A Bestwood Village man who went on an arson spree in the nearby town of Hucknall has been put behind bars.
Daniel Harrison, aged 32, started his night on November 11, 2024 by setting a van in a car park alight, which caused the fence encircling the car park in Bestwood Road, Hucknall, to quickly set on fire.
Firefighters and police were quick to attend and ensure the blaze was put out just after 10pm.
Harrison’s night of lighting didn’t stop there though. Following reports from the public, emergency workers followed a trail of other objects lit on fire – including a van on Pagett Close, where again the fencing, then a garden shed, next to the scene caught ablaze.
When taken into custody the same night for an unrelated incident, Harrison’s clothes were recognised by officers from doorbell footage that captured a man at the scene of one of the blazes.
This led officers to arrest him on suspicion of arson, where they then discovered videos on Harrison’s phone capturing first-hand evidence of the first blaze.
A van was se alight on Pagett Close in HucknallDaniel Harrison started his night by setting a van in a car park alight
Appearing in Nottingham Crown Court on Friday 9 May, Harrison, of Hill Road, Bestwood Village, was found guilty of five counts of arson.
He was also found guilty of further offences, including two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm, assault by beating an emergency worker and common assault of an emergency worker.
Harrison was found guilty of two counts of criminal damage, assault by beating and possessing an offensive weapon in a public place.
He was sentenced to a total of 12 years – a seven-year custodial sentence with an added five-year extended license for violence.
Detective Constable Emma White, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “These acts of arson were random and had no reasoning, which makes Harrison extremely dangerous and a risk to the public.
“The victims have suffered through the loss and damage to their property, and it is only through pure luck that nobody was seriously injured during the arson incidents.
“I’d also like to reinforce how unacceptable it is to use violence or abusive behaviour towards any emergency service worker or other members of the public.”
“He has shown through his repeated actions a complete disregard for the law, and this sentencing should serve as a warning for him and others about the consequences of violent criminal behaviour.”
Let’s be real: baccarat has a reputation. Maybe you’ve seen it in the movies—some sharply dressed guy in a tux, tossing chips across a fancy casino table while sipping something expensive. It looks like a game reserved for high-rollers and secret agents. But here’s the kicker: baccarat is actually one of the easiest casino games to learn. No secret handshake required.
And these days, thanks to online platforms, you don’t need to set foot in a casino or wear anything fancier than pyjamas to play. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d try it… but it looks complicated,” this guide is for you. We’re going to break it down simply, so you can start playing online baccarat without feeling lost—or overwhelmed.
Wait—What Is Baccarat, Anyway?
At its heart, baccarat is a guessing game. Seriously. You’re basically betting on which hand will win: the player or the banker. Or, if you’re feeling lucky, you can bet they’ll tie.
That’s it. There’s no “strategy” mid-game, no memorizing when to hit or stand. Once you place your bet, the cards do the rest. The goal? The hand that adds up closest to 9 wins. No complicated math, no sneaky rules.
In fact, many first-time players are surprised by how hands-off baccarat is compared to something like blackjack. You make your bet, watch the cards get dealt, and see if you won. That simplicity is a big reason why baccarat’s become so popular online—it’s accessible, fast, and doesn’t require years of practice.
And thanks to online platforms making it super easy to click a button and place a bet, more people are discovering that baccarat isn’t some exclusive club after all.
Here’s How It Works (No Complicated Jargon)
A round of online baccarat goes like this:
You pick your bet: player, banker, or tie.
Two cards are dealt to both the player hand and banker hand.
The totals are added up (cards 2–9 count as their number; 10s and face cards count as zero; aces count as one).
If either hand totals 8 or 9, it’s called a “natural” and that’s it—game over, winner announced.
If not, sometimes a third card gets dealt—but you don’t have to decide this. The rules for when to deal a third card are automatic.
Whichever hand is closest to 9 wins.
That’s all. You’re not making decisions during the game—you just place a bet and watch it play out. Whether the player or banker wins is up to the cards, not your choices.
Which Bet Should You Pick?
So if you’re not making choices mid-game, how do you play smart?
It comes down to picking where to bet. You’ve got three options:
Banker bet: Statistically the best odds. The catch? If you win, the casino takes a 5% commission from your winnings.
Player bet: Slightly worse odds than banker, but no commission taken if you win.
Tie bet: Pays big (8:1 or 9:1), but rarely happens. Fun to sprinkle in occasionally, but not a reliable bet.
Most people recommend sticking with banker bets if you’re new and want to play it safe. But honestly? You can experiment with all three. Part of the fun is finding what works for you.
Why Online Baccarat’s Way Easier to Try
One of the best things about playing baccarat online is zero pressure. No intimidating casino table. No people staring at you, waiting for you to figure out what to do. Online, it’s just you, your screen, and the game.
Most online platforms also let you bet way smaller amounts than a traditional casino table. So you can start with low stakes, learn the ropes, and not stress about losing big money while you’re figuring things out.
Another perk? If you want a more “real casino” feel, you can join a live dealer table—where an actual dealer is streamed via video. You still place your bets online, but you get that human interaction if you’re craving it. Or you can stick to the digital tables for faster, quieter play. Totally up to you.
Baccarat Myths That Hold People Back
If you’ve been hesitant to try baccarat, you’re not alone. Let’s clear up some common myths:
“It’s only for rich people.” Nope. Online baccarat tables often let you play for just a few pounds.
“You need to know all the third-card rules.” Nope again. The software handles all that. You don’t need to memorize anything.
“It’s too complicated for beginners.” Honestly? It’s easier than poker, blackjack, or craps. Once you understand the bets, you’re good to go.
When people realize these myths aren’t true, the game suddenly feels a lot less scary.
A Few Smart Tips to Start With
Before you hit that “play” button, here are some quick pointers:
Stick to banker bets at first. It’s got the best odds (even with the commission).
Skip tie bets for now. They’re flashy, but they don’t happen often.
Decide your budget before you play. It’s easy to get caught up chasing wins or losses. Setting a limit ahead of time keeps it fun.
Try demo games. Many online casinos let you play for free first—great for practicing without risking real money.
Know when to stop. Don’t fall into the “just one more hand” trap if things aren’t going your way. Baccarat’s a game of chance; the cards don’t “owe” you a win.
Live Dealer vs. Digital: What’s the Difference?
When you browse online baccarat games, you’ll notice two styles:
Digital tables: It’s all automated with cool animations. Quick, no chat, no waiting.
Live dealer tables: A real person deals cards on camera, streamed live. Feels more like sitting at an actual casino.
Neither is better—it’s about vibe. If you want a social, interactive feel, go live dealer. If you want to zone out and play quietly, stick with digital.
Play Smart, Play Safe
It’s super important to remember: baccarat is a gambling game. And like all gambling, it’s best when it’s fun—not stressful.
Look for sites that offer responsible gambling tools, like spending limits or breaks. And if you ever feel like playing’s becoming more than entertainment, it’s okay to pause or step away. There are great resources out there if you need support.
Bottom Line: It’s Easier Than It Looks
Here’s what surprises most first-time baccarat players: it’s way more chill than they expected. The name sounds fancy, the movie scenes make it look intense, but when you play? It’s just a simple betting game that’s surprisingly relaxing.
Online baccarat lets you dip your toes into casino games without needing deep strategy or a poker face. Whether you’re betting tiny amounts for fun or feeling ready to test your luck, it’s an easy game to learn—and a fun way to spend a few minutes (or hours) at home.
So if you’ve been sitting on the sidelines, wondering if baccarat’s too complicated for you… it’s really not. Beginner’s luck might just be real.
A man has been charged with attempted murder after a stabbing outside a Gedling supermarket
A man was stabbed multiple times outside Co-op in Westdale Lane, at around 10.30pm on Tuesday (6 May).
The victim – a man in his 30s – was left with serious injuries following the attack and remains in hospital.
Simon McHugh, 45, was arrested the following day, and has now been charged with attempted murder and possession of a bladed article in a public place in connection with the incident.
He has further been charged with burglary and theft of a motor vehicle after car keys and a car were stolen from an address in Burton Joyce hours after the Gedling incident.
McHugh has further been charged with six separate offences relating to incidents in Derbyshire on 5 May 2025. They include two counts of false imprisonment, assault by beating, possession of a knife blade in a public place and two counts of making threats to kill.
McHugh, of Harrogate Road, Carlton, remains in custody and is due to appear before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday (12 May 2025).
The gambling industry has undergone a massive transformation over the past two decades, driven by the digital age. Online casinos have become a global phenomenon, offering unmatched convenience and innovation. These platforms have revolutionized how players engage with games of chance, introducing new technologies, gameplay mechanics, and business models. Meanwhile, land-based casinos retain their charm, serving as hubs for social interaction, immersive entertainment, and nostalgia for traditional gambling.
This article delves into the fascinating trends that are shaping the online casino landscape, from the latest tech advancements to the strategies that keep players engaged. At the same time, we’ll explore why traditional gambling establishments continue to thrive, providing a unique experience that digital platforms can’t replicate.
So, whether you’re a fan of the digital thrill or the classic casino vibe, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s dive into the exciting changes and enduring charms of the gambling industry. Your journey through this dynamic world starts here. Let’s get started!
Online Casinos: Trends Shaping the Future
Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Integration
One of the most significant trends in online casinos is the integration of blockchain technology andcryptocurrencies. Crypto casinos have risen in popularity due to their ability to offer anonymous, secure, and instant transactions. Unlike traditional payment methods, cryptocurrency eliminates intermediaries, reducing fees and processing times.
In addition to convenience, blockchain has introduced provably fair gaming—a feature that allows players to verify the fairness of every bet. This transparency builds trust, particularly among tech-savvy gamblers skeptical of traditional platforms. As digital currencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and stablecoins gain mainstream adoption, their role in online igaming will only grow.
Live Dealer Games
Imagine the excitement of a bustling casino, the thrill of real-time interaction, and the convenience of playing from the comfort of your own home. Live dealer games have revolutionized online gambling by blending the best of both worlds.
These games are hosted by professional dealers who bring the charm and expertise of a live casino to your screen. Whether you’re playing live blackjack, roulette, or baccarat, you can interact with the dealer and other players in real-time. It’s like being at the table, minus the travel and the hassle.
What sets live dealer games apart is the human touch. Players who miss the social aspect of traditional casinos find live dealer games particularly appealing. The interaction adds a layer of authenticity and excitement that standard RNG-based games just can’t match.
Mobile Gaming Dominance
The widespread adoption of smartphones has made mobile gaming the cornerstone of the online casino industry. Operators now prioritize mobile-optimized platforms and dedicated apps, ensuring seamless gameplay across devices. Mobile igaming appeals to younger audiences who prefer on-the-go convenience and flexibility.
From slots to table games, mobile casinos offer the full spectrum of entertainment without compromising quality. Advanced technologies like HTML5 ensure games run smoothly regardless of screen size or operating system.
Personalized Gaming with AI
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing how online casinos interact with players. AI algorithms analyze user behavior to deliver personalized game recommendations, targeted promotions, and tailored loyalty programs. This customization enhances player satisfaction and increases engagement.
AI is also improving customer support. Chatbots powered by machine learning provide instant assistance, resolving common queries without human intervention. As AI technology advances, its role in creating a highly individualized igaming experience will expand further.
Gamification and Engagement
To stand out in a competitive market, online casinos are adopting gamification elements to boost player engagement. Leaderboards, achievements, missions, and tournaments are increasingly integrated into gaming platforms, creating a more interactive and rewarding experience.
Some operators have taken gamification to the next level by incorporating video game mechanics into their offerings. For example, slot games with story-driven gameplay, skill-based bonus rounds, and collectible rewards are gaining traction among players seeking a more dynamic experience.
Land-Based Casinos: A Timeless Attraction
Social Connection
Despite the rise of online casinos, land-based establishments remain irreplaceable for their unique social atmosphere. Walking into a physical casino means immersing yourself in a vibrant world of flashing lights, cheerful chatter, and palpable excitement. Table games like poker and blackjack foster camaraderie and friendly competition that online platforms struggle to replicate fully.
The social connection extends beyond the games themselves. For many, visiting a casino is a group activity—a night out with friends or a family vacation highlight. These shared experiences contribute to the enduring appeal of traditional casinos.
Entertainment Hubs
Modern land-based casinos are more than just gambling venues; they are entertainment hubs offering diverse attractions. From world-class shows and concerts to fine dining and luxury shopping, these establishments cater to a wide range of interests.
Destination resorts like Las Vegas and Macau have mastered this concept, creating all-encompassing experiences that attract millions of visitors annually. The combination of gambling, leisure, and cultural events ensures that these casinos remain relevant even in a digital age.
Challenges in the Digital Age
While land-based casinos have their strengths, they face significant challenges in competing with online platforms. Convenience is a key factor; online casinos allow players to gamble anytime and anywhere without the need for travel or formal attire.
To stay competitive, many brick-and-mortar casinos are embracing technology. Electronic gaming tables, mobile betting within casino premises, and partnerships with online operators are just a few examples of how these establishments are adapting to changing consumer preferences.
Bridging the Gap: Hybrid Experiences
The line between online and land-based casinos is increasingly blurred as operators explore hybrid models. For instance, some physical casinos now host online tournaments, allowing remote players to compete against in-person attendees. Similarly, mobile apps enable visitors to place bets on sports or play slots while enjoying other amenities on-site.
These hybrid experiences not only attract a broader audience but also provide a seamless transition for players who enjoy both forms of gambling. By combining the best of both worlds, the gambling industry is creating innovative solutions to cater to diverse preferences.
Final Thoughts
The igaming industry continues to thrive, with online casinos leading the charge in innovation and convenience. Advanced technologies like blockchain and turnkey are reshaping the online gaming landscape, making it more accessible and engaging than ever before. At the same time, land-based casinos maintain their allure through social interaction, immersive environments, and multifaceted entertainment offerings.
Together, these two sectors create a vibrant ecosystem that caters to a wide range of player preferences. Whether you’re drawn to the cutting-edge innovations of online platforms or the timeless appeal of traditional gambling halls, one thing is clear: the world of casinos is more dynamic and exciting than ever.
At DSTGAMING, we are at the forefront of this evolution, offering comprehensive solutions that empower operators to navigate the complexities of the iGaming market. Our platform includes:
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Ready to take the next step in your iGaming journey? ContactDSTGAMING today to learn more about our comprehensive solutions and how they can support your business growth
Two Gedling borough GP surgeries are set to benefit from Labour’s latest plans to upgrade NHS practices.
Highcroft Surgery in Arnold and Calverton Practice in Calverton have been named as part of Labour’s newly announced upgrades scheme, which will deliver bricks and mortar upgrades to 22 GP practices in Nottinghamshire which have been allocated a share of £2.1m to carry out work to reconfigure existing buildings.
The Labour government say that some GP practices are unable to see more patients because they don’t have enough room or the right facilities to accommodate them. From creating new consultation and treatment rooms to making better use of existing space, the schemes will help more patients to be seen faster.
Work at the approved GP practices is set to start in the coming months, with a target for all the schemes to be completed by Spring 2026.
Highcroft Surgery in Arnold is getting £60k to create additional clinical space and a self-help area by converting an office and meeting room into consulting rooms and repurposing two underutilised rooms into fully functioning clinical spaces. It’s estimated this will create 19,000 additional appointments each year..
£120,000 is being spent at Calverton Practice to create a small first-floor extension to create one consulting room and expansion of dispensary. It’s estimated this will create 7,500 additional appointments each year.
Amanda Sullivan, chief executive of NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “Our GP practice workforce continue to do an excellent job and provided more than 7.8 million appointments last year, but we know that demand continues to increase and some patients still find it difficult to access GP services.
“GP practice teams have been expanded in recent years to include additional roles such as physiotherapists, pharmacists, social prescribers and mental health practitioners, bringing additional expertise and capacity to local GP Practices. However, sometimes practices are constrained by the physical space available to make best use of the brilliant new resource, which these building schemes are intended to address.”
A gang of six men – including one from Gedling – who supplied a ‘colossal amounts’ of crystal meth and high-strength cannabis have been jailed.
The gang smuggled the drugs into Nottinghamshire from America.
They have now been convicted of importing the Class A and B drugs into the UK on an industrial and unprecedented scale, with leaders of the drugs cartel collecting hundreds of thousands of pounds on a monthly basis.
Nottingham Crown Court heard the organised crime group’s multi-million pound drugs operation was uncovered following a parcel interception at Stansted Airport in May 2023.
The package had been shipped from America and had a label that described it as a weight loss shake. But when examined by Border Force officials, the parcel was found to contain 900g of methamphetamine – also called crystal meth – and 2kg of cannabis.
Further parcels linked to the case were soon discovered, sparking a major investigation by Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit that resulted in detectives seizing the largest haul of crystal meth in the force’s history.
colossal amounts of crystal meth and high-strength cannabis were smuggled into Nottinghamshire from America.Pleaded guilty to playing a significant role in the importation of a Class A drug (methamphetamine) into Nottinghamshire and conspiring to import a Class B drug (cannabis).
More than £7million worth of the stimulant drug was discovered and seized during the 18-month probe – the largest-ever quantity of crystal meth seized by Nottinghamshire Police.
Approximately £70,000 worth of cannabis was also seized during the investigation, which was codenamed Operation Continental.
As detectives unearthed the full scale of the enterprise, it was established the drugs gang had smuggled additional parcels into the UK, weighing 67kg in total. While the contents are not known, the court heard they were likely to have contained further significant quantities of crystal meth and cannabis.
The investigation found the criminal gang launched their drugs enterprise by identifying addresses suitable to be used as recipients of drug shipments.
The criminal associates would then abuse their relationships, friendships and trust to dupe the occupants of addresses into accepting parcels, which they believed to be for a legitimate purpose.
The drugs shipments would be disguised in shipping labels as a weight loss powder, furniture, clothing and motorcycle helmets.
Once the parcels were delivered the contents were decanted and sold throughout Nottinghamshire and other parts of the UK.
This resulted in the drugs gang leaders collecting hundreds of thousands of pounds on a monthly basis, with the ill-gotten gains used to fund luxury holidays and trips to places such as Thailand, Dominican Republic, Dubai, Central America and the Greek Islands.
The gang members also spent large sums on designer clothing – including a pair of £1,200 trainers – and high-value watches.
However they will now spend many years in prison after Nottinghamshire Police worked closely with the United States Department of Homeland Security and the US Embassy to bring the criminal enterprise to a crushing end.
Faced with overwhelming evidence, nine defendants entered guilty pleas at Nottingham Crown Court on 24 January. They were sentenced earlier today (7 May 2025). They include:
Davante James, aged 29, of Edingley Avenue, Sherwood, Nottingham
Role: Leader of the criminal gang. The boxing coach directed the collection of cash and distribution of drugs. He also recruited associates to seek addresses within Nottingham to ship drugs to.
Pleaded guilty to playing a significant role in the importation of a Class A drug (methamphetamine) into Nottinghamshire and conspiring to import a Class B drug (cannabis).
Sentence: Jailed for 17 years.
Rakeem Thomas, aged 28, formerly of Weightman Avenue, Gedling
Role: Heavily involved in the running of the operation, including decanting drugs from parcels and distributing them.
Pleaded guilty to playing a significant role in the importation of a Class A drug (methamphetamine) into Nottinghamshire and conspiring to import a Class B drug (cannabis).
Sentence: Jailed for 11 years and 6 months.
Jesse Kolo, aged 30, of Birdbrook Close, Dagenham
Role: Office manager who abused his access to his employer’s courier account to create false shipping labels that disguised the contents of parcels.
Pleaded guilty to playing a significant role in the exportation of Class A drugs (2.5kgs cocaine) to Australia.
Sentence: Jailed for 5 years and 4 months.
Lemar Taylor, aged 32, of Sherwin Walk, St Ann’s, Nottingham
Role: Trusted associate who was in regular contact with occupants of addresses used to store drug parcels. Helped decant drugs from the packages and distributed them to customers.
Pleaded guilty to importing a Class A drug (methamphetamine) and conspiring to import a Class B drug (cannabis).
Sentence: Jailed for 7 years and 6 months.
Kyiem Raymond, aged 27, of Melford Road, Bilborough, Nottingham
Role: A trusted member of the crime gang. Assisted with the collections and deliveries of packages imported into the UK.
Pleaded guilty to conspiring to import a Class B drug (cannabis).
Sentence: Jailed for 45 months.
Lavontie Cameron, aged 26, of Kelvedon Gardens, St Ann’s, Nottingham
Role: Assisted the criminal gang by meeting with parcel recipients. Evidence proved he attended key addresses in the case and was in contact with several of the co-accused on the days when parcels were delivered.
Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug (cannabis).
Sentence: Jailed for 38 months.
Taisha Chalmers, aged 29, of Brayton Crescent, Basford, Nottingham
Role: Linked to at least three delivery addresses by providing address details to a co-defendant. Also received and moved drugs across Nottingham.
Pleaded guilty to being concerned in the supply of a Class B drug (cannabis).
Sentence: Handed an 18-month Community Order with a rehabilitation activity requirement.
Jabari Smith, aged 30, of Ballerat Crescent, Top Valley, Nottingham
Role: A gym instructor and personal trainer who was tasked with sourcing addresses for deliveries. Responsible for providing at least four addresses to the crime gang.
Pleaded guilty to being concerned in an arrangement which facilitated the acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property.
Sentence: Handed an 18-month Community Order including 80 hours of unpaid work.
Bryony Hajman, aged 25, of Church Road, Clipstone, Mansfield
Role: Allowed her address to be used to receive two shipments from the United States and passed them on to a co-defendant.
Pleaded guilty to being concerned in an arrangement which facilitated the acquisition, retention, use or control of criminal property.
Sentence: Handed an 18-month Community Order including 50 hours of unpaid work.
Following the sentencings, Detective Inspector Ian Smith, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Organised Crime Unit, said:
“This has been an exhaustive investigation which has culminated in almost 50 years of prison sentences.
“This is a true testament the hard work and dedication by officers from a number of Nottinghamshire Police departments, not least the serious and organised crime division.
“Together with UK Border Force, we have wiped out an organised criminal group, preventing them from continuing to gain extreme profits.
“Drugs on this scale invariably lead to further criminality including violence and acquisitive crime so to seize this quantity of drugs and secure a plethora of convictions is an excellent result.
“All nine defendants entered guilty plea and that is testament to the exceptional work of the investigation team in unpicking this major drugs conspiracy and bringing each and every offender operating in this conspiracy to justice.
“Drugs trafficking encourages a culture of violence and addiction and today’s result sends a clear message to those who blight our communities in this way. Criminal gangs operating will not be tolerated and we will find you and we will prosecute you.
“We are now pursuing powers under the Proceeds of Crime Act to ensure that any property, cash or profits gained through this gang’s criminal activity are identified and seized.”
Monique Wrench, Border Force Director of UK operations, added:
“Border Force officers are dedicated to protecting the border and working to keep the public safe from harmful substances.
“We will continue to work closely with Nottinghamshire Police to stop illegal drugs from entering our communities and to bring those responsible to justice.”
A Proceeds of Crime hearing is due to take place in September. Such hearings determine the amount of money a convicted person must pay back from their criminal gains.
Officers searching for a wanted suspect have made an arrest.
A search has been ongoing for a suspect since a man was stabbed outside a shop in Westdale Lane, Gedling, last night.
The victim, a man in his thirties, remains in hospital with serious injuries.
A 45-year-old suspect was detained in the Bakersfield area at 2.39pm today and arrested.
Superintendent James Woolley said: “This was a shocking incident and our thoughts this afternoon remain with the victim and his family.
“Multiple officers, supported by colleagues from across the force, have worked tirelessly to bring this man into custody and I am grateful to them all for their efforts.
“Our investigation into what happened last night will now continue but we are not looking for any other suspects.”
Councillor Sam Smith has been re-elected as the Conservatives Leader at Nottinghamshire County Council and new Leader of the Opposition at Nottinghamshire County Council today following Reform taking control of the authority following last week’s local elections..
Smith said the election had been ‘tough’ for Conservatives..
“I’m so very sorry to see many of my amazing colleagues across Nottinghamshire not get re-elected to the County Council. This is through no fault of their own, as they have been outstanding servants of their communities, but it is a result of national policies (immigration) playing a huge part in the outcome of a local election. Their hard work and dedication to their residents will be missed.
“We Nottinghamshire Conservatives entered the election with a proud track record of delivering on local priorities and getting things done. As the Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council,
“I was extremely proud to be going around the county reminding residents that as a Conservative-run Council we had; never closed a library; increased the highway repair budget to £70+m; protected local bus routes with £9m of investment; retained our youth services; deliver good care; improved SEND; invested an extra £60+m year on year into better local services; built new schools and expanded others; and delivered all that while never increasing Council Tax by the maximum, which saved residents £22m.
“It is because of this proud track record of getting things done and delivering on the local priorities of residents that myself and a total of 17 Conservative County Councillors were re-elected and elected onto Nottinghamshire County Council last week.
“This makes us the biggest Conservative opposition Group in the country (of those councils that had elections). I am the only Conservative Leader in the Midlands to retain their seat. On what has been a disappointing outcome to the election, these two points offer a little joy and optimism.
“We hand over a good Council to the incoming Reform administration and, whilst continuing to deliver on local matters, it is now the role of the opposition Group, that I now I lead at County Hall, to showcase to the electorate that national issues, such as immigration, can not be addressed at the County Council.
Police are appealing for the public’s help to find a wanted man in connection with a stabbing in Gedling last night.
The incident happened at around 10.30pm on Tuesday (6) next to the Co-op in Westdale Lane.
A man, in his 30s, was stabbed and has been sent to hospital with serious injuries.
Members of the public are being urged not to approach Simon McHughThe incident happened at around 10.30pm on Tuesday (6) next to the Co-op in Westdale Lane.
Police are now searching for 45-year-old Simon McHugh.
Members of the public are being urged not to approach him.
He is around 6ft tall, last seen wearing a black hoodie and tracksuit bottoms that are ripped at the left knee.
A police spokesman said: “We believe the man to be extremely dangerous and are calling on anyone with information to immediately contact the police.
Anyone with information should call 999 or 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
There is a heavy police presence in Gedling after a man has been attacked.
The incident happened at around 10.30pm on Tuesday 6 May next to the Co-op in Westdale Lane.
A man, in his 30s, was stabbed and has been sent to hospital with serious injuries.
Police are at the scene and a large cordon is in place while a thorough investigation takes place. So far, no one has been arrested in connection with the incident.
Chief Inspector Jo Elbourn said: “We would like to reassure the public that a thorough investigation is taking place to determine what has happened.
“There will be a cordon in place for some time while these investigations take place.
“We are calling for anyone with information or who saw what happened and has not yet come forward to please get in touch.
“We know a number of people were in the area at the time of the incident.
“Our thoughts remain with the family of the man who has been attacked during this extremely difficult time.”
Anyone with information can call police on 101 quoting incident numbert 801 of the 6th May 2025 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
