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Two men charged after police shut down £500,000 cannabis factory in Daybrook

Two men have appeared in court after police discovered a large-scale cannabis grow comprising 600 plants in a residential street in Daybrook.

Officers attended a derelict warehouse in Edwin Street at 12.20pm on Tuesday (27 February) after concerns were raised about cables that were spotted bypassing an electric meter – posing a fire risk.

Officers gained entry to the property and found a substantial grow spread over four large rooms.

Moments later, an officer spotted two men on the roof. They jumped down and ran but were quickly detained.

The plants, with a potential street value of more than £500,000, were removed from the site and an array of sophisticated growing equipment was seized.

Ervis Llani, aged 20, of no fixed address, and 27-year-old Xhuljan Stafaj, of Edwin Street, Daybrook, appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday (29 February 2024) charged with production of cannabis and using electricity without consent.

They were remanded in custody and are next due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on March 28.

Gedling neighbourhood policing inspector Mark Stanley said: “Commercial cannabis grows of this sort can cause serious harm in our communities and have a huge negative impact on residents.

“Tackling and preventing drug harm is a priority for the force and we will continue to act on the concerns of our communities to disrupt criminality.

“The cultivation of cannabis also brings dangers to neighbouring properties because set-ups such as this one can pose a serious fire risk.

“Individuals who operate these farms often tamper with the meters to steal electricity, and there will generally be a number of hot lamps hooked to overloaded sockets.

“Grows on this scale can also be linked to other serious offences involving violence and exploitation so I’m pleased we managed to dismantle this illegal enterprise and it’s another demonstration of how we will take action against those suspected to be involved in this kind of harmful activity.”

Gedling borough weather Tuesday, March 5

Low cloud and rain affecting most eastern areas will slowly die out during Tuesday afternoon. Cloud lingering across eastern areas, but further west brighter skies are likely. Light winds. Maximum temperature 9 °C.

A mostly cloudy night with some patchy drizzle spreading from the east to affect some areas of the region. Turning misty with a risk of fog, mainly across higher ground. Minimum temperature 5 °C.

Tomorrow you can expect low cloud and patchy drizzle clearing and lifting with some brighter spells by the afternoon. Chance of an afternoon shower. Light winds. Near normal temperatures. Maximum temperature 9 °C.

Carlton Le Willows incident: Three teenagers escorted off school site by staff

An ‘incident’ has taken place today at Carlton le Willows Academy in Gedling, according to reports.

Following rumours online, Jaspal Mehat, principal of Carlton le Willows, quickly responded to ease fears of parents and guardians.

The school headmaster sent out an email to parents and guardians assuring them that a group of teenagers had been ‘escorted off school premises’.

Mr Mehat wrote:

Gedling Eye has contacted Nottinghamshire Police for comment.

Shoplifting rate hits record high in UK

Shoplifting has hit a record high with 5.6m incidents recorded in 2023 compared to 1.1m incidents in 2022, new figures show.

The new data, released in The Association of Convenience Stores’ 2024 Crime Report, highlights the scale of retail crime impacting UK retailers.

The report also revealed that retailers recorded over 600 incidents of theft an hour over the last year.

It revealed the top motivations for repeat offending were drug or alcohol addiction, organised crime and opportunism.

Violent incidents committed against retailers and employees also increased with over 76,000 incidents of violence in shops reported last year, compared to 41,000 in 2022.

Association of Convenience Stores chief executive James Lowman said: “Retailers are facing an onslaught of retail crime committed against their businesses daily, with some losing tens of thousands of pounds per year to theft alone.

“This extended retail crimewave cannot be allowed to continue. Thieves are known to the community and to the police but they simply do not care, and continue on regardless, filling baskets and trolleys and walking out without fear of reproach.

“There have been positive steps forward made in recent months with the publication of the Retail Crime Action Plan and the launching of Operation Pegasus to try and better identify prolific offenders and bring them to justice, but the figures in our report demonstrate that more needs to be done urgently. Nobody should have to come to work and face what retailers and their colleagues have faced over the last year.”

A series of measures were introduced last year to try and stem the influx of retail crime incidents. A new Organised Retail Crime (ORC) capability was formed with funding from Project Pegasus – a partnership between 13 of the UK’s leading retailers.

READERS’ GALLERY: Monday, March 4, 2024

Here’s a selection of all the wonderful photographs contributed to our new Gedling Amateur Photographers Facebook Group featuring lots of beautiful country scenes, wildlife and scenic hotspots from across the borough.

If you have captured a local moment in a photograph and think that others would like to see it, then upload it to the group to be featured.

You can also email them to news@gedlingeye.co.uk if you don’t use social media.

Please supply your name and a brief description of where and when the photograph was taken, or perhaps a funny caption.

A selection of photos will be published on Gedling Eye’s website during Monday.

A goose landing in the lake at Colwick Country Park – PHOTO: Carl Green

A beautiful evening sky captured over Gedling – PHOTO: Emma Green

Orange skies above the Trent at Burton Joyce – PHOTO: Tammy Mills

Forester Road looking up to Porchester Road during the evening – PHOTO: Steve Allen

Light against the dark in Carlton – PHOTO: Joanne Walton

You can join the group HERE

Gedling MP joins calls for council to resolve Nottingham Forest City Ground dispute

Gedling‘s MP is demanding extra funding for local councils to avoid cuts to services.

Tom Randall is one of seven Nottinghamshire Conservative MPs and one independent to sign a letter to Nottingham City Council which calls for a swift end to the rent row with Nottingham Forest over the City Ground.

The City Ground is sited on land leased from the city council and there is only 33 years left on the current deal.

Talks about an extension have stalled after Nottingham City Council demanded that the current £250,000 rent be increased to around £1m.

The council said it remains committed to further negotiations and hopes to ‘find the best way forward’, a spokesperson said.

The letter to Nottingham City Council signed by the eight Nottinghamshire MPs

Tom Randall
Gedling MP Tom Randall is one of the eight MPs voicing concerns over stalling lease talks between Nottingham Forest and the city council

Talks about an extension have stalled after Nottingham City Council demanded that the current £250,000 rent be increased to around £1m.

Nottingham Forest’s club chairman Tom Cartledge said unless there was “significant progress” they may have to “look elsewhere”.

Forest have said they need to extend the lease if they are going to invest in expanding the ground’s capacity.

In the letter, the MPs asked why the council was ‘destabilising’ one of the city’s ‘biggest assets’ and also warned they were ‘sleepwalking into another disaster’ following the recent financial problems with the Broadmarsh, Robin Hood Energy and Nottingham Castle.

They wrote: “Forest matters to the whole of our county and these negotiations have drifted for far too long. We ask you to step in and now lead these negotiations to a swift conclusion.

“Both we and the club understand the transformative power sport can have on people’s lives and the importance of sport to a thriving economy. It shouldn’t take the county’s MPs to have to remind you of this.”

Mr Randall shared the letter on his Facebook page and commented: “Like many Forest fans across Gedling, I am concerned to hear that the City Council are stalling lease talks with Nottingham Forest over the City Ground.

“I and fellow Nottinghamshire MPs have today written to the City Council leader asking for a swift resolution to the talks so that NFFC can remain at its rightful home at the City Ground.”

A spokesperson for Nottingham City Council said: “Any proposed new terms or agreements would need to be brought back to the executive board for consideration and approval.”

5 Benefits of Embankments in Public Spaces

Embankments can be used for many different things including creating visual interest or for recreation. Yet, they also serve more functional purposes such as flooding and soil protection. Read more to explore 5 benefits of embankments in public spaces.

Embankments, or raised earth structures, are features commonly found in public spaces such as parks, gardens, and urban landscapes with multiple uses. These landscaped mounds can add visual interest but they also offer a range of benefits that contribute to the overall quality and functionality of public environments. From aesthetic enhancements to practical functions, embankments play a vital role in shaping the character and usability of outdoor spaces.

1)      Visual interest

Embankments serve as focal points within public spaces, adding dimension and visual interest to the landscape. Whether gently sloping or steeply terraced, these earth features create dynamic contours that can complement the surrounding environment. Embankments can be landscaped with a variety of vegetation, including grasses, flowers, shrubs, and trees, enhancing biodiversity and adding colour. If used creatively, they can be inviting in environments for relaxation, recreation, and socialisation.

2)      Erosion control and soil stabilisation

One of the main functions of embankments is to prevent soil erosion and stabilise the soil. By providing a protective barrier against water runoff and wind erosion, embankments help maintain the surrounding landscape. Any plants or flowers planted on embankments help bind soil particles together, preventing erosion and reducing the risk of sedimentation in nearby water. Additionally, embankments help regulate water flow and promote permeation, reducing the risk of flooding and soil degradation in public spaces. Companies such as http://www.jpconcrete.co.uk/ can provide innovative concrete solutions for landscaping and embankment construction to help decrease the risk of flooding even further, retain soil and balance out uneven surfaces.

3)      Biodiversity

Embankments contribute to biodiversity and habitat creation in urban environments, providing shelter and resources for a variety of plant and animal species. The diverse vegetation found on embankments can offer food, shelter, and nesting sites for birds, insects, and small mammals, nurturing ecological balance. By incorporating native plants and wildlife-friendly landscaping practices, embankments support local ecosystems and enhance urban biodiversity.

4)      Noise reduction and visual screening

Embankments can act as natural barriers, helping to reduce noise pollution and screen potentially undesirable views in public spaces. The earth can absorb and deflect sound waves, managing noise from nearby roads, highways, or urban development. Additionally, embankments can be strategically positioned to block or conceal other visual distractions, enhancing the visual quality of outdoor environments.

5)      Recreation opportunities

Embankments can be used for recreational activities, particularly in parks and playgrounds. The sloping surfaces of embankments can create natural seating and gathering spaces for social use outdoors. By incorporating embankments into public spaces, urban planners and designers create engaging and inclusive environments that cater to the diverse needs and interests of visitors of all ages and backgrounds.

Embankments offer many benefits in public spaces, ranging from aesthetic enhancement and erosion control to habitat creation and recreational opportunities. In landscape design, embankments can contribute to the overall quality, functionality, and sustainability of outdoor environments. By using the natural features of the land and incorporating innovative landscaping techniques, construction workers, planners and designers can maximise the benefits of embankments and create vibrant, resilient, and inviting public spaces for communities to enjoy.

Match Report: Paviors 26 – 29 Matlock

Midlands Two North – Round 19 Saturday March 2

This weekend Pavs welcomed Matlock RFC to Burntstump in Round 19 on the Midlands 2 North competition. The encounter early in the season was a close affair with Pavs grabbing the points via a last minute try, so Matlock were up for the battle and a bit of revenge.

Pavs continue to suffer injury woes with Messrs Allen B, Allen S, Billam D, Flint, Gladwin, Langan, and Taylor O all out with long and short term injuries. This has, of course, given others opportunity to stake a claim, accordingly, former and current juniors, Sam Bradley, Noah Bhatia and Eddie Holmes were selected in the match day squad. Vice captain Josh Alton-Smith slotted in at hooker whilst Ben Taylor moved to inside centre and Alex Rimmington made his first start since a head injury some weeks ago. Harry Kerr had recovered enough from a hamstring injury to also be included from the bench. So, some old, some new, some recovered from injury, some not and a host of positional changes lined up ready for kick off.

From the starting whistle, Pavs failed to secure the ball and immediately turned it over for Matlock to attack. They went close after just a couple of minutes with only Matt Molyneux’s miraculous tackle keeping them out.

Matlock continued to attack with Pavs very much on the back foot and looking somewhat shell shocked. The away side opened the scoring with a well struck penalty on three minutes to give them a 3-0 lead.

On six minutes, Pavs looked like they had woken up, with a fine move from inside their own twenty two which allowed speedster Will Taylor to go the length to score. George Billam added the extras from out wide to put Pavs 7-3 up.

Another kick off mess up saw a Matlock flanker gather the ball and race in untouched and so put Matlock back in front at 10-7 on eight minutes. With a growing confidence Matlock piled on the pressure. They extended their lead on twelve minutes from a simple move off the scrum with the right wing evading three would be tacklers to score and bring the lead to 17-7.

Pavs continued to look at sixes and sevens and on twenty minutes, Matlock again made use of lack lustre tackling to take a seemingly unassailable lead at 24-7 with twenty minutes left to play.

The final period saw Pavs get a little more on the front foot, but without really looking to have any measure of control. Half time 24-7 to Matlock.

Following the break, Noah Bhatia gave Ben Taylor a rest. Pavs looked like a re-energised team. Right from the kick off they made the sort of start they should have made to the first half. The home side scored on 47 mins via Jim Reeson and with Billam extras, narrowed the score to 24-14.

On 54 minutes, prop Jake Baldry fought his way over and with more Billam extras brought Pavs back in touch at 24-21.

With 58 minutes on the clock, Harry Kerr replaced Jim Reeson and Ben Taylor replaced Jonty Green. On seventy minutes and after a series of Matlock penalties and yellow card, Pavs took the scrum option. Phil Eggleshaw picked up from the base and squeezed in at the blind side corner to put Pavs in front at 26-24 for the first time since the sixth minute.

Eddie Holmes joined the fray at the same time as Pavs sought fresh legs. Unfortunately, Pavs were not able to see out the last ten, and with one last effort Matlock went in for the winning score on 75 minutes. Pavs kept battling and were pressing to the very end. Final score Pavs 26 Matlock 29. 

Pavs will willingly consign the first half of this game to The Slough of Despond, yet be buoyed by a spirited second half fight back. They are on a bit of a uncomfortable run results wise, but then who would not be with so many experienced players sidelined. Lessons will have to learned from the first half under performance, but characteristically , they will keep going and see it through to the end. Pavs travel away to Lichfield on March 16 looking to replicate the home win they recorded in November. Onwards ……!

Starting XV: Dan Hyams, Josh Alton-Smith (VC), Jake Baldry (1 try), Theo Collier (C), Sam Bradley, Jim Reeson (58 mins), Josh Flanagan, Phil Eggleshaw ( 1 try), Jonty Green (58), George Billam (3 conv), Will Taylor (1 try), Ben Taylor (40 mins), Morgan Jones, Alex Rimmington ( 70 mins), Matt Molyneux.

Impacts: Harry Kerr ( 58 mins), Noah Bhatia ( 40 mins), Eddie Holmes ( 70 mins )

Paviors Rugby Club play at Burntstump Hill, Arnold, NG5 8PQ and the club runs over twenty teams.

New players are always welcome – girls, boys, men & women, there is a team for all.

Further information about the club including contact details can be found on http://www.paviorsrfc.co.uk/ .

Gedling borough weather Monday, March 4

Early frost and freezing fog patches slowly clearing to leave a dry and bright day, with sunny spells developing for many. Turning increasingly cloudy and breezier as the afternoon progresses, although it will remain dry. Temperatures near average. Maximum temperature 11 °C.

Tonight is expected to be dry with clear spells initially, but turning increasingly cloudy, with outbreaks of rain arriving from the west overnight. Staying largely dry in the far east. Less cold than Sunday night. Minimum temperature 4 °C.

Tomorrow will see early rain gradually easing and mostly dying out, with some bright or sunny spells developing into the afternoon. Breezy at first. Temperatures near average. Maximum temperature 11 °C.

SHOP LOCAL: The story behind Carlton’s latest beauty salon – Golden Green Aesthetics

Gedling Eye is throwing its support behind our amazing local businesses in the borough – and we are now urging you to do the same and our campaign continues with Golden Green Aesthetics, one of the newest beauty salons in the borough located in Carlton, Nottingham.

Golden Green Aesthetics was opened by borough residents and sisters Roxana and Sidonia in February, 2024.

Gedling Eye caught up with Roxana who said: “The idea came from both of us being mothers and needing these type of treatments but not having close access to it in the area.

“We had this business in mind for some time however it took time to build up the courage to start. We have both studied Business Management which helped build up our confidence as we started our journey.

“One of us is an eyelash technician while the other is a body contouring consultant delivering services such as cavitation treatments and endosphere therapy and after viewing the premises we felt this was the place and that it was meant to be for our dream – a business designed by women for women. 

PICTURED: The new salon in Carlton (Courtesy of Golden Green Aesthetics)


“We chose the name of Golden Green Aesthetics as I am in love with the colour emerald green and Sidonia in love with the colour gold, and that how Golden Green Aesthetics came to be. 

“We are crazy in love with our salon, and we feel that we made the right choice in opening. We love to meet new women all the time and to become friends with our clients, getting to know each woman’s stories, their strengths and weaknesses and we support each other. We are very very proud to say that Golden Green is a place women can call heaven as well as being their favourite place that has everything in one roof.”

The salon provides eyelash extensions, waxing, body treatments and are soon to add a nails technician and a makeup artist. 

Golden Green Aesthetics is located at 31 Carlton Business Centre, Nottingham, NG4 3AA.

Further information about Golden Green Aesthetics can be found on their social channels at www.facebook.com/goldengreenaesthetics or www.instagram.com/goldengreenaesthetics/.