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Gedling councillors welcome U-turn on proposals to punish flytippers in vehicles with licence penalty points

Emily Sanchez
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Gedling councillors welcome U-turn on proposals to punish flytippers in vehicles with licence penalty points

Two Gedling borough councillors have praised a Government decision to u-turn on powers to punish fly-tippers.

An amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill to hit drivers who litter from their vehicles with penalty points on their licence was proposed by the Conservatives and will now be considered.

This change means the Secretary of State will now consult on establishing a system for flytippers in vehicles to place points on their licences. 

The measure was originally voted down at Committee stage, but will now be included.

An amendment had been tabled to give police the powers to seize vehicles used for fly-tipping but this wasn’t supported by the Government.

Conservative Cllrs Sam Smith &  Mike Adams, who represent the Trent Valley Ward on Gedling Borough Council, said: “Fly-tipping continues to blight our communities.

“Our constituents across Trent Valley, in Stoke Bardolph, Gedling, Burton Joyce and Rivendell, are fed up with seeing rubbish dumped on our streets or in our beautiful green spaces.

“We welcome the Government’s u-turn to put points on the licenses of fly-tippers and will continue to hold their feet to the fire on extra powers for the police to seize vehicles.

“Labour-run Gedling Borough Council must now get a grip of this issue and start punishing fly-tippers”

Chris Philp MP, Shadow Home Secretary, said: “Fly-tippers are turning our towns and countryside into dumping grounds. Fly-tipping is a scourge on our communities. 

“I am pleased to see that the Government have finally u-turned due to pressure and decided to implement our measures to put points on the licenses of fly-tippers and seize their vehicles.”

‘You couldn’t not hit one’: Motorists on pothole-ridden Carlton Hill welcome emergency fixes

Lauren Monaghan
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‘You couldn’t not hit one’: Motorists on pothole-ridden Carlton Hill welcome emergency fixes

Drivers forced to swerve around potholes on Carlton Hill, labelled one of Nottinghamshire’s “worst roads” say it is now like a “dream” after repairs finally took place after months of problems.

Residents travelling along Carlton Hill, Carlton, had been suffering with poor road conditions for months after a weakening section of road, near the Cromwell Street junction and the Tesco Superstore, got progressively worse.

The bottom of Carlton Hill had been getting into an increasingly worse state since the turn of the year, with problems first reported before Christmas 2025.

Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council, the authority responsible for highways, announced an emergency £2 million pot of money in February this year to tackle roads across the county in the most dire state.

Part of the cash was used to resurface the section of Carlton Hill, where machines left the site last Monday (April 20).

Works across dozens of sites started in March and are due to be completed soon but, since then, the authority has announced a further “record-level” £181.25 million in 2026/27 to start fixing Nottinghamshire’s deteriorated roads.

Standing on the side of the resurfaced Carlton Hill section, council leader Mick Barton told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) it was “one of the worst in the county”.

He said: “We realised what such a bad state it was in the county, this was one of around 45 projects completed, they’ll complete in a few weeks time.

“This has needed doing for years, as part of that £2 million project, this was one of the worst in the county and it desperately needed doing.

“We’ve got these roads all across the county. It’s due to the neglect – it’s nobody’s fault individually – it’s been a lack of investment for the last 20 years, but we are addressing that as much as we can.”

Nearby resident Sharron has lived near the problem road for 10 years told the LDRS she welcomed the multi-million investment into the roads “wholeheartedly”.

Speaking on the Carlton Hill works, she said: “It was awful, there was pothole after pothole in that whole section, from the bottom of [Southdale Road] to just past the [Texaco] garage.

“Literally you were swerving to avoid everything and every morning it was like being on a fair ride, it was awful – now it’s a dream to drive on.”

The pothole situation had been so bleak on Carlton Hill that Sharron said drivers “couldn’t not hit one” as the damage was close together.

Lindsey Greenwood, who has also lived near the works for four years, said the section of road was in a state “well before Christmas” but was at its worst from February.

She said: “There was a lot of swerving, there was a lot of deep holes – horrendous.

“This junction has always been dodgy at the bottom [of Southdale road], so to try and get out and cars are trying to worm their way around all the holes, it was definitely the worst round here.”

Ms Greenwood said she often had to drive onto the other side of the road to avoid any road damage.

Speaking on the council’s boosts of money for road fixes, she said: “It’s good but then you just think what are we going to cut corners on to use that money on?… You can’t fix one thing without causing problems elsewhere can you?”

One man living nearby said one particular pothole on the road was that significant a cone had been placed in it.

He said: “Ever since Reform have been in things have been 100 per cent better – it’s nice to see things being done. Since the resurfacing it’s safer.”

In February, Reform-led Nottinghamshire County Council announced it would be purchasing at least two JCB Pothole Pro machines to help with tackling the declining state of the county’s roads.

Cllr Barton recently told the LDRS he expects the JCBs to be out on the roads within the next two weeks.

The machines have been trialled by neighbouring Reform-run authorities in Derbyshire and Lincolnshire and typically cost between £150,000 and £200,000.

The new machines will be be able to complete 200 to 250 square metres of patching repairs each day which then prepares roads for surface dressing.

Rumours supermarket giant could take over former pub

Lauren Monaghan
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Rumours supermarket giant could take over former pub

Supermarket giant Tesco could soon take over a former Arnold pub according to growing rumours – but official plans have yet to be filed with bosses.

Rumours about the future of The Eagle are circulating after the ex-boozer, in Howbeck Road, Arnold, closed down earlier this year and was listed for sale, seeking offers around £550,000.

The pub, which opened in 1979, was extensively refurbished in 2015 and comprised two open-plan bars, a compact kitchen, office, a large ground-floor cellar along with the 30-space car park outside.

It closed down suddenly in May 2024 before reopening up once again but shut down for good in early 2026.

Now, rumours are growing that a large supermarket chain – rumoured to be Tesco – may have its sights set on the spot.

PICTURED: The Eagle pub in Arnold shut its doors in early 2026 (IMAGE: Google)

In March this year, plans were submitted to Gedling Borough Council to change the use of the empty space from a pub into a shop, impacting the ground floor only and leaving the upstairs residence unaffected.

However, documents do not state which business or retailer is set to take over the space, describing them only as the “proposed end user”.

Documents said the “proposed end user” will submit a separate planning application for “signage and external alterations” at a different date.

So far, no other application has been submitted to the council for the same address, but a former landlady previously told NottinghamshireLive the pub had been purchased by a supermarket chain.

Now, “street” rumours are circulating that Tesco could end up moving in.

Gedling Borough Council leader, John Clarke (Lab) told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) that he had heard a “street rumour that it could be Tesco”.

He said: “As a CAMRA member I’m sorry the pub’s shut.

“There’s a fair amount of housing that’s gone on not too far from there so it would be good for people.

“I would welcome it because you see what happens to buildings that are left for a long while, they get damaged.

“The biggest welcome is the building won’t be standing empty and we’ll be collecting council tax, which is an issue when buildings stay empty.”

Nottinghamshire County Councillor John Semens (Ref), who represents Arnold North, said he had heard a similar rumour.

He said: “I think anything being used is better than an empty building.

“It generates income, it’s a service for people. We’ve got enough empty units without adding to them.”

Tesco already had – and has – a presence on the road. In May 2023, the Tesco Express on Howbeck Road – just opposite the former Eagle pub – closed down.

The spot was then replaced by One Stop – which is owned by Tesco – where the convenience store has remained ever since.

The LDRS contacted Tesco for comment on two separate occasions to confirm whether it had plans to take over the site, but the supermarket chain did not respond.

Any future retailer moving into the former Howbeck Road pub will be revealed at a later stage.

Gedling Lotto results: Winning numbers for Saturday, April 25, 2026

Gedling Eye Reporter
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Gedling Lotto results: Winning numbers for Saturday, April 25, 2026

There is a chance to win up to £25,000 every Saturday when you play Gedling Lotto.

You just need to match six numbers to win the £25,000 jackpot.

We now publish the winning numbers after each Saturday night.

THIS WEEK’S WINNING NUMBERS (25/04/26)

5 4 4 6 6 6

How does Gedling Lotto work?

Gedling Lotto is a weekly lottery draw that raises money for good causes across Gedling Borough. All good causes supported by the lottery will benefit the Gedling Borough and its residents.

Play the lottery, support Gedling Borough – it’s that simple!

From every £1 ticket you buy, 60p will go to local good causes in the Gedling Borough and improve our community.

Some of the many causes to benefit from the Lotto include:

  • Arnbrook Primary School
  • Arnold Swimming Club
  • Gedling Play Forum
  • Gedling Conservation Trust
  • Lambley Village Cricket Club

You can sign up to play HERE

Police issue warning urging Gedling borough residents to be vigilant over remote access fraud

Gedling Eye
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Police issue warning urging Gedling borough residents to be vigilant over remote access fraud

Police are warning Gedling borough residents to be alert to fraudsters who trick victims into giving remote access to their phones or computers.

Remote access scams tend to start with a browser pop-up appearing on a potential victim’s phone or computer that warns them that their device has been infected with a virus.

It could also be a phone call from an individual claiming to be from their bank demanding they urgently need access to their device to cancel a fraudulent transaction.

The victim is then persuaded to download and connect to a remote access tool that the fraudster says is required for them to deal with the problem.

Once the imposter has gained access to the person’s mobile or computer, they can then access private banking details and steal money.

Kirsty Jackson, a cyber protect and prevent officer at Nottinghamshire Police, said: “While remote access tools can be safe when used legitimately, it’s important to understand that they can be misused by criminals to commit fraud.

“Remember – scammers can’t steal what you don’t share. Never allow remote access as a result of an unsolicited call, browser pop-up, or text messages.

“The consequences of doing so can be devastating and have seen victims lose thousands of pounds.

“That’s why it is important to never grant remote access to anyone who contacts you out of the blue.”

The police team at Report Fraud have now put together a list of tips to help you cut down on the risk of being scammed using remote access

  • only install software or grant remote access to your computer if you’re asked by someone you know and trust, such as a friend or family member, and never as a result of an unsolicited call, browser pop up, or text message
  • remember, a bank or service provider will never contact you out of the blue requesting remote access to your device
  • If you believe your laptop, PC, tablet or phone has been infected with a virus or some other type of malware, follow the NCSC’s guidance on recovering an infected device
  • Protect your money by contacting your bank immediately on a different device from the one the scammer contacted you on
  • Report it to Report Fraud on 0300 123 2040 or via the online reporting hub

East Mids Mayor gives Notts extra £64m for roads after plea for more cash

Joseph Connolly (Local Democracy Reporter)
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East Mids Mayor gives Notts extra £64m for roads after plea for more cash

Nottinghamshire’s roads are set for another £64 million boost after council bosses put in a special request to the East Midlands Mayor.

The council had already been allocated £47m for asset maintenance by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) for 2026/2027, as part of Mayor Claire Ward’s boost for each of the region’s four major councils – Nottinghamshire, Nottingham, Derby and Derbyshire.

Now, after submitting a business case about why they could do with extra funds, Nottinghamshire County Council will receive even more cash, spread over the next three years.

However, speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), the Mayor shrugged off suggestions that the authority could get its money earlier than planned.

Documents released this week by the county council showed that it was hoping to get its money sooner in order to avoid needing to take out loans – which would accrue interest on them – to meet their own targets.

County bosses are hoping to accelerate their “highway maintenance programme” to get it done as soon as possible.

But this would require them getting the £20m they’re set to receive for 2027/2028 now – which would require EMCCA approval.

Documents said: “If it is not possible for EMCCA to support the accelerated delivery of their funding allocations, then the council will be required to provide short-term bridging finance arrangements. If this is the case, then this will create budget pressures.”

Asked about this, the Mayor said that she “was not here to run Nottinghamshire County Council”.

She said: “They will get their money but they also know they can plan for the next three years because they’ve got that funding. If they decide that they want to borrow against that longer term income, that’s a matter for them.

“I’m not here to run Nottinghamshire County Council. That is their decision. That is a matter for them how they deliver it. They cannot say that they have not received more than generous levels of funding to fix the roads.”

The extra £64m is solely for Nottinghamshire.

The funding was agreed at a meeting of EMCCA’s transport committee, which is made up of members of all constituent authorities, on April 2,  with no concerns raised about the extra money for the county.

The cash will be split into pots of around an extra £13m for 2026-2027 and pots of between £20m and £25m for the following two financial years.

The announcement comes after the Mayor previously shut down suggestions that a remaining unallocated £19m from the asset maintenance pot should go to Nottinghamshire.

Nottinghamshire County Council’s cabinet member for transport and environment, Councillor Bert Bingham, had asked the question at the previous transport committee meeting in January.

He argued that Nottinghamshire was subject to “underfunding” and a lack of representation in comparison to other EMCCA councils, noting that the £47m allocation was still £35m short of the number he said the county would need to keep the roads in the same state they’re in now.

But the Mayor told the LDRS in February that his plea was “never going to be accepted by anyone else”.

Now, after a full case was presented as to why the county should have more, it appears her position has softened.

It should be noted, however, that the money will not come from the spare £19m that wasn’t allocated, for highway maintenance.

Instead, it will come from a separate pot intended for “communities and neighbourhoods” – for the upkeep of smaller roads, “active travel” assets such as footpaths and bike lanes, and to refurbish pedestrian crossings, traffic signals and barriers.

Ms Ward said: “The council asked me for more money specifically and I worked with them to say: ‘Yes, but you need to show me what more you’re going to deliver for that and you also need to show me how we can use what you do in this area as almost like a test base for the rest of the region.’

“I will hold (the council) to account on it. They’ve told me that they are very pleased. I recently met with (county council leader) Mick Barton who expressed his gratitude for that additional funding and has reassured me that they plan to spend that to improve the roads and get it up to the standards that we want. I think it shows the focus that we have on road improvements.

“It proves my point that if you work with me and make a good case then EMCCA can deliver funding – because it is a priority for me to see those roads improved.”

EMCCA documents revealed that the county council had raised concerns about the standards of its “highway network environment, not just the condition of the highway surfaces.”

They say that the council case was that the money was needed “to deliver a more holistic local highways programme giving wider benefits whilst also creating the opportunity to raise network standards.”

And it confirmed that the approach “will serve as a testbed for the region and be evaluated over the early years of delivery with the potential for wider adoption.”

The proposed cash boost will be brought before EMCCA’s full board of members in June for final approval.

Latest planning applications submitted to Gedling Borough Council

Emily Sanchez
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Latest planning applications submitted to Gedling Borough Council

These are the latest applications to have been submitted to and validated by Gedling Borough Council last week.

These applications will now be decided by Gedling borough planners.

1 x double sided D6 display totem (containing digital displays and centre name plate) at St Wilfrid’s Square Shopping Centre
St Wilfrids Square Shopping, St Wilfrids Square, Calverton
Ref. No: 2026/0234

Partial demolition of bungalow. Ground floor extension and renovation. New boundary wall and entrance gates.
599, Mapperley Plains, Arnold
Ref. No: 2026/0232

T1 – pruning works to the tree
Land At West Hollinwood Lane, Calverton
Ref. No: 2026/0233TPO

Straw & Farm Machinery Shed
Ling Farm, Ricket Lane, Ravenshead
Ref. No: 2026/0231

Delivery of a new-build teaching block, external and internal improvement works including demolition of buildings and reconfiguration of car parking to the Leisure Centre.
Carlton Academy, Coningswath Road, Carlton
Ref. No: 2026/0228

Application to discharge conditions 3,4 & 5 relating to Listed Building Consent approval 2025/0775
55 Main Street, Papplewick
Ref. No: 2026/0229DOC

Change of use and extension of existing building to allow for wedding and event space (Sui Generis)
Patchings Farm Art Centre, Oxton Road, Calverton
Ref. No: 2026/0215

Tree T11 (Norway Maple): Proposed removal to as close to ground level as practicable, rather than limb removal only. -Trees T1 and T31 (Ash): Proposed to pollard at the established crown break, with removal of deadwood and limbs affected by Ash dieback.
Burntstump Lodge, Burntstump Hill, Arnold
Ref. No: 2026/0216TPO

Single storey rear and side extension and conversion of existing garage to beauty room
25 Salcombe Drive, Redhill
Ref. No: 2026/0213

First floor extension to side of dwelling.
54, Buxton Avenue, Carlton
Ref. No: 2026/0204

Maple T13 – Remove
Burntstump Lodge, Burntstump Hill, Arnold
Ref. No: 2026/0227TPO5

Outline application for the erection of a detached house in rear garden of detached property ( Adjacent to no 6 Birch Lea)
243 Mansfield Road, Arnold
Ref. No: 2026/0226

True Colours: What Your Brand Palette Says Before You Do

Graham Finch
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True Colours: What Your Brand Palette Says Before You Do

Colour is one of the first things people notice about your brand, often before they read a single word. It works quietly but powerfully, shaping perception, building trust and signalling authenticity. Whether you realise it or not, your colour palette is constantly communicating on your behalf.

Understanding how colour functions as a signal can help you make more intentional design choices and create a brand that feels genuine and consistent.

First Impressions Happen Fast

People form opinions in seconds. Colour plays a major role in those snap judgements, influencing how professional, trustworthy or approachable your brand appears.

Muted tones can suggest sophistication and calm, while bold colours often feel energetic and confident. Neither is right or wrong, but they send very different messages.

If your palette does not align with your brand values, it can create confusion. A luxury brand using overly bright colours may feel less credible, while a playful brand using serious tones may struggle to connect.

Colour Builds Emotional Connection

Colour is closely linked to emotion. Different shades can shape how customers experience your brand.

Blues often feel reliable and stable. Greens can suggest growth or sustainability. Warmer tones like orange and red can feel exciting or urgent. The key is not to rely on generic meanings alone, but to consider your audience.

Consistency is essential. When your colours appear across your website, packaging and printed materials, they reinforce a familiar emotional response. Over time, this builds recognition and trust.

Authenticity Comes From Alignment

Authenticity is not about choosing trendy colours. It is about choosing colours that reflect who you are as a business.

If your brand is rooted in craftsmanship, softer and more natural tones may feel appropriate. If you are innovative and forward thinking, a sharper palette might make more sense.

Customers can sense when something feels forced. A palette chosen purely to follow trends can quickly feel disconnected. When your colours align with your values, they feel natural rather than manufactured.

Colour in the Real World Matters

Digital design is only part of the picture. Your colours need to work just as well in physical formats, from packaging to signage.

Printed materials are particularly important because they make your brand tangible. A well designed business card allows your colour palette to be experienced in a more personal way.

Investing in professional business card printing for your brand ensures your colours are reproduced accurately and consistently, helping maintain the integrity of your visual identity.

Keep It Simple and Cohesive

A common mistake is using too many colours without a clear system. A strong palette is usually built around a small number of core colours, supported by a few secondary tones.

This makes your brand easier to recognise and ensures your visuals remain clean and cohesive. It also makes it easier to apply your colours across different platforms without losing consistency.

Think of your palette as a toolkit rather than a limitation. With the right combination, you can create variety while still staying true to your identity.

In Conclusion

Colour is more than decoration. It is a powerful signal that communicates your brand’s personality, values and authenticity.

By choosing colours that align with who you are and using them consistently, you create a brand that feels cohesive and trustworthy. When your colours speak clearly, your audience is far more likely to listen.

Guide to topping up lost loft insulation

Graham Finch
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Guide to topping up lost loft insulation

The loft often plays a bigger role in heating your home than you might expect. Insulation can move or wear thin which, over time, can result in rooms taking longer to heat up.

Topping up what you’ve lost doesn’t mean a full overhaul or specialist kit. With a bit of planning and a clear order of work, you can lock more heat inside and make everyday living feel noticeably more comfortable.

Seal gaps first

Openings around downlights, wiring holes, pipe runs and loft hatches let heated air leak straight into cold roof space. You can often spot these areas by darker insulation or dusty patches around openings. A bead of fire-rated sealant around cable entries and a tight-fitting cover over downlights can make a real difference because you stop heat escaping before the new insulation even comes into play. Seal these gaps first so the layer you add actually earns its keep.

Upgrade loft and attic insulation

Lofts lose more heat than you might realise because hot air naturally rises. When insulation has flattened over the years, it can drop well below the recommended depth, which means the warmth you pay for drifts away every evening.

When you top it back up using compatible material, radiator heat stays in the rooms longer and temperatures remain steady. You can measure the existing depth with a ruler and lay new rolls at right angles to old ones, so you avoid cold strips where joists sit lower.

Good-quality loft ladders make access simpler and safer, and they help preserve insulation depth by avoiding unnecessary compression every time you go up.

Don’t ignore walls

Walls account for a large chunk of heat loss, especially in older homes with empty cavities or solid brick. Cavity wall insulation fills that hidden void and slows heat movement through the structure, which helps rooms hold warmth for longer after the heating switches off.

A professional home survey can tell you whether your walls suit this option and prevents issues like moisture build-up that come from guessing.

Insulate pipes and hot water tanks

Bare pipes in the loft bleed heat every minute the system runs. Lagging costs little and takes hardly any time, yet it keeps hot water hotter as it travels to taps and radiators.

Fit snug pipe sleeves and a properly sized jacket around the tank so stored water stays warm between uses, especially overnight.

Use draught-proofing and thermal layers

Small draughts add up across the house even after you deal with insulation depth. Gaps around doors, windows and floorboards let cold air creep in, which cancels out the benefit of your warmer loft. Energy efficient windows and doors can dramatically improve any heat loss but these can be expensive to install.

Draft strips, letterbox brushes and heavier curtains create gentler temperature changes through the day rather than cold snaps every time the wind picks up.

Is Arbitration Worth It for Small Businesses? A Practical Guide 

Gedling Eye
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Is Arbitration Worth It for Small Businesses? A Practical Guide 

The prospect of a legal dispute is daunting for many British small business owners. Whether a contract disagreement with a supplier or a conflict with a client abroad, the traditional route through the national courts can feel like an arduous and prohibitively expensive battle. 

Many SMEs are turning to alternative dispute resolution, with arbitration emerging as a frontrunner. But is it truly the best fit for a smaller enterprise?

Lower Complexity Than Court Litigation

One of the most immediate draws of arbitration is that it’s generally more flexible and less formal than the rigid structures of the UK court system.

In a courtroom, you’re bound by strict procedural rules and specific calendars. In contrast, arbitration allows parties to agree on the process, the timeline, and even the location. This flexibility makes it much easier for small businesses to navigate disputes, particularly those involving international partners where differing court systems might otherwise create a confusing jurisdictional tug-of-war.

Costs Can Be Predictable, But Not Always Cheaper

A common misconception is that arbitration is always the budget-friendly option. While it avoids some of the specific fees associated with court litigation, it isn’t automatically low-cost. In arbitration, the parties must pay for the arbitrator’s time and the venue’s administrative costs and expenses, which are essentially covered by the state in a public court.

For smaller disputes, these hidden costs of arbitration can add up quickly. If the value of the claim is relatively low, the arbitrator’s fees might swallow a significant portion of the potential award. It’s vital to conduct a cost-benefit analysis before triggering an arbitration clause to ensure the claim value justifies the expected outlay.

Faster Resolution Can Save Money Long-Term

Where arbitration truly shines for the small business owner is speed. The backlog in the national courts can mean waiting months, if not years, for a final hearing. Arbitration is almost always quicker, which is a massive advantage for a business’s bottom line. 

For an SME, having capital or stock tied up in a long-term dispute can cripple cash flow. A faster resolution means fewer ongoing legal fees and, more importantly, less operational disruption, allowing the leadership team to get back to running the business.

Access to International Arbitration Professionals 

Perhaps the most significant advantage is the level of expertise you can bring to the table. Unlike a court, where you’re assigned a judge who may be a generalist, arbitration allows you to select an arbitrator with specific industry knowledge.

You can also enlist the help of a dedicated team of international arbitration professionals who specialise in cross-border disputes. While this adds an upfront cost, their specific expertise can streamline the entire process. These advisors help small businesses avoid common procedural mistakes that could lead to a case being thrown out, ultimately improving the chances of a favourable and enforceable outcome.

Easier Cross-Border Enforcement

If your business operates internationally, enforcing a UK court judgment in another country can be a bureaucratic nightmare. However, thanks to the New York Convention (an agreement signed by over 160 countries), arbitral awards are widely recognised and relatively easy to enforce across borders. 

For a British small business exporting goods or services globally, this international agreement makes arbitration a much safer bet than relying on the hope that a foreign court will respect a standard British court order. 

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