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A rogue builder who left victims across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and South Yorkshire more than £136,000 out of pocket has been jailed for 32 months after admitting three offences relating to fraud.
Sean Patrick Gartland, 54, of Ingoldmells, Lincolnshire, was sentenced at Derby Crown Court on Thursday (27 August) after admitting two counts of fraudulent trading and one of carrying on a business for fraudulent purposes at an earlier hearing in July.
The successful case against Gartland was brought by our trading standards team after a long and complex investigation following complaints from customers.
Referred to in court as classic 'rogue trading', Gartland made promises to customers which were never kept, demanding escalating sums of money from them to continue work he had started that in most cases was never finished. Work that was completed was often done to a poor standard.
We urge people to use our Trusted Trader scheme when looking for reliable and honest tradespeople. Residents should report suspected rogue traders to the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline on 0808 223 1133.
📸Examples of Gartland's shoddy work.
Would you like to get hands-on with a fascinating photographic collection and help uncover the stories behind thousands of historic images?
 Derbyshire Record Office is looking for volunteers to help with Landscapes Unlocked, a project to make the Peak District National Park Authority’s photographic collection more accessible. The archive captures the Peak District’s stunning landscapes, communities and heritage.
Volunteers will be helping to organise historic photographs by packaging and numbering materials, identifying people, places and events and adding extra detail and context to catalogue records.
No experience is needed, just an interest in local history. An introductory meeting will be held at Derbyshire Record Office, New Street, Matlock, on Monday 14 September. To attend, contact project archivist Alex Cave by Thursday 10 September by emailing Alex.Cave@derbyshire.gov.uk
📸Relaxing on the banks of the River Wye in Monsal Dale, c1987.
📸 Monsal Head, c1955.
Farmers in Derbyshire will no doubt be aware that an outbreak of bluetongue disease is spreading across the country.
Cases of bluetongue – an insect-borne viral disease that affects livestock such as sheep, cattle, goats and deer – have been reported in Derbyshire.
Our trading standards team is advising that if you keep livestock you must stay alert for signs of bluetongue in your animals. If you suspect disease, you must report it immediately.
Reporting suspected cases plays a vital role in supporting surveillance efforts and protecting the wider industry.
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Young people with special educational needs and disabilities who are looked after in one of our children's homes are being cared for with dedication and commitment, inspectors from Ofsted have found.
Inspectors visited the home in Erewash in July and rated it ‘good’ in all areas, recognising the warm, nurturing and supportive environment provided by staff.
They also acknowledged the commitment and dedication of the staff team.
Their report highlights how children are helped to feel safe, valued and supported to achieve their individual goals while noting the positive progress the children are making with their communication, independence, education and wellbeing.
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Potential development partners have been shortlisted for the planned £130 million redevelopment of Smedley’s Hydro, creating a hotel and leisure complex alongside new homes and offices.
The redevelopment will secure the future of County Hall, while creating jobs, attracting investment and supporting the local economy.
The plans will celebrate the Matlock hydro’s rich history, restoring its original purpose as a destination for wellbeing, leisure and community life. As the county council headquarters, the building faces significant maintenance pressures and high running costs.
The scheme is expected to generate £66 million for Matlock’s economy and £145 million across Derbyshire, creating around 100 permanent jobs and more than 800 construction roles.
A shortlist of experienced heritage developers has now been drawn up, with a preferred development partner expected to be announced in early 2027.
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If you’re an unpaid carer, did you know there are FREE monthly activities, training and events for you to take part in?
If you have a fridge or freezer that you want to dispose of at one of our recycling centres, please note that we're temporarily limiting the number we can accept.
Due to problems at specialist processing facilities across the country, we are temporarily limiting you to disposing of one fridge, freezer or fridge-freezer per visit at household waste recycling centres.
The disruption, caused by fires and other operational issues, has put pressure on national recycling networks. Residents must be registered to use the centres to dispose of a fridge or freezer and, where possible, are encouraged to store appliances until the situation improves or consider repair, reuse, donation or resale.
If you use a private company check it is a registered waste carrier to avoid potential fines if waste is illegally dumped.
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An independent Chair has been appointed to lead the next phase of Derbyshire's Local Nature Recovery Strategy.
Will Morlidge (right) brings a wealth of experience from senior leadership roles across the public and private sectors, with a strong background in energy, skills and innovation. His previous roles include Acting Executive Director of the East Midlands Combined County Authority and CEO of the former D2N2 Local Enterprise Partnership.
The Local Nature Recovery Strategy for Derby and Derbyshire focuses on restoring and creating habitats to help nature thrive. From Peak District moorlands and woodlands to rivers, wetlands, farmland and urban green spaces, the strategy aims to support wildlife across the county.
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