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Councillors call for Gedling’s rural villages to be spared from merger with Nottingham in council shake-up

Philip Maddox
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Councillors call for Gedling’s rural villages to be spared from merger with Nottingham in council shake-up

Two councillors are calling for Gedling’s rural villages to be spared from being included in a proposed merger of the borough’s council with Nottingham in the biggest local government shake-up in more than 50 years.

Conservative Gedling Borough Councillors for the Trent Valley ward, Cllr Mike Adams and Cllr Sam Smith have written to the Rt Hon Alison McGovern MP, Minister for Local Government, urging the Government to rule out any proposal that would see Burton Joyce, Stoke Bardolph, Gedling, or Rivendell transferred into Nottingham City as part of the ongoing Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) process.

In their letter, the Councillors stress that these villages are rural, Green Belt communities with identities, service needs, and demographic profiles fundamentally different from those of the urban city environment.

“Forcing these villages into Nottingham City would be totally unacceptable and a direct betrayal of our residents’ clear wishes,” Cllr Sam Smith and Cllr Mike Adams state.

The letter highlights three major concerns:

  1. Green Belt Protection & Rural Character – The Trent Valley villages sit within some of the county’s most sensitive Green Belt, and the councillors argue that Nottingham City’s development pressures are incompatible with the area’s long-standing rural preservation needs.
  2. Mismatch in Service Provision – Residents rely on rural transport, flood resilience, village-focused policing, and infrastructure suited to countryside communities—needs they fear would be sidelined under a city-led authority.
  3. Nottingham City Council’s Financial Instability – With two Section 114 notices, deep budget deficits, and major financial failures, including the £38m loss on Robin Hood Energy, the councillors warn that rural villages should not be forced to subsidise the City’s financial problems.

The councillors have call on the Minister to reject any proposal that would alter the boundaries in a way that subsumes Trent Valley communities into the City, and to ensure that any LGR plans across Nottinghamshire include local consent, transparency, and protections for rural identity.

Cllr Adams and Cllr Smith concluded: “Our towns and villages are not Nottingham suburbs, and they must never be treated that way.”

Unexpected rise in energy bills from January

Gedling Eye
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Unexpected rise in energy bills from January

Energy bills will rise marginally in January, Ofgem has announced. 

The average annual energy bill will rise by 0.2% in January, despite wholesale costs falling, Ofgem has announced. 

Major forecasters Cornwall Insight had predicted a 1% drop – but the energy regulator has moved in the opposite direction.

Between January and March, the typical annual dual fuel bill will be £1,758 – up from the current £1,755 cap. 

This equates to an average monthly increase of around 28p.

Wholesale energy prices, which make up the largest portion of the cap, have fallen by 4% over the past three months, but remain unpredictable due to events around the world. 

Reform set to back plan to merge Gedling with Nottingham in council shake-up

Lauren Monaghan
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Reform set to back plan to merge Gedling with Nottingham in council shake-up

Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council is set to submit its preference for a Nottingham, Broxtowe and Gedling merge.

Nottinghamshire’s nine local authorities are heading for a monumental shake-up by 2028 which will see the current two-tier structure in the county – with responsibilities split between district and borough councils and an upper county council – scrapped to create fewer unitary authorities responsible for all services.

The Labour Government announced these plans for English councils back in December 2024, and Nottinghamshire’s authorities have been deliberating various options, primarily looking at two new unitary authorities being created for the county, including some form of Nottingham city boundary expansion.

In early September 2025, Nottinghamshire County Council cemented its stance that one unitary merging Nottingham with Broxtowe and Gedling and another unitary containing the rest of the county was its favoured option for reorganisation.

In a full council meeting on Thursday (November 20), the County Council formally approved the authority would submit this option – which it worked in collaboration with Rushcliffe Borough Council on –  as its preference to the government by November 28.

Supporting the plan, Councillor Neil Clarke (Con), who is also leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council, called it a “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to “rewire” government for people and services.

He said it includes potential ‘neighbourhood committees’ being made within the proposed unitary, which would have “real influence” over area priorities and funding, along with quick and seamless council actions.

But the re-shaping plans were met with criticism from opposition councillors.

Cllr Teresa Cullen (Brox Alliance) said: “In Broxtowe, 12,500 residents responded to a [separate consultation] survey, that’s ten times more than the nearest number that have responded to any other survey in the entire Broxtowe history – 71 per cent said no to any option that joined Broxtowe with Nottingham city.”

Cllr Cullen called the government’s shake-up plans “rushed through and ill thought out”, saying the council has “every opportunity to ask for the brakes to be put on” on the process.

Cllr Keith Girling (Con) said extra “pressure” would be put on other residents if future Nottinghamshire unitaries were formed this way.

He said: “Newark under these proposals, along with Retford, is going to end up being the cash cow for the north part of the [county] unitary, because that’s where all the council tax will be coming from to pay for the services.”

County council leader Mick Barton said the merge option “will work”, adding: “Most residents don’t really care, they don’t even know what local government reorganisation is – this will improve for generations to come and that’s how we’ve got to look at it.

“I have met Neghat [Khan], I’ve met her on several occasions and we tried to work a model up in the early days – I’ve done my job, I’ve met with all the leaders. Neghat’s fallback option was [this option].”

Nottingham City Council has drawn up a separate option that would see the current city boundary expanded into parts of Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe – not the whole of boroughs.

Authorities will have to submit their preferred re-shaping option to the government by its November 28 deadline.

£5,000 of stolen tablets and medicines seized by cops following car stop in Arnold

Gedling Eye
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£5,000 of stolen tablets and medicines seized by cops following car stop in Arnold

Cops discovered almost £5,000 worth of suspected stolen tablets and other medicines when they pulled a car over in Arnold

The vehicle was stopped in Arno Vale Road after arousing suspicions of officers at around 6.50pm on Saturday (15).

The two men inside the car were detained, while officers carried out searches which uncovered three large bin liners full of over-the-counter medicinal products.

The men, aged 28 and 46, were arrested on suspicion of theft from a shop and have since been bailed while investigations continue.

Officers from the Gedling North neighbourhood policing team also recovered a large amount of cannabis, individually wrapped for sale, after a separate vehicle stop this week.

They found the drugs after an intelligence-led stop of a transporter van in Bestwood Park Drive on November 12.

Police stopped the vehicle after it aroused suspicions

Two men, aged 24 and 49, were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a Class B drug.

The older suspect was further arrested on suspicion of two counts of possession of an offensive weapon in a private place after a knife and a knuckle duster were recovered during later searches of a property.

During a third vehicle stop, on Saturday (15) in St Alban’s Road, Daybrook, the team seized further cannabis and equipment associated with drug dealing.

Officers pulled over the van after receiving intelligence it could be involved in drug crime.

A 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply a class B drug, as well as possession of an offensive weapon in a private place after a zombie-style knife was found in a home during ensuing searches.

Sergeant Alison Riley, of the Gedling neighbourhood team, said:“Proactive vehicle stops like this are an important part of our team’s work, alongside foot patrols within the community.

“Two of these incidents led to the seizure of drugs and weapons, while we suspect the other has allowed us to recover items from a high-value shop theft elsewhere in the country and prevented further incidents in Nottinghamshire.”

Firefighters tackling blaze at Calverton

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Firefighters tackling blaze at Calverton

Firefighters currently are tackling a blaze that started this afternoon in Calverton.

Crews from surrounding towns were called into action to help tackle the fire on Hollinwood Lane in the village.

Calverton Recycling Centre has been closed to the public due to the incident.

People living near the incident have been to close doors and windows if they ‘can see the smoke’.

A spokesman for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue said: “Firefighters from Arnold, Blidworth, Carlton, Stockhill, Edwinstowe, Mansfield and Stapleford Fire Station are currently in attendance at a fire on Hollinwood Lane.

“If you’re local, or can see and smell smoke, please keep your windows and doors closed.”

Poundland’s Arnold store to close next month due to lease stalemate

David Bratton
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Poundland’s Arnold store to close next month due to lease stalemate

A high street budget retailer is set to close its Arnold branch after owners were unable to negotiate terms of rent.

The Poundland store on Front Street is due to close on December 6 with an extensive closing down sale now underway.

The struggling retailer has been closing a number of UK branches as it attempts to revive its fortunes after narrowly escaping administration.

A spokesman for the chain said they expect to operate a store network of 650-700 stores in time, compared to the 800 they had at the beginning of the restructuring process. 

Poundland Arnold
The struggling retailer has been closing a number of UK branches as it attempts to revive its fortunes after narrowly escaping administration

Arnold hadn’t been on the list of stores earmarked for closure but owners said it was a location where they’d been ‘unable to secure terms to allow us to keep trading there’.

Poundland’s UK retail manager Darren MacDonald said: “We know how disappointing it is when we leave a store, but before we close our doors for a final time, we’re determined to say goodbye by offering even more amazing value to customers. 

“These special reductions, on top of the value we offer day-in-day-out across our wider network, will help us leave locations like Arnold with pride.  And when our doors close, we’ll look forward to welcoming customers to one of the hundreds of Poundland stores we’ll continue to operate right across the UK.”

The clearance sale at Arnold will offer reductions of up to 40pc, with items marked down in price until they’re sold.  It covers all the stock from homewares to groceries and clothing to health and beauty.

Arnold resident Sue Clough said she was “devastated” after hearing the news that the shop was facing closure.

She told Gedling Eye: “So many shops are closing on our high street and it is getting to the point where I don’t think I’ll bother coming in anymore.

“I liked the shop a lot and the staff were always lovely. There are not many places in town now where I can shop on my budget. I am really gutted it is going.”

Dave Kyle said Arnold high street will soon have ‘nothing left’

“I shop there with the wife. It is rare we leave without buying something. It is a shame it has to go,” he said.

“Another nail in the coffin for our town high street.”

Crackdown on Gedling borough retail crime continues in run up to Christmas

Gedling Eye
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Crackdown on Gedling borough retail crime continues in run up to Christmas

Gedling cops have been taking part in a county-wide drive to crackdown on retail crime in the run up to Christmas.

Neighbourhood officers have been taking part in Safer Business Action Week – a targeted week of action that saw police work with local businesses to clamp down on criminals targeting retailers and to help better understand the daily issues they face.

Local police carried out daily high-visibility and plain-clothes patrols to target prolific criminals and visit businesses and retailers across the county between November 10 and 14.

PICTURED: Victoria Retail Park

Officers continued with Operation Descent, which involves high-visibility patrols on foot and in marked police vehicles at Victoria Retail Park in Netherfield.

They were on the lookout for known offenders identified through intelligence to help protect businesses and customers from the harm caused by shop thieves.

During the patrols, which also included supermarkets in Carlton and Burton Joyce, officers spoke with shop staff and retailers to check for issues and give guidance on promptly reporting incidents.

Inspector Dan Griffin, Nottinghamshire Police’s business and retail crime lead, said: “We understand the impact of shoplifting and retail crime on businesses, staff, and our communities.

“It is not victimless or against faceless corporations – it affects real people who want to work hard.

“The abuse that staff are subjected to will never be acceptable, and we’re committed to cracking down on prolific criminals and working with companies to disrupt and deter persistent offenders.

“Every day, year-round, our officers work to identify and arrest offenders causing harm and place them before the courts.

“As a force, we recognise the importance of working with our business community and partners to help tackle and prevent retail crime to ensure people feel safer.

“By working together, we can build a clearer picture of offending and develop strategies to target those causing harm while also supporting retail staff.

“Most shoplifting offences are committed by those who are stealing to fund substance misuse, such as drugs and alcohol.

“Organised criminal groups also steal items in bulk to sell for profit.

“We proactively target both groups through arresting offenders or signposting vulnerable people into further support with partner organisations, which is key for disrupting the repeat cycle of offending.

“It is key that support services are available to vulnerable people; however, we will not hesitate to act against those who continue with their criminal behaviour.”

Superintendent Lisa Maslen, lead of the National Business Crime Centre, said: “Safer Business Action Week is a valuable opportunity to focus attention on the challenges businesses face every day, while celebrating the ongoing partnership work taking place across the country.”

“The results we’ve seen from these collaborative efforts show the real impact of bringing together police, local authorities and the business community to reduce harm and create safer places to work and shop.”

GET YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR: Clubland Live Tour announced for Newstead Abbey

Gedling Eye
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GET YOUR HANDS IN THE AIR: Clubland Live Tour announced for Newstead Abbey

Get your hands in the air and dust off your glowsticks – Clubland is taking over the iconic Newstead Abbey next summer.

The legendary Clubland brand has been setting dancefloors alight for years, and now it is returning to venues across the UK bigger, louder, and more spectacular than ever.

Clubland takes over the iconic Newstead Abbey on Friday, July 3 2026 in association with Ravers Reunited with 2 areas of amazing music with an iconic open air Abbey back drop & a magical enchanted forest stage

The date at Newstead Abbey will bring together a selection of the best DJs spinning the biggest tunes from across the decades of Clubland classics. Expect the beats that defined a generation — from euphoric trance and hands-in-the-air anthems to the freshest modern remixes that keep the Clubland spirit alive.

The celebration of club culture, energy, and unity will feature breathtaking visuals, state-of-the-art sound systems, and a “light show that will turn Leeds into the ultimate dance arena”.

Organisers said: “Whether you grew up with Clubland or you are discovering it for the first time, this tour is the perfect opportunity to relive the magic or make brand new memories on the dancefloor.

“Gather your crew, dust off your glowsticks, and prepare for an electrifying night of non-stop anthems, amazing energy, and pure nostalgia. Tickets are expected to sell fast so don’t miss your chance to be part of this epic event. The beats are back. The lights are ready. The dancefloor is waiting.”

Clubland tickets are available on general sale on Friday Nov 7 at 10am. More details and a link to buy tickets can be found in our new What’s On guide HERE

Pensioners in Gedling borough warned as reports of Winter Fuel Prices scams surge

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Pensioners in Gedling borough warned as reports of Winter Fuel Prices scams surge

Pensioners in Gedling borough are being warned to be on the alert with Winter Fuel Payment scams on the rise as the cold snap bites.

Scambusters Action Fraud say they have received 2,790 crime reports relating to Winter Fuel Payment scams in the UK, with victims across the UK reporting losses totalling over £27,000. 

Between April and September 2025, Action Fraud has received 2,790 crime reports relating to Winter Fuel Payment scams, with victims reporting losses totalling over £27,000. 

A spokesman said: “Winter Fuel Payments are made automatically, you do not need to do anything. If you receive any text messages about Winter Fuel Payments, it’s a scam

“Not sure if a message is real? Contact the organisation directly using the contact details on their official website, not the number or web address in the message.

“Your bank – or any other official source – won’t ask you to supply personal information by email or text message. “

Those who receive a suspicious SMS or RCS message, you can report it for free by forwarding it to 7726. 

If you think you’ve been a victim of fraud, contact your bank immediately and report it to Action Fraud online at actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040, or call Police on 101. 

More visible patrols planned as public confidence in police force falls

Joe Locker (LDR Reporter)
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More visible patrols planned as public confidence in police force falls

Public confidence in Nottinghamshire Police has been falling – but there are plans to improve officer visibility in response.

New figures show public confidence in 2023/24 sat at around 52 percent, and the force expected it to rise to 55 percent by September this year.

However the target was missed, with public confidence now even lower at 50.4 percent.

The data comes from the latest police and crime survey, from which the three main areas of concern all related to public confidence in the force.

During a Nottinghamshire police and crime panel meeting on Monday (November 17) the worsening confidence in the police was discussed.

Cllr John Wilmott (Ash Ind) said: “It is all about public confidence in the police, and it has unfortunately continued to fall over the past year.

[yop_poll id=”5″]

“Can you elaborate on the work being undertaken to address the continued depressed level of public confidence of the police?”

“We are not seeing the uplift we were hoping to see at this stage of the year”

Dan Howitt, head of strategy and performance at the Office for the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), said the force had “not been seeing the uplift we were hoping to see at this stage of the year”.

“We are somewhat at the mercy of negative media articles, more often than not involving the Metropolitan Police service, which also no doubt has an impact on general perceptions and public confidence locally,” he said.

“Particularly given 77 percent of those that respond to this have had no direct contact with the police over the last year.”

The perception that police are visible in areas of greatest need has also fallen from 34.6 percent to 31.7 percent, and had a target of 37 percent.

Similarly the perception the force has been tackling issues of local concern has dropped from 40.7 percent to 36.7 percent, not meeting the target of 43.7 percent.

Mr Howitt added: “We really are doing all we can in terms of our work with the force to, A: improve visibility, and B: have a little more control over the narrative as part of the media strategy to address the misinformation and disinformation of levels of risk.”

The meeting was told the Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Gary Godden (Lab), was represented at a board that discusses public trust and confidence in the police, which has been working to get a “grip”.

There are also a number of planned high visibility operations, including Operation Sceptre, part of a nationally-run campaign to tackle knife crime.

Angela Kandola, the deputy PCC, said the force had reported that serious violence was down by 21 percent, hospital admissions for sharp objects were down by 10 percent, possession offences up two percent, and county lines crimes down from 25 percent to eight percent.

The survey also found the quality of investigations “is very positive”, and the proportion of crime where a suspect is identified has increased which is “all very positive”.

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