary would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to everyone who donated, volunteered, or showed support in other ways.

“Every contribution, whether large or small, played an important part in reaching this impressive total and made the fundraising effort such a success.

“The club is proud to serve the community and is deeply grateful for the generosity shown.

“This achievement highlights what can be accomplished when a community works together with kindness and shared purpose.”

To find out more about Carlton Rotary and how you may be able to help, please visit www.carltonrotary.co.uk.

Fresh calls for empty Gedling School site to be turned into recreational green space

Lauren Monaghan
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Fresh calls for empty Gedling School site to be turned into recreational green space

The empty site of a former Gedling school is under the spotlight for potential redevelopment and some locals say they want a new community space.

Sherwood E-ACT Academy (the old Gedling School), off Wollaton Avenue in Gedling, closed in 2016 and the land it sat on has remained vacant and overgrown for several years following works to demolish the school buildings in 2019.

A multi-use games area, which includes a basketball court and goal posts, was part of the academy but was closed to the public in 2019.

Campaigners fought to reopen the games area around 2021 on the basis there were not any similar facilities nearby for teenagers. At the time, there were hopeful discussions between Gedling Borough Councillors and Nottinghamshire County Council, who own the land.

This did not come to fruition and the wider site has remained formally unused and undeveloped since.

But the overgrown patch has come under the spotlight this year, where the Borough Council’s Issues and Options document from July 2025 – containing identified sites for potential redevelopment and housing – has the site listed.

The local democracy reporting service (LDRS) asked locals what they would like to see the space be used for in future – a mix of opinions were given.

One woman, Mrs Smith, moved near to the former school in 2019 before it was demolished. She said the space being used for homes “doesn’t bother” her.

She said: “I don’t mind anything. I’m not keen on a three-storey flat block, two storey would be OK. I understand these days they need to get as many houses as they can – but is there enough parking?”

Mrs Matthews, 89, who has lived by the site for more than 60 years, said she would “hate” to think she could one day face a new housing development but said she did not mind “a few” new houses in isolation.

She said: “We could do with some shops. Houses would be like [new-build homes], how close they are together – I don’t think it would work very well.”

Alex Bridges, who has lived nearby for 25 years, said he would “rather it be kept as green space”.

He said: “Where it could be made into a mini park. It’s the only bit of green space around here without going into [Gedling] Country Park.

“I expect it to become housing but it would be nice if some part of it was kept as green space.”

Lib Dem borough councillor, Clive Towsey-Hinton, represents the area under the Phoenix ward and was part of the previous campaign to bring the games area back into use.

Echoing Mr Bridges, he said he wants “as much of the land as possible” to be kept for recreational open space.

He told the LDRS: “There are no recreational facilities in the area for our youth to enjoy.

“I don’t feel we can criticise our youth if we don’t give them some form of recreational facility… for the older children within the ward – there’s absolutely nothing for them whatsoever.”

One anonymous man said he’d like to see the land reused for a new school.

He said: “That would be good for the area. With the nearby [Chase Farm] development, it’s only going to expand outwards, schools are struggling around here.”

The LDRS asked both the borough council and the county council for an update on the unused site and any potential plans for it going forward.

A Nottinghamshire County Council spokesperson said in a statement: “The Sherwood E-Act site is part of our ongoing disposals programme, and we have been working with Gedling Borough Council to bring this forward as part of a wider regeneration scheme, and these conversations are ongoing.”

A spokesperson for Gedling Borough Council said: “The site is included within the Gedling Local Development Plan Issues and Options document as a potential area for growth.

“An assessment of all potential sites is currently underway and will inform future allocations in the Local Development Plan. The Draft Plan will be referred to Cabinet in the spring.”

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