Caught by the Crocs, Three Green Flags, Online Abuse & More
Happy Friday readers, the weekend is in sight!
I hope you have something nice planned for the weekend but until then .... grab a coffee, a digestive and have a read of today's newsletter covering all things Bassetlaw and surrounding areas.
Todays thought for the day ... “Make your life a masterpiece, imagine no limitations on what you can be, have, or do.” – Brian Tracy
Enjoy the read and have a great weekend wherever you are reading this.
Justin Doddy, Editor
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Crocs, Cops & Stolen Mopeds: When Footwear Gives You Away
A rider’s unusual choice of footwear helped lead to the arrest of three suspects linked to alleged motorbike thefts in Nottinghamshire.
Officers from Nottinghamshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit became suspicious after spotting a Suzuki SV being ridden in Rhodesia, Worksop, by someone wearing a pair of Crocs. Shortly afterwards, they learned the motorcycle had been reported stolen.
Despite losing sight of the bike more than once, officers continued their enquiries and later spotted the Suzuki alongside another stolen motorcycle, a Honda FES. Information gathered by the team eventually led them to a blue Ford Fiesta believed to be connected to the bikes.
When the vehicle was stopped in Blyth Road, Worksop, officers found multiple occupants inside, including a passenger wearing Crocs similar to those previously seen, along with a motorcycle helmet.
A 33-year-old man, a 49-year-old woman and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle, handling stolen goods and conspiring to steal a motor vehicle. The man and the juvenile were also arrested on suspicion of driving without a licence or insurance.
Detective Inspector Jamie Moore said:
"These three arrests came about thanks to the fantastic awareness of and the communication between our Roads Policing Unit officers.
"When the sighting of a motorcyclist wearing inappropriate footwear heightened their suspicions, officers investigated further and realised two bikes they'd seen had been reported stolen.
"Despite losing sight of the bikes on more than one occasion, the team kept going and managed to locate a car they believed to be linked to the motorbikes and which contained three suspects.
"As I say, this was a great piece of police work that emphasised the importance of the patrols our teams conduct."
Credit to Nottinghamshire Police and their Roads Policing Unit.
Local government reorganisation decision announcement
Central government has today (July 16) announced its plans for the future of local government in Nottinghamshire.
Government officials today met with the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Council Leaders and Chief Executives and verbally confirmed the decision. A formal, written decision is expected in due course. The Secretary of State has also announced this in Parliament.
It has been decided, as part of the local government reorganisation (LGR) process, to implement the proposal brought forward by Nottingham City Council which will replace the nine existing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire councils and create two, single-tier unitary councils.
This would create two new councils;
- One covering the current local government areas of Nottingham City and parts of Broxtowe, Gedling, and Rushcliffe.
- And one covering the current local government areas of Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, and parts of Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe.
A map is available to find out which authority your postcode would be part of when they are created in 2028. Check your postcode here: LGR Notts.
In the short term, there will be no change to existing services. All services currently delivered by the nine affected councils will continue as normal.
The LGR proposals were submitted to central government in November 2025. A statutory consultation took place between February and March 2026. This was followed by visits to Nottinghamshire by officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government ahead of today’s decision.
Work will now begin on the transition towards the creation of the two new unitary councils. Elections for these will take place in May 2027, followed by the creation of shadow authorities ahead of the new councils being formally established in April 2028.
Any final decision on the future options must receive parliamentary approval before they can be implemented.
Two other proposals were submitted, one by Nottinghamshire County Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council, the other by Bassetlaw District Council, Gedling Borough Council, Mansfield District Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council. Ashfield District Council did not express a preference between the options, and Broxtowe Borough Council decided not to support any of the proposals and requested that the LGR process be paused to enable more detailed consideration.
A spokesperson for all nine councils said:
"The government has today announced its preferred option for local government reorganisation.
“All nine councils have worked hard to meet the deadlines set by central government and to provide submissions that we believe are best for the residents we serve.
“We will continue to work together to ensure services continue and that residents and businesses remain our priority.
“We know this decision will generate significant reaction, especially in the media. We want to reassure everyone that this will not affect the day-to-day running of your local council, our services will continue and we are working closely with the thousands of staff who are coming on this LGR journey with us. The work has only just begun, and we can now start the work of transitioning to be ready by April 2028."
Supporting Newark Castle: Online Abuse has been directed towards the team at Newark Castle - A Team Committed to Heritage, Community, and the Future.
The team behind Newark Castle has issued an important message highlighting both the dedication of those working on the project and the need for respectful community discussion.
The team have said that over recent weeks, moderators have removed a number of social media comments containing abusive, derogatory, and inappropriate remarks aimed at members of the Newark Castle team from their socials. They state that while public debate and differing opinions are welcomed—particularly on a topic as significant as the Gatehouse Project—the team has made clear that personal attacks, threats, and offensive comments directed at staff, volunteers, contractors, or project partners will not be tolerated.
The team continue to say that constructive conversation remains a priority anf that the Newark Castle team continues to encourage questions, feedback, and open discussion, recognising that passionate views about the Castle and its future are entirely understandable. However, there is an important distinction between respectful debate and personal abuse.
Behind the project is a hardworking group of local people who care deeply about Newark and its heritage.
Many members of the team have lived and worked in the town for years and are dedicated to preserving one of the area's most treasured historic landmarks. Working alongside specialist partners and guided by heritage experts, they are investing significant time, expertise, and energy into ensuring the Castle is protected for future generations.
Throughout the project, the team has gone above and beyond to keep residents informed. By sharing regular updates, videos, and behind-the-scenes insights, they have worked to create an open and transparent dialogue with the community. Their goal has always been to help people feel connected to the project and understand the work taking place—not to expose individuals to criticism or personal abuse.
The wider vision extends beyond preservation alone. The project aims to safeguard the Castle's rich history while creating new opportunities for learning, tourism, economic growth, and cultural enrichment across Newark. It is an investment in both the town's heritage and its future.
As discussions continue, the Newark Castle team is asking everyone engaging online to do so with respect and understanding. By working together, the community can ensure conversations remain positive, informed, and focused on what matters most: protecting and enhancing this nationally important landmark for generations to come.
We at Bassetlaw Today wholeheartedly support Newark Castle in highlighting that there is an important distinction between respectful debate and personal abuse and to engage with respect understanding.
End of the Line for Fare Evaders: Major Investment in Railway Ticket Gates Across England
The Government has announced £33.4 million in funding to install new ticket gates and barriers at stations across England, helping tackle fare evasion and create a fairer railway for passengers.
Fare evasion currently puts up to £400 million of rail revenue at risk every year—money that could otherwise be invested in maintaining the network, upgrading trains, improving station facilities and enhancing onboard services such as Wi-Fi.
The investment will fund:
🔹 New ticket gates at stations that currently have none
🔹 Taller barriers designed to prevent gate jumping
🔹 Additional standard ticket gates
🔹 Improved technology for digital tickets, paper tickets and contactless travel
The programme forms part of wider rail reforms ahead of the creation of Great British Railways (GBR), which will also see expanded contactless Pay As You Go travel, digital ticketing trials and a future GBR app designed to simplify rail travel for passengers.
Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy said:
"Fare evasion is not a victimless crime - it undermines confidence in the railway and means passengers lose out on millions in revenue which should be invested to improve services for everyone."
"By stopping fare dodgers before they reach the platform, we’re protecting taxpayer cash, supporting investment in the network and ensuring the railway works better for the millions of passengers who do the right thing every day by paying their way."
"As we deliver significant reform across our railways in the lead up to Great British Railways, we are creating a truly joined up railway which is more accountable and better equipped to deliver the reliable, modern railway passengers deserve, to create jobs, growth and homes."
The first phase of installations is expected to be in place during the first half of 2027, with the wider rollout expected to be completed by mid-2028.
A significant step towards a fairer, more reliable and modern railway—ensuring revenue is reinvested where it belongs: improving journeys for passengers.
📖 Source and content credit: Department for Transport (DfT)
Our three interesting facts for today ....
The Swiss Air Force is only available during business hours: 8am - 6pm.
The names of UK businesses including the word 'Scottish' outnumber those including the word 'English' by four to one.
Theresa May was introduced to her husband by Benazir Bhutto.
Bassetlaw's Award-Winning Parks Celebrate Another Green Flag Success
Bassetlaw District Council is celebrating after three of its parks were once again recognised among the best green spaces in the country with prestigious Green Flag Awards.
The Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces and comes as the scheme celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Langold Country Park has secured the award for the third consecutive year, while Kings' Park has achieved Green Flag status for an impressive 19th time and The Canch has retained the accolade for 13 years running.
The awards follow a series of recent improvements and successful events across the district's parks. New walking routes have opened at The Canch and Langold Country Park, a new sculpture has been unveiled at Kings' Park, and hundreds of residents have enjoyed popular community events including the Extreme Wheels Roadshow and Talegate Theatre's Panto in the Park.
The Council also made a submission for Sandhill Lake in Worksop but were not successful on this occasion.
Cllr Darrell Pulk, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said:
"We are incredibly proud that three of our parks and open spaces have once again been recognised with the prestigious Green Flag Award. This achievement reflects the high standards we set for our green spaces and the important role they play in the health, wellbeing and enjoyment of our residents and visitors.
"I would like to pay tribute to our dedicated Parks Team whose hard work, commitment and attention to detail throughout the year ensure these sites are maintained to such an exceptional standard. Their efforts help make Bassetlaw a cleaner, greener and more attractive place to live, work and visit, and this award is thoroughly deserved recognition of everything they do."
Paul Todd MBE, Green Flag Award Manager at Keep Britain Tidy, said:
"Parks are essential public spaces that support our wellbeing, our communities and our economy. Yet for millions of people, particularly in the most deprived areas, local parks simply don't feel safe or welcoming.
"With public services under pressure, investing in parks is not a luxury, it's a practical, preventative solution and one of the most visible ways to improve people's quality of life.
"Congratulations to everyone involved in Bassetlaw's parks who have worked tirelessly to ensure that they achieve the high standards required for the Green Flag Award."
The Green Flag awards provide an added reason to celebrate as the district looks ahead to Love Parks Week (24 July to 2 August). A programme of activities and events will take place throughout the week, giving residents the chance to enjoy and celebrate the district high-quality green spaces.
The Green Flag Award scheme, managed by Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of recreational outdoor spaces across the United Kingdom and around the world.
Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter for a Green Flag Award. Awards are given annually, and winners must apply each year to renew their Green Flag status. A Green Flag Community Award recognises quality sites managed by voluntary and community groups, while Green Heritage Site Accreditation celebrates the conservation and management of historic park features.
To find out more about the Green Flag Award scheme, visit: https://greenflagaward.org
Midlands Defence Prospectus Highlights Region’s Potential to Deliver Jobs, Growth and National Security
A new defence prospectus launched in Parliament has set out an ambitious vision for the Midlands as a driving force behind the UK’s future defence capabilities. According to The Midlands: Powering UK Defence Growth, strategic investment in the region’s defence sector could create up to 38,000 high-value jobs and contribute almost £3 billion to the UK economy over the next decade.
The prospectus was unveiled at a Midlands All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) event in Westminster, jointly hosted by East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward and West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, with sponsorship from Babcock International. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Industry Minister Chris McDonald, MPs and leading business figures attended the launch, underlining the growing importance of the sector to the UK’s economic and national security priorities.
With increased government investment in defence and a renewed focus on strengthening British manufacturing and supply chains, the prospectus makes the case for a Midlands Defence Growth Deal—a partnership designed to translate national defence spending into regional jobs, innovation and economic growth. ⚙
A Stronger Future for the Midlands
Speaking at the launch, Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward highlighted the region’s existing strengths and future potential:
“The Midlands already has the skills, businesses and manufacturing expertise the country depends on – and we have an even bigger role to play in supporting the UK’s defence in the years ahead.
“Our Defence and Security Blueprint shows what can happen when government, industry and our regions work together. This prospectus is about taking that further, so rising defence investment creates real opportunities for Midlands businesses, skilled jobs for local people and stronger supply chains here in the UK.
“A Midlands Defence Growth Deal would help our manufacturers, engineers and innovators do even more – supporting national security, while ensuring communities across our region feel the benefit.”
‘Billions Flowing Into the Sector’
West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker emphasised the economic opportunity that greater investment could unlock:
“Our message to Government is clear: invest in our world-class technical know-how and manufacturing capabilities, and we’ll help keep our country and our way of life safe.
“There’s big gains to be made with billions flowing into a sector I’m backing to fire up our economy, and which will deliver thousands of the high-quality jobs and apprenticeships that I promised local people in my Growth Plan. It’s a triple win: for our communities, our economy and our national security.”
Five Areas of World-Class Capability
The prospectus argues that the Midlands is uniquely positioned to support the UK’s defence ambitions thanks to its concentration of advanced manufacturing, engineering and technology businesses. It identifies five nationally significant areas where the region already has internationally recognised strengths:
- ⚙️ Advanced manufacturing and supply chains
- 🚜 Land systems and protected mobility
- ✈️ Military aerospace
- ⚛️ Nuclear and propulsion
- 🔐 Cyber, digital and secure communications
The report estimates that strategic investment could generate up to £2.9 billion in additional direct Gross Value Added (GVA) by 2035, while Ministry of Defence spending with Midlands SMEs could reach £250 million annually within five years.
The Midlands Defence Growth Deal
The proposed Midlands Defence Growth Deal would bring together government, industry and regional partners to expand production capacity, accelerate innovation, strengthen sovereign supply chains and develop the highly skilled workforce needed to meet future demand.
The initiative builds on the Midlands Defence and Security Blueprint and the work of the Midlands Defence and Security Industry Council, both of which are helping manufacturers, engineers and technology businesses secure new opportunities while supporting national security and creating high-quality jobs across the region.
📸 Content and images credited to the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
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Have a great day and I look forward to seeing you read our next newsletter.
Justin Doddy, Editor
Bassetlaw Today
P.S. Your feedback about this newsletter is important to me. You can email me your feedback to news@bassettlawtoday.co.uk
