Arnold GP surgery upgrade helps unlock thousands more appointments for patients

Patients in Arnold are set to benefit from improved access to care after major upgrades at Highcroft Medical Practice helped boost capacity.

The Arnold surgery is one of 25 GP practices across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire to receive funding for building improvements, creating more clinical space and helping doctors and nurses see more patients.

The investment forms part of a £1.9 million programme that has delivered new consulting and treatment rooms across the county, paving the way for an estimated 345,000 extra GP appointments every year.

Highcroft Medical Practice in Arnold was among the surgeries selected for improvements through the Primary Care Utilisation and Modernisation Fund, aimed at making better use of NHS buildings and bringing healthcare closer to communities.

The upgrades come as demand for GP services continues to rise. A record-breaking 8.25 million appointments were delivered by Nottingham and Nottinghamshire's 126 GP practices during 2025/26, the highest figure ever recorded.

Dr Amanda Sullivan, Chief Executive of the NHS Derby and Derbyshire, Lincolnshire and Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB Cluster, welcomed the investment.

She said: "Our GP teams do an incredible job, so I am delighted to see major investment going into more and better facilities for patients and staff.

"We recognise though that more investment is needed, and will follow, as we move towards more co-location of services through the development of Neighbourhood Health Centres.

"Thank you to all our general practice colleagues for delivering a record number of appointments last year and helping to meet the ever-growing demand."

The improvements at the Arnold surgery have created additional space for clinical services, allowing more healthcare professionals to see patients locally and helping reduce pressure on other NHS services.

The work forms part of a wider programme across Nottinghamshire that has focused on expanding consulting rooms, treatment areas and patient facilities to increase appointment availability. Upgrades were completed at surgeries in Beeston, Hucknall, Mansfield, Retford, Bulwell, Chilwell, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, Southwell and several other locations across the county.

Boy, 11, robbed of scooter as thug pulls out meat cleaver in Carlton street attack

An 11-year-old boy was robbed of his scooter after being pushed off it by two moped riders in a shocking street attack in Carlton.

The youngster was riding along Burton Road at around 4.45pm on July 16 when he was approached by two suspects on a moped.

Police said the boy was knocked from his scooter before a member of the public stepped in to help.

But the situation escalated when one of the offenders allegedly brandished a meat cleaver.

The pair then made off with the scooter, heading towards nearby Netherfield.

Detectives have been investigating the robbery and have reviewed CCTV footage from the area as part of their enquiries.

They have now released images of two people they believe may be able to help with the investigation.

Detective Constable David Hanmore, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We want to speak to the two individuals pictured so we can take their account.

“While we fully understand the images are not very clear, we believe the distinctive balaclava and top worn by one of them could assist with identification.

“Our young victim was left shaken by what happened to him, so we’d urge anyone with any information or relevant footage to get in touch without delay.”

Anyone with information is asked to call Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident 576 of July 16, 2026. Information can also be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Bold new mural brings colour and community spirit to Lambley Lane Rec

A vibrant new mural has transformed Lambley Lane Recreation Ground, celebrating the area’s sporting heritage, local history and natural environment—while helping to deter vandalism after recent graffiti incidents.

The artwork, painted across the newly installed sports cabins, was championed by local ward councillor and Deputy Leader Jenny Hollingsworth, who also works with community groups supporting parks and open spaces in Gedling village.

Created by Nottingham artist Alex Rubes, the mural reflects everything that makes the site special. It features nods to Mapperley All Stars Football Club and Burton Joyce Cricket Club, alongside imagery inspired by Gedling’s landscape and its close ties to Gedling Country Park.

The design was shaped through consultation with ward councillors, the Friends of Gedling Country Park, and regular park users, ensuring the final piece truly represents the community. Rubes is already well‑known locally for his popular mural at Breck Hill Park in Arnold, which has become a much‑loved landmark.

Councillor Viv McCrossen, Portfolio Holder for Climate Change, Parks and Environmental Health, said:

“This mural is a fantastic addition to Lambley Lane Recreation Ground. Not only will it help discourage further graffiti, it’s created a real sense of identity and pride for the site.”

The finished mural now stands as a colourful, lasting feature for residents, visitors and sports clubs—celebrating the people, history and natural beauty that make Gedling unique.

🚨 Nottingham City Council has issued a warning to Colwick Country Park users after their latest routine water quality samples identified elevated levels of naturally occurring blue-green algae in Old Trout Lake.

A spokesman said: "As a precaution, warning signs will be installed in line with environmental guidance. Please do not enter the water, and keep dogs away from the lake, as blue-green algae can be harmful to both people and animals.

The council also wanted to remind users that swimming is only permitted during the organised open water swimming sessions on West Lake with Whole Health (Nottingham City Open Water Swimming Centre - Colwick Country Park). These sessions operate under controlled conditions with regular water quality monitoring. Swimming elsewhere within Colwick Country Park is not permitted.

🧩 Sudoku

Test your logic skills! Fill every row, column and 3×3 box with the numbers 1-9 without repeating any number. (Solution at the bottom of the newsletter.)

💬 What you're talking about...

NCC Leader Cllr Mick Barton: ‘We’re winning the war with roads”

Helena Cell wrote: To be fair I have seen a huge improvement in the roads. I'm a community worker in Gedling so I drive the whole borough most days. Having said that, they'd never get my vote for various other reasons. Well done on making the roads better though.

Geoffrey Smith said: "So they should! We, the car owner's don't or shouldn't pay for Cart tracks, in fact, we should all be getting a refund!

Tony Bowman posted: Reform have reformed our dilapidated roads. Keep up the good work.

Colin Porter wrote: Yes. It's true that a few roads have been made lots better, however still a very long way to go yet.

📸 Photo of the Day...

🌤️ Weather update

Your borough weather forecast for the next few days...

TODAY: 💨 A largely dry start with a mix of cloud and some spells of sunshine. A few showers may develop from the middle of the day. Feeling cooler than of late, especially in the strengthening westerly breeze. A breezy evening to come with some further showers moving across the region. The breeze and showers will gradually ease overnight allowing some clearer spells to develop.

TOMORROW: 🌦️ A few showers around first thing, but these will quickly fade leaving a largely dry day with sunny spells. Lighter winds than today with temperatures around average.

THURSDAY: ☀️ Largely dry with sunny spells. In the sunshine it will be feel increasingly warmer

Solution to today's Sudoku