Good morning readers and a happy Thursday to you all - the heat is definitely back and the UK Health Security Agency has issued an Amber Heat-Health Alert covering the Midlands until Sunday 12 July.

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Todays thought for the day ... “You may live in the world as it is, but you can still work to create the world as it should be.”― Michelle Obama

Enjoy the read and have a great day wherever you are in Bassetlaw.

Justin Doddy, Editor

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Operation Pernicious Underway – Police Seize First Nuisance Bikes in Worksop

The Bassetlaw South Neighbourhood Policing Team has successfully seized its first off-road bikes as part of Operation Pernicious, a dedicated initiative targeting the illegal use of nuisance bikes and the anti-social behaviour they cause across Bassetlaw.

The bikes were recovered from the Sandy Lane area of Worksop following proactive police activity, with officers working alongside colleagues from Operational Support to take robust enforcement action.

Police say this is just the beginning, with further proactive patrols and targeted operations planned to tackle illegal off-road bikes and improve safety for local communities.

Officers have also thanked residents for their continued support, highlighting that information from the public plays a vital role in identifying offenders and helping police take positive action.Together, by reporting concerns and supporting local policing, we can help make Worksop and the wider Bassetlaw area safer for everyone.

Adapted homes plan could transform support for residents

Bassetlaw District Council is exploring ambitious plans which could transform support for residents with life limiting conditions by providing ready-to-move, fully adapted homes when they are needed most.

Under the proposed scheme, several properties would be set aside or acquired, and adapted to a high standard, helping to improve quality of life, support independence and enable smoother transitions from their home to a more suitable provision.

It follows a motion proposed by Cllr Lynne Schuller, seconded by Cllr John Shephard and supported by councillors at a Council meeting held on Thursday 18^th June.

Cllr Lynne Schuller, Cabinet Member for Housing and Estates said: 

“People living with life limiting, progressive and terminal conditions deserve safe, accessible homes, living in properties which meet their often-deteriorating health and increasing reduction in function.

“The properties seek to speed up process enabling us to support people at the most testing of times. It will be an added choice allowing people to live independently for longer, move from a home which may restrict them or undertake assessments.”

The scheme will now progress to the next stage, subject to the development and approval of a detailed business case. This will explore costs, long-term viability and how the model could be sustainably delivered.

Cllr John Shephard said:

“We look forward to being able to progress this scheme further, subject to the development and approval of a detailed business case.

“It could make a real difference at a time in a person’s life when they need greater support in ensuring their independence, and ability to have improved quality of life.”

If approved, the scheme would not replace the council’s existing adaptations process, which supports people to remain in their own homes, instead it would provide an additional option for any Bassetlaw resident who needed it.

Disabled Facilities Grants also already play an important role in supporting adaptations based on need.

It’s time to really take back control

By: Jo White, MP for Bassetlaw

For too long, places like Bassetlaw have been held back because too much power sits too far away.

Decisions about local transport, skills, housing, high streets, jobs and public services are still too often made in London by those who do not understand our area. That has not worked.

I feel and understand the frustration and disappointment of many people in Bassetlaw that the pace of change since the Labour government took office has been too slow. It is time to take the gloves off and crack on with the job.

This week, Andy Burnham set out a different way forward and a clear vision of hope for the future, but hope must come with real change. This means real change in who holds power and where decisions are made.

I strongly support that agenda.

One of Andy’s key proposals is to create a “No 10 North” in Manchester. I know some will dismiss that as a gimmick, but it represents a culture shift in the heart of government. It must be the place where government is forced to think differently about the whole country.

Andy has spoken about power flowing out to the Midlands, the North, the South West, the East of England and every part of Britain. That is important because devolution should not only be about big cities. It must also work for towns and villages like ours.

I believe Andy Burnham understands that. He now represents an area very much like Bassetlaw in Parliament. His ‘Makerfield test’ is also the ‘Bassetlaw test’.

He talked about giving local areas more say over skills, industry and growth. That means training people for the jobs that actually exist here, and the jobs we want to bring here. It means backing our young people into good work, not accepting that they have to move away to get on.

He talked about reindustrialisation. That matters in a place like Bassetlaw, where people remember the pride of secure work and strong local industry. We need a serious plan for new jobs, new technology and manufacturing.

He talked about regenerating places. That means high streets that are not left to decline. It means looking again at business rates so local shops, pubs and small businesses get a fairer deal. It means using public money to support British businesses, so contracts help local workers and communities.

He talked about housing too, including a major council housebuilding programme. That is vital. A decent home is the foundation of a decent life.

It can no longer be about telling people to be patient while decisions are made somewhere else. It is about trusting local areas with power, responsibility and investment.

We have strong communities, brilliant local businesses and young people full of potential. But we need to be able to make decisions about our own future, not have things done to us.

That is why I support Andy Burnham’s agenda. It is about shifting power closer to the people. It is about giving places like Bassetlaw a fair chance. It is about proving that growth, good jobs and investment can reach every postcode, not just those closest to Westminster.

Our three interesting facts for today ....

Santo Tomas, Peru celebrates Christmas Day by holding a village punch-up

Sheep fighting is a popular, but illegal sport in Algeria

Nepal has eight of the ten highest mountains in the world

A town housing development has been tipped for approval after being sent back to the drawing board over a number of concerns.

Developer Keepmoat Homes has been planning to build 80 homes off Grove Road in Retford, as part of its Fairygrove development.

The site, which is part of a conservation area and is made up of agricultural land and a former horticultural nursery, is around 1.8 km from the town centre.

It sits between the East Coast Mainline and London Road.

Bassetlaw District Council had allocated the site for 61 homes, and the increase in planned houses prompted fears from dozens of nearby residents.

The application was initially submitted for up to 95 homes, before being scaled back to 80.

One resident, Tracey Simpson, said:

“The Fairygrove site was identified in the approved Local Plan for 61 properties, the current planning application [is] for 80 properties, [and] if approved will severely impact my current privacy and peace – and my concern regarding the boundary now adds to the impact.”

Another resident, Lynda Armitage, added:

“The proposal represents over-development with harmful consequences for traffic, local services, the environment, and the character of the area.

“By reducing the number of houses on the site could reduce the above impacts.”

Plans went before the council’s planning committee back in May, but a decision was delayed.

Councillors said they had concerns over flood risks, the impacts on local roads, and the developer’s inability to provide cash for infrastructure improvements.

Nottinghamshire County Council, as the Highway Authority, said the transport assessment and conventional street design that had been proposed “falls short of what is required for a new development to properly tie into an existing neighbourhood in terms of active movement provision”.

It has therefore proposed a number of conditions, including the widening of some footways to promote cycling and walking, as well as proper boundaries to separate the development from existing houses in the area.

To make developments more acceptable, developers often provide what is known as Section 106 contributions, the money from which typically goes towards bus service improvements, and health, employment and education opportunities.

However, if a developer cannot make a reasonable profit, which is set by the Government at 17.5 percent, these financial contributions can be waived.

Councillors said they had concerns over an assessment which concluded the development would not be possible if this cash was provided, and an independent assessor was appointed to double-check.

Propery and construction consultancy firm Gleeds was appointed to assess the viability assessment further, but it concluded that Keepmoat had underestimated their overall build costs by around £1.7 million.

The assessment said the previous assessment was supported, and that the proposal would be unviable if it were subject to the planning obligations.

Meanwhile, the county council, also acting as flood authority, raised no objections.

Plans have been tipped for approval for a second time at a meeting on Wednesday, July 15.

The Fairygrove development is one of seven allocation sites in Retford, including Trinity Farm, Milnercroft, The Former Elizabethan High School, St Michael’s View, Station Road and Ordsall South.

A total of 10,013 homes need to be built across the district by 2037, including 1,802 in Retford.

Amber Heat-Health Alert Issued for Bassetlaw and the Midlands

Nottinghamshire County Council is reminding residents across Bassetlaw to take extra care after the UK Health Security Agency issued an Amber Heat-Health Alert covering the Midlands until Sunday 12 July.

With temperatures expected to remain high, everyone is encouraged to stay safe and check in on neighbours, friends and family members who may be more vulnerable to the heat.

Here are some simple ways to stay safe:

Drink plenty of fluids.

Stay out of the sun during the hottest part of the day.

Wear suitable clothing, a sun hat and sunscreen when outdoors.

If you're working, exercising or walking the dog, take regular breaks and aim to do so during the cooler parts of the day.

Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms facing the sun.

Make sure pets have plenty of fresh drinking water and access to shade.

Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke, and know what to do if you or someone else becomes unwell.

Let's all look after ourselves, our animals and each other during the hot weather.

Image and information credit: Nottinghamshire County Council.

Half Marathon runner takes on challenge to support hospice care

Mel Scott-Avis will run in memory of her loved one to raise vital funds for Beaumond House Hospice Care

A London woman is running the Newark Half Marathon on Sunday 16 August to raise awareness and funds for a Newark hospice charity close to her heart.

Supporting Beaumond House Hospice Care, Mel Scott-Avis is running in memory of her husband’s grandmother, Pat, who was cared for by the charity during the final stages of her life.

After seeing first-hand the positive impact Beaumond House has on patients and their families at one of the most difficult times in their lives, Mel was inspired to give back and set herself a challenge to raise £500 for the hospice.

Speaking of her family’s experience, Mel said:

“Beaumond House provided compassionate care, comfort and dignity, not only for Pat but for our whole family. At an incredibly difficult time, knowing she was being looked after by such caring and dedicated staff gave us reassurance and allowed us to focus on spending precious time together.

“The support they offered helped ease some of the worry and uncertainty that families often face, and we will always be grateful for the kindness they showed throughout her care.”

In preparation for the 13.1 mile challenge this summer, Mel is balancing training with her busy schedule as she looks after her two young children.

She continued:

“I’ve always enjoyed setting myself a challenge, and a half marathon felt like the perfect way to push myself while raising money for a cause that means so much to our family.

“I’ve done just one half marathon before but, with two young children, the biggest challenge is finding the time to train. You’ll often find me out running in the park pushing one child in a buggy, and one child riding alongside on a bike!”

Beaumond House is the 2026 Partner Charity for the Newark Half Marathon and Mel will join hundreds of runners taking on the popular route, which is one of the region’s most scenic and exciting running events. The race starts at Sconce & Devon Park in Newark and follows a mostly flat, fast course suitable for both beginners and seasoned runners.

The proceeds raised by Mel’s efforts will enable Beaumond House to continue providing palliative care to patients and families across North Nottinghamshire, including In Patient and Hospice at Home services. .

Caroline Swindin, Head of Fundraising at Beaumond House, said:

“We are hugely grateful to Mel for taking on this challenge in support of Beaumond House. We’re all rooting for her as she prepares to run for a cause that means so much to her and her family.

“Our care services are only possible thanks to the generosity of supporters and fundraisers like Mel. All funds raised go towards continuing to provide compassionate, personalised care to our local community when they need it most.”

To join Mel and sign up for a Beaumond House charity place at the Newark Half Marathon, visit www.beaumondhouse.co.uk/newarkhalfmarathon. 

To find out more about Beaumond House, visit www.beaumondhouse.co.uk or call 01636 610556 to speak to a member of the team.

Overtook the Wrong Car... Talk About Bad Timing!

A speeding driver got far more than he bargained for after overtaking an unmarked police car on Blyth Road near Worksop.

His evening quickly went downhill when officers pulled him over and detected the smell of cannabis coming from the vehicle.

Following a search, police recovered a quantity of cannabis, smoking materials and deal bags.

To make matters worse, officers also discovered the driver was a wanted suspect.

A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of drug-driving, possession of a Class B drug and stalking. He was later released on bail pending further enquiries.

Detective Inspector Jamie Moore said:

"The driver in this case certainly received an unwelcome surprise after overtaking our unmarked car and another vehicle at speed.

"As our investigation into him continues, I hope this incident serves as a reminder to all drivers that we maintain a continuous unmarked presence on the roads of Nottinghamshire."

Police are reminding motorists that unmarked patrols are regularly operating across Nottinghamshire to help keep the county's roads safe.

Thanks so much for reading our local newsletter and for supporting us. We’re committed to providing Bassetlaw with the quality local news service it deserves, but sustaining this work may come with some challenges. Our team is currently discussing how to make Bassetlaw Today financially viable in the long term, and one option we’re considering is introducing a subscription model to help cover our costs.

We want to be open with you about these conversations so you’re aware that a fee may need to be introduced in the future. If that happens, we hope you’ll continue to stand with us and support the publication.

Have a great day and I look forward to seeing you read our next newsletter.

Justin Doddy, Editor

Bassetlaw Today

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