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STUART BESTWICK: Reform could be forced to break promises by raiding piggy bank or cutting services to tackle looming council budget overspend

Conservative Councillor Stuart Bestwick represents Newstead Ward on Nottinghamshire County Council.

In this column, Cllr Bestwick questions how Reform will balance the books as they face a possible council budget overspend.

Just six months into the financial year, the Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council is staring at a huge overspend – a sharp reversal from the balanced position achieved under the previous Conservative administration.

The latest Financial Monitoring Report presented at Thursday’s Cabinet meeting exposes a pattern of in-year drift and growing pressure across key services. We Conservative councillors are warning that the situation leaves Reform facing tough choices – either break open the “piggy bank” of reserves, or start cutting the very frontline services they promised to protect.

Cllr Bestwick says the Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council is staring at a huge overspend just six months into the financial year,

Conservatives say new figures show that Reform’s financial grip is slipping

Reform were elected on promises to save money, drive efficiency and reduce council tax. Six months in, and we’re already seeing an overspent budget. The question now is: where will they strike to balance the books? Will they raid the reserves, or will they start cutting vital services?”

“They could have to start cutting the very frontline services they promised to protect.”

Adult Social Care remains the biggest source of pressure, with a £4.95 million overspend forecast despite the much-publicised ‘Sustainability Plan’. Reform said they have a plan to get costs under control, but there’s little evidence to show it’s working. Unless Central Government steps in to bail them out, the current assumptions on demand and placement costs look wildly optimistic.

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The High Needs crisis paints an equally grim picture, with a £33.7 million overspend and a £31.7 million reserve deficit. These aren’t just numbers, they’re a flashing red warning light for the Council’s long-term stability. If Reform don’t act quickly, Nottinghamshire could find itself in real trouble.

Turning to the Council’s wider financial outlook, there are major risks in the Medium-Term Financial Strategy. The plan assumes £45 million of savings over three years and just a 2% pay rise. Those numbers don’t stack up. We need to see what happens if funding tightens or inflation keeps rising – otherwise, we’re being asked to take it all on faith.

I would also question the new DOGE style Efficiency Working Group, set up to find savings: so far, we’ve seen nothing, no membership list, no timetable and no targets. Reform talk about efficiency, but where’s the evidence they can actually deliver it?

I don’t doubt the commitment of council staff, but these figures show that Reform’s financial grip is slipping. They came in promising to save taxpayers’ money – yet within months they could be forced to raid the reserves left by the previous Conservative administration or make huge cuts to frontline services. Nottinghamshire’s residents deserve a council that plans prudently, not one that gambles with their future.

Police renew appeal in bid to reunite woodfired pizza van stolen from Netherfield with owners

Police have renewed an appeal for information after a wood-fired pizza van was stolen from outside a property in Netherfield last month.

The white camper-style Fiat Ducato belongs to Antica Woodfired Pizza and was reported missing from Pintail Close after 8.30pm on October 23. 

The van has a striking light-up ‘Pizza’ sign, as well as three chimneys on its roof. 

A post regarding the van on the firm’s social media page said: “We did everything to keep our van secure but they still managed to get away with it. Please keep an eye and report if seen.” 

PC Louise Bicknell, who is investigating the incident, said: “Thefts like these can be devastating for victims. 

“This vehicle has clearly had a lot of money invested in it, and its loss will have a big financial impact on its owners and their business. 

“We would like to hear from anyone in the area who has any information, saw what happened, or knows where the van is. 

“We particularly want to hear from a woman we believe may have witnessed this theft. If this is you we urge you to come forward at the earliest opportunity 

“If you have information that could be valuable to the investigation, please call 101 quoting incident 680 of 23 October, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.” 

Is Stone Flooring the Smartest Home Investment of 2025?

Home design trends come and go, but some choices stand the test of time. As homeowners look ahead to 2025, one material continues to rise above the rest for both beauty and practicality: stone flooring. More than just a design statement, it is a long-term investment that brings enduring value, natural warmth, and everyday functionality. If you’re thinking about upgrading your home, stone flooring might just be the smartest move you make this year.

A Foundation of Lasting Strength

Few materials can match the strength and longevity of natural stone. Unlike synthetic flooring that wears or fades over time, stone retains its character and structure for decades. Its resilience makes it ideal for busy households, where durability matters as much as style. Families appreciate how stone flooring withstands the rhythm of daily life while growing more beautiful with age. It’s not just flooring; it’s a foundation built to last.

Beauty That Evolves with Time

The charm of stone flooring lies in its timeless elegance. Each piece is unique, with variations in texture, tone, and pattern that bring depth to any space. As trends change, stone never goes out of style. Its natural look complements both classic and contemporary interiors, allowing it to evolve with your home’s personality. A neutral limestone or a bold slate floor can effortlessly elevate your space without ever feeling dated.

A Sustainable Choice for Modern Homes

Sustainability is at the heart of smart design in 2025. Homeowners are increasingly drawn to materials that respect the planet while enhancing everyday living. Stone flooring stands out for its natural origins and long lifespan, reducing the need for replacements and waste. It is an environmentally responsible choice that aligns with eco-conscious living. By choosing quality materials from trusted sources such as mystonefloor.com, you are investing in craftsmanship that values both nature and design.

Adding Real Value to Your Property

A home with stone flooring often commands a higher value, both in aesthetics and resale potential. Buyers are drawn to its sophistication and longevity, viewing it as a mark of quality. Beyond monetary worth, it adds emotional value to a home. There’s something grounding about walking across cool stone in summer or enjoying its gentle warmth through underfloor heating in winter. These are small luxuries that turn everyday living into something extraordinary.

Low Maintenance, High Reward

One of the greatest benefits of stone flooring is how easy it is to maintain. A simple sweep and occasional mop keep it looking pristine. Unlike carpets that trap dust or laminate that scratches easily, stone resists daily wear while maintaining its natural sheen. With the right care, it becomes a lifelong feature of your home, reducing the time and cost of upkeep. In an age when convenience matters, this is one upgrade that pays off in peace of mind.

A Reflection of Personal Taste

Your home should reflect who you are, and stone flooring provides endless possibilities for personal expression. Whether you prefer the rustic charm of terracotta or the sleek refinement of marble, there is a style to suit every aesthetic. The tactile beauty of stone invites touch and admiration, grounding your home in authenticity. It is a way to make a statement without shouting, a perfect blend of form and function.

Investing in What Truly Lasts

In 2025, the smartest investments are not about quick returns but about long-term value. Stone flooring embodies that philosophy perfectly. It enhances your home’s comfort, elegance, and sustainability while standing up to the demands of everyday life. Choosing stone means choosing permanence in a world that often favours the temporary.

Final Reflection

Stone flooring is more than a design decision; it is a legacy of craftsmanship and care. It transforms houses into homes that feel enduring, natural, and full of character. As you plan your next home improvement, consider the strength, beauty, and timeless appeal of stone.

Illegal electric scooter and ‘large knife’ seized from teenager, 15, arrested in Colwick supermarket car park

Gedling police officers seized an electric scooter and a ‘large knife’ from a 15-year-old boy following hius arrest in a Colwick supermarket car park.

Police on patrol spotted the scooter while on patrol close to the Sainsbury’s store around 2pm on Sunday (2).

A short time later they spotted a suspect entering the supermarket.

He was detained in the car park following a foot chase and during searches officers recovered a large knife.

A 15-year-old boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, has been charged with possession of a knife in a public place and using a motor vehicle without a licence or insurance.

He is expected to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on 12 November 2025.

Sergeant Alison Riley said: “We are receiving frequent reports of antisocial behaviour involving the illegal use of electric bikes and scooters in our communities.

“The use of these machines is often linked to knife crime, drugs, antisocial behaviour and other forms of criminality.

“Following this incident a scooter and knife have been taken off the streets and a suspect placed before the courts.

“Neighbourhood officers have held days of action to target the issues around e-bikes in Gedling and discussions with our partners about it are ongoing.”

Gedling borough prepares to unite for parades and services on Remembrance Sunday

A series of services and parades have been organised across Gedling borough to honour the sacrifices of the armed forces and emergency services this Sunday. 

Every year the borough comes together for Remembrance Sunday. 

A period of silence is held each year to remember the people who have died in wars around the world. 

Gedling Borough Council has announced various Remembrance Day services taking place. Residents are invited to attend and join. 

In Arnold, the annual service will take place between 9-11am and will begin with a parade that will include members from the Royal British Legion, British Army, RAF Cadets, Arnold Army Cadets and Boys and Girls Brigades. 

The parade forms at 9am at the Victory Club on Church Drive East and at 9.20am will march towards St Paul’s Church for a service of remembrance that begins at 9.45am. 

At 10.30am the parade leaves the church and marches to Arnot Hill Park, via Mansfield Road, Sir John Robinson Way and Nottingham Road. 

A remembrance service will take place at the war memorial from 10.50am, with a two-minute silence at 11am. 

The parade will then march from the war memorial in the park to the Arnold Victory Club via Nottingham Road and is due to end at 11.40am. 

All roads affected by the parade will be closed from 9am – 12pm. 

The event in Gedling will start at All Hallows Church at 10am with a church service, followed by a procession to the nearby war memorial at 10.45am. A wreath laying ceremony and Act of Remembrance will then take place. At 11am there will be a two-minute silence, followed by a parade to Gedling Memorial Hall. 

In Mapperley, they will mark Remembrance on Sunday, Nov ember 16. The band and parade will assemble at the Mapperley Top car park on Bonington Road at 10.35am. They will then march along Woodborough and Plains Road to the Mapperley War Memorial on the corner of Woodborough Road and Woodthorpe Drive.  

There will be a service and Act of Remembrance, followed by the Last Post and a two-minute silence at 11am. Following the memorial service, the parade will march back to Bonington Road. 

In Calverton, those taking part in the parade will meet at Calverton Working Men’s Club at 9am. A Remembrance service will then take place at St Wilfred’s Church from 10 until 10.30am. A parade will the make its way to the Cenotaph on Mansfield Road for the Act of Remembrance. 

The parade will then return to the working men’s club and be dismissed at 11.45am. Tea and coffee will be available at the club afterwards. 

The following roads will be closed across the borough for the parades on Sunday morning: 

Church Drive, Arnold 
 

Main Road, Gedling 
 

Mansfield Road, Daybrook 
 

Nottingham Road, Daybrook 
 

Sir John Robinson Way, Daybrook 
 

Main Street, Calverton 
 

Mansfield Lane, Calverton 
 

Breck Hill Road, Woodthorpe 
 

TONY CAVE: Hourly train service from Carlton begins next month – and is being warmly welcomed by passengers

PROMISE TO PAY 

The following email was received from the Community Ambassador at East Midlands Railway (EMR) in response to my queries around how to pay in cash before boarding the train. The email read: ”The purpose of a Promise to Pay slip – issued by the Smart Kiosk (SK) machines at Carlton and Netherfield –  is to give customers a cash payment option where a machine will not accept cash. “To obtain a Promise to Pay, there are just a few buttons to press on the SK. The customer then uses this slip on board the train to buy the ticket with the guard, using cash.  

EMR added: “We’d like to reassure you that we could not expect any Revenue Protection Officer to issue a penalty fare to someone physically unable to use a SK to obtain a Promise to Pay – like a disabled person.” 

I have found how to obtain a Promise to Pay ticket from the SK. Touch the screen and 4 options will come up. Bottom right-hand side is the one you Want. Touch this and you will be asked to type in your destination. Carlton or Netherfield are automatic­ally given as the station you are travelling from. If you type in ‘Derby’, it will show a number of stations with Derby in their name, so press ‘Derby EMR’. Press to continue and it will ask how many are travelling. Choose ‘4’ if you want a group travel ticket. Press ‘continue’ and it will issue a Promise to Pay ticket, which you can present to the guard who will issue you with the ticket re­quired. Promise to Pay tickets are valid for two hours and payment is required in cash.  

None of the posters tell you that you have this option, so some people have been put off travelling by train.  

TIMETABLE CHANGES 

­Drastic changes are being made to train times at Carlton from December 14. Netherfield will also lose the 08.55 to Skegness, replaced by one at 06.40! The timetable will be released mid-­November, I have obtained some of the new times from December 14. During day times trains at Carlton are every hour with trains in the daytime going through to and returning from Lincoln every hour. Also Burton Joyce is at last getting an hourly service. On Sundays, from late morning, Carlton will get an hourly service.  

ENGINEERING WORK 

Always check when travelling at weekends. I know that on Sat, November 8, the Nottingham to Skegness service will be a bus from Grantham to Sleaford and on Sunday (9) it will be a bus from Nottingham to Sleaford.  

On Saturday, November 15 and Sun 16 Nov there will be no trains between Nottingham and Leicester with bus replacements in place.  

EMR NEWS 

ANPR car parking is being installed at stations across the network. Nottingham is scheduled to be introduced on Monday, December  

Secret fares: book in advance and specify a timeslot (morning, afternoon, evening) and find out 24 hours before departure what train you are booked on. Example of savings – London to Nottingham from £15 and Nottingham to Norwich from £16. Visit https:/secretfare.seatfrog.com  

New class 810 ‘Aurora’ trains: Entry into service is now expected from late 2025 with a phased roll out continuing through 2026. 

Other changes to train services from December 14th: Lincoln to Matlock trains will run every hour via Nottingham. Every 2 hours these trains will continue from Lincoln to Cleethorpes and return. The Nottingham to Leicester local service will be an hourly shuttle. This means that no direct trains will run from Carlton to Leicester or return. 

20 YEARS OF STATION ADOPTION 

In October 2005 I wrote to Central Trains to say I was interested in the Station Adoption scheme. It was April 2006 before I was allowed to start, but distributed the winter 2005 timetables. I have always tried to promote rail travel and remember back to 1960 helping my father, who was Station Master at West Hallam, to deliver leaflets in the area advertising an excursion to Blackpool for the illuminations. It was a popular trip that got back around 03.15am on Sunday Morning. In the mid 1990’s I obtained permission from British Rail Publicity Department to print (duplicate) timetables which I distributed locally to places like Canton library. I also wrote to British Rail to see if more trains could call at Netherfield. Their reply was that it would interfere with trains on the East Coast mainline, as this was before the new chord line was put in at Allington Junction. Skegness trains had to then use the East Coast line from Grantham to Barkston Junction and then branch off to Sleaford.  

BRIEF ENCOUNTERS 

No trains on Christmas Day and Boxing Day in our area. Trains run a weekday service on New Year’s Day from around 09.00am. 

News that Carlton is getting regular direct trains to Lincoln from December has been warmly welcomed by many that I have talked to. 

£3.3 million is being spent on two platforms at chesterfield to improve their structural integrity. It will not affect train services and is due for completion in March 2026. 

Work to revamp paths, remove and replace ramps and a staircase is to take place at Cleethorpes to make it disability access compliant. 

Major UK phone providers agree to crackdown on scam calls and fraud

Britain’s biggest phone networks have joined forces in a bid to put an end to crooks bombarding Brits with cold calls from overseas call centres.

BT, EE, Vodafone, Three, Virgin Media O2, Sky, TalkTalk and Tesco Mobile have signed a new telecoms charter with the Home Office and commit to stopping scammers using fake numbers to impersonate banks and government departments.

They will block foreign call centres from spoofing UK numbers within the next year and roll out new call tracing tools to help police identify scam operations.

The agreement, signed at the BT Tower, comes as the scale of fraud continues to climb.

Figures from UK Finance show that criminals stole more than £629m in the first half of 2025, up three per cent on the same period last year. Investment and romance scams recorded the sharpest increases, with losses of nearly £100m and £20m, respectively.

Under these new measures, calls from overseas will be clearly marked as such, stopping bad actors from disguising themselves behind local or official-looking numbers.

Approximately 96 per cent of mobile users decide whether to answer based on the number displayed, according to government data.

New call tracing technology will also provide police with better intelligence on domestic scam operations. Meanwhile, mobile firms have pledged faster support for victims, reducing response times to two weeks.

Fraud minister Lord Hanson said that the government wanted to make the UK “the hardest place in the world for scammers to operate.”

The Home Office stated that the commitments would also enhance data sharing between networks and law enforcement, enabling regulators to identify which providers are failing to prevent suspicious traffic.

The measures come following a sharp rise in AI-enabled scams, with scammers using software to clone voices and generate deepfake videos.

Nottingham Hospitals declare critical incident as 24 ambulances wait outside A&E carrying patients

Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust (NUH) has declared a Critical Incident as a result of sustained pressures across the Trust and in particular the Queen’s Medical Centre (QMC) Emergency Department (ED). 
 
The impact of the pressures caused by a prolonged period of sustained demand, challenges around staffing, flow and discharge in the organisation is resulting in significant waits in ED and admissions to wards, despite tireless efforts from staff across the Trust.  
 
When the incident was called, just after 4pm on Tuesday 4 November, there were 24 ambulances waiting outside of the ED at QMC and large numbers of people in the department.  
 
The Trust has implemented a new Electronic Patient Record (EPR) at the weekend and issues with the technical roll out of the product has added to the ability to manage the current levels of pressure.  
 
The Trust is asking members of the public and patients to carefully consider whether or not they need to attend ED, only attending in an emergency. Those with planned appointments should continue to attend unless told otherwise.  

Andrew Hall, Chief Operating Officer at NUH, said: “Our staff are working tirelessly to care for patients, but the pressure on our services is causing very long waits and this is causing overcrowding in our ED. 

“We know how frustrating this will be to people waiting in the department. Our staff are working as hard as they possibly can to get to them as soon as possible. Unfortunately, some of our colleagues have experienced abuse from people waiting to be treated and we ask that they are treated with kindness and respect.  

“The public can help us by only attending ED in an emergency and carefully considering other options, such as calling NHS111, speaking to a GP and visiting a local pharmacy. 
 
“Our emergency services remain open and the public should continue to come forward as normal in emergency and life-threatening cases – when someone is seriously ill or injured, or their life is at risk. Our aim is to prioritise patients with the highest level of need and ensure that we continue to manage emergency care.” 
 
How the public can help:

  • If your relative is due to be discharged from hospital and needs to be collected, please do so as early as possible. This will help our teams and free up a hospital bed for someone waiting to be admitted. 
  • Only call 999 or attend ED for serious accidents and for life threatening emergencies.
  • Where the situation is not life-threatening, alternative support will be available through NHS111 online or by calling 111.
  • Urgent Treatment Centres (UTC) treat injuries including sprains, strains, suspected fractures, bites, cuts, scalds and other non-emergency conditions. Waiting times are usually much shorter than ED.
  • Pharmacies can help with allergies, constipation, headaches, earaches and many other ailments. Many pharmacies are open and you can find opening hours for your local pharmacy here.
  • Please do not visit your loved ones in hospital if you have any flu or other respiratory illness symptoms – please wait until you are better to visit them.   

Gibbs-White Aims to Halt Manchester United’s Momentum Under Amorim

Prior to Nottingham Forest taking on Manchester United, the match promised to be one of the more intriguing fixtures of the Premier League round. United arrived at the City Ground on the back of three straight league victories under manager Rúben Amorim, and their recent form has drawn widespread attention. Forest, meanwhile, have been determined to turn their own fortunes around amid their managerial change.

One player who has taken notice of United’s resurgence under Amorim is Morgan Gibbs-White who recently praised how United has been resurgent in recent weeks. Amorim’s side has rediscovered intensity, structure, and confidence, taking nine points from their last three matches. Those results included a hard-fought win away at Liverpool, sandwiched between home triumphs against Sunderland and Brighton.

Forest entered the clash as underdogs, and their wider outlook has been the subject of scrutiny. Many top non-UK betting sites currently list them at 11/4 odds for relegation, reflecting an ongoing battle to establish stability in a highly competitive league. Such platforms have become increasingly popular with local fans, thanks to their broad range of markets, quick payouts, and flexible deposit options. However, for Forest fans, those odds need to change fast as the team hopes to pull itself out of the mess before it’s too late.

Forest’s season has been marked by transition. The club has already changed managers twice, parting ways with Nuno Espírito Santo and Ange Postecoglou before settling into a new rhythm under current leadership. Despite those shifts, the team has remained competitive, producing moments of high-energy football but lacking the consistency needed to climb further up the table. The fixture against a rejuvenated United was a key test of their adaptability and belief.

Amorim’s arrival at Old Trafford looks to finally be having an impact. United have looked more cohesive and balanced in recent weeks, blending defensive solidity with sharper attacking transitions. The renewed confidence among his players has brought a sense of optimism that had been missing for much of the previous campaign. His approach has centred on aggressive pressing and intelligent use of possession, allowing the team to recover quickly after setbacks and maintain pressure over 90 minutes.

For Forest, the challenges ahead lie in getting back to the kind of form shown last season. They have already shown they can compete with top sides, having completed the double over United last season, which included a thrilling 3–2 win at Old Trafford in which Gibbs-White featured prominently. Reproducing that intensity will be essential if they hope to derail Amorim’s current run of success.

United’s improvement under Amorim has also sparked discussion about their long-term prospects. With momentum building and confidence restoring slowly since the pitfalls of Amorim’s shaky start and the memories of the Ten Hag era. Their recent consistency has given supporters renewed belief that a return to Champions League qualification is within reach, provided the current form continues through the winter fixtures.

As for Forest, the match represented more than just another league game. It was an opportunity to measure their progress against one of England’s biggest clubs and to signal that they remain capable of competing at a high level despite recent upheavals. Both clubs entered the match facing different pressures, United fighting to sustain momentum near the top, and Forest striving to find stability and confidence after managerial turbulence. 

ARNOLD: Concern Christmas market could ‘conflict’ with regular traders

The organiser of a Christmas market in Arnold has sought to quash a concern that food stalls could conflict with regular business owners in the town centre.

A Christmas market is planned outside The AMP, which opened in 2022 and replaced the old Arnold Market site, towards the end of November and into December.

Organiser Natalee Onyeche has been seeking street trading consent for the market from Gedling Borough Council.

The consent would allow the market to operate on Friday, November 21 from 10am until 7.30pm, and then every Saturday from November 29 until December 20, between the hours of 9am and 3pm.

However at an environment and licensing committee meeting on Tuesday (November 4) a councillor said he was worried food stalls at the market may negatively impact existing businesses in area.

Arnold Christmas Market in 2023

Cllr Martin Smith (Con), a member of the committee, said: “I’m all in favour of the market in principle. But I’m just looking under the description of goods being traded; a variety of traders selling food – and that is the bit that concerns me somewhat.

“We have already got permanent shops in that vicinity selling food and drink and I am concerned this market will conflict with what those people who are there, seven days a week, actually sell.

“I am aware there is another market this lady has organised where there has been a conflict, which may well have been resolved now. But I am concerned about those regular traders. But everything else I am very much in favour of.”

A council officer said five food stalls are currently confirmed for the temporary market, including a chocolate stall, a crepe stall, and a Jamaican food and Indian food stall.

Natalee Onyeche, the organiser, spoke to say the food stalls offered items that were generally not readily available in the area.

“Generally it is a nice mix of food that is not readily available,” she said.

“In the other markets there have always been food and cake stalls, and it has been running for two years now. I haven’t personally had complaints about those.”

Changes were made back in 2012 to allow temporary permission to be granted for street trading in the area, which aimed to give the council better control over what activities and goods were traded to protect existing businesses and market traders now based at Eagle Square.

The streets outside The AMP were changed from a ‘prohibited street’ to a ‘consent street’ as a result.

“This has allowed for Arnold town centre to have craft fairs and a Christmas market over the last few years whilst protecting the interests of the Arnold Market traders,” the council added.

Members of the committee voted to grant the market trading consent, meaning the Christmas market will now go ahead as planned.Concern Arnold Christmas market could ‘conflict’ with regular traders