Communities, Growth and Good News: Over 30 Bassetlaw News Highlights from the Last Week ....
Well that's the end of another busy week of news from around Bassetlaw and the surrounding area - we've taken 30 of our published stories and have a read - YES THIRTY !
Why not grab a coffee, take ten and catch up on our shortened highlights from this week's Bassetlaw Today newsletters.
Covering all things Bassetlaw the full articles can be accessed in our daily newsletters 100% FREE on https://bassetlaw-today.ghost.io/ .
Todays thought for the day ... "You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take." –Wayne Gretzky
I hope you enjoy the read, please email us if you have a story for us and have a great weekend wherever you are.
Justin Doddy, Editor
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter here if you haven't already and remember to send us your pictures and stories from around Bassetlaw.
Nottinghamshire Police seized nearly 150 vehicles and arrested a high-risk sex offender during a month-long road safety operation in Bassetlaw.
Officers conducted a total of 383 vehicle stops, made 45 arrests, and seized 149 vehicles after deploying additional resources to the area throughout the month of May.
Particular attention was paid to the A57, where concerns have been raised about young people driving in a dangerous and reckless manner – namely speeding and drifting.
Multiple young drivers were pulled over and spoken to, and officers reported that engagements were broadly positive. The increased presence of highly trained pursuit drivers also led Police to arrest a high-risk suspect wanted in connection with child sex offences in another force area. Two dangerous weapons were also seized.
In total, 149 vehicles were seized during the operation, including 61 seized during the course of an unauthorised music event in the area. A total of 204 Traffic Offence Reports (TORs) were issued for a range of offences, including driving without insurance and road tax.
Residents invited to shape the future of the Trent Valley
Residents living in the Trent Valley area are getting the chance to make sure their voice is heard on the future of the region.
‘Know Your Place Trent Valley’ aims to give people living in the area the chance to say what matters most to them both now and in the future, as plans for redevelopment and related projects move forward at the former power stations at West Burton, Cottam and High Marnham.
It is a joint project led by Bassetlaw District Council covering communities either side of the River Trent including eastern Bassetlaw and parts of West Lindsey, Newark and Sherwood and North Kesteven.
To find out more about the Know Your Place Trent Valley, share your views, or when events are taking place visit www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/kyptv/
Woman's bravery helps jail man who tried to suffocate and strangle her
A domestic abuser who tried to suffocate and strangle his former partner has been jailed after she found the courage to report him.
Alistair Hopkinson repeatedly subjected the woman to various acts of violent behaviour last year while they were in a relationship.
His campaign of abuse saw him fly into a jealous rage and choke his victim not just once – but twice – to the point she then lost consciousness.
Hopkinson punched the woman in the face during the first incident on 29 August last year, before grabbing her by the throat until she blacked out.
The 31-year-old's violent behaviour then escalated still further on 19 September, when he grabbed her head and forced it into a pillow, leaving her struggling to breathe.
That wasn't the end of Hopkinson's offending, however, as nearly one month later – on 18 October – he strangled her again at a Nottinghamshire address until she passed out.
When she eventually regained consciousness, the woman managed to fight off her attacker and raise the alarm, with police arriving soon afterwards to put Hopkinson in handcuffs.
The woman then showcased immense bravery by sharing details of Hopkinson's violent behaviour with the police, who were duly able to charge him with a multitude of offences.
These included two counts of intentional strangulation, one count of intentional suffocation and assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
Having pleaded guilty to those charges, Hopkinson, of Chesterfield Road, Worksop, appeared before Nottingham Crown Court to be sentenced on Thursday (June 4, 2026).
He was subsequently jailed for two-and-a-half years and made the subject of a restraining order. This will last until further order and bans him from contacting the woman in any way.
Multiple further charges of assault occasioning actual bodily harm and engaging in controlling and coercive behaviour against the same woman were all left to remain on file.
For more information about domestic abuse and how to report it, visit: https://www.nottinghamshire.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/daa/domestic-abuse/
Nottinghamshire targets ambitious regeneration vision
Nottinghamshire County Council has unveiled its ambitious £200 million land programme which aims to help regenerate and bring in more investment to the county.
Working with its property and development partner, Arc Partnership, the programme was showcased during the recent UKREiiF national event, boasts a diverse portfolio of land sites across the county, valued at around £200 million in total. This ranges from residential land to large-scale urban extensions prime for development, from one acre to more than 120 acres.
For more information, including a map which shows the locations of the sites available: Land Development Opportunities in East Midlands | Arc Partnership
Four Stolen Vehicles Recovered and Suspect Arrested Following Police Action
It was a busy few days for local neighbourhood policing teams, who recovered four stolen vehicles and arrested a suspect as part of ongoing efforts to tackle vehicle crime across Bassetlaw.
On June 3, 2026 officers responded to reports of three vehicles stolen from #langold, #retford and #worksop. Police investigative work, including CCTV enquiries and support from neighbouring police forces, led to all three vehicles being located and recovered within hours.
The following day (June 4, 2026), Officers tracked and stopped a BMW reported stolen from Cambridgeshire on the A1 near Warmsworth, leading to the arrest of a suspect in connection with the incident.nd Monet
Nottinghamshire: Former officer would have been dismissed following careless driving conviction
A former police officer would have been dismissed had he not resigned from the force following a conviction for causing death by careless driving.
An accelerated gross misconduct hearing was held for former Police Constable Steven Allcock at Force HQ at Sherwood Lodge on Friday (June 5, 2026).
He was driving a marked police van along Derby Road, Beeston, on 19 December 2023 when it collided with and caused the death of a pedestrian.
The former officer pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving when he appeared at Derby Magistrates' Court on 29 January 2026 following an IOPC investigation.
On 12 February, at the same court, he was sentenced to a one-year community order with a requirement to complete 180 hours of unpaid work.
Landmark restoration brings Gatehouse back to life
A landmark restoration project at the Worksop Priory Gatehouse has been celebrated with the Grade I listed building opening its doors again for the first time in 25 years.
The project has transformed the interior of the historic building, with new flooring, lime plaster repairs to the ceiling in the main hall, and upgraded electrics and plumbing. A new kitchen has also been installed just off the main hall, along with additional rooms to support storage and future use.
The works, which took around five months to complete, marks only the second major restoration in the building’s history and will see it brought back into use for the first time in 25 years.
The project was funded through Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council’s Conservation Team.
Spiking scheme extended to cover World Cup
A project aimed at improving the response to spiking reports by increasing victims' accessibility to testing kits has been extended to cover the World Cup football tournament.
Nottinghamshire Police are one of three forces taking part in a pilot project, named Project Alliance, which is being led by the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP).
Police have stated that they are aware that spiking is underreported to the authorities, but still want victims to come forward for testing, even if they don’t want a criminal justice outcome.
As part of this initiative, spiking victims can now access multi-drug urine testing kits which are available from specific local hospitals and health centres, not just from the police, giving them more options for support.
The test will detect and identify known substances people may have been spiked with.
To get one of these tests, victims must first report a spiking incident to Nottinghamshire Police online, using this link ocrnpf
When an incident has been reported you will be given a crime reference number which you will need to provide in order to access a kit from one of our partner providers.
Potential victims can find the closest venues stocking the new kits, and details of their opening hours, by clicking here Spiking | Nottinghamshire Police
For more advice on spiking, including how to report incidents and where you can get medical help, support and advice, click on this link Report spiking | Nottinghamshire Police
You should always call 999 in an emergency.
Ranskill Fire
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service attended a large fire in Ranskill where scrap cars and a crusher were alight from late afternoon / early evening on June 8, 2026.
Local residents were advised to keep their doors and windows shut, and asked that people avoid the area.
The Fire and Rescue Service advised that firefighting operations at the incident in Ranskill had concluded in the late evening of Monday June 8, 2026.
Crews remained on site throughout the evening and overnight to carry out regular re-inspections. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have thanked the local community for their patience and support while they dealt with the incident.
£298m transport package promises better buses and safer streets across region
Nearly £300m of funding for transport improvements has been approved by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Board today.
The funding will transform travel across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire with new electric buses, upgraded bus stations and shelters, safer walking and cycling routes, and improved real-time travel information.
The projects earmarked for funding include:
Nottingham City
- A new segregated cycle track along Wigman Road linking to Harvey Hadden Sports Village;
- Improvements to bus services including new electric buses for Nottingham City Transport and Trent Barton, new bus shelters, and accessibility and safety upgrades;
- Reducing passenger delays by improving busy bus routes including the A6002, Thane Road, and Meadows Way;
- Pedestrian improvements to improve access to jobs, leisure, and transport hubs across the city.
Nottinghamshire
- Upgrades to walking and cycling routes at the Lady Bay / Cyril Road and Mabel Grove junctions;
- Improving key bus routes and junctions in Hucknall, Sutton, and the A60 at Baum’s Lane;
- New transport hubs at Radcliffe-on-Trent, Cotgrave, Easte Leake, and Ollerton, as well as a new bus station in Sutton-in-Ashfield to improve waiting areas and active travel connections;
- Installing 900 new real time displays, solar powered lighting at 500 shelters, and living roof installations to support local wildlife.
Derby City
- Early design work for new walking and cycling routes, including the MickMack cycle route, Ashbourne Road / Prince Charles Avenue, the A38, and Station Road, Mickleover;
- Upgrading 120 bus stops with new shelters, improving stops, and installing real-time information displays;
- Improvements to Derby Bus Station to deliver a safer and more modern passenger experience.
Derbyshire
- Better connecting Derbyshire’s market towns;
- Delivering five new transport hubs, including at Glossop, Clowne, and Ilkeston with improved waiting areas, accessibility enhancements, CCTV, and lighting upgrades;
- Transforming active travel across the region by creating a high-quality route for walking, cycling, and wheeling as part of the Mayor’s Active Travel Loop;
- A new active travel link from Balborough to Clowne Greenway;
- Rolling out 700 new real-time information displays at bus stops, transport hubs, and key destinations, with a particular focus on Bolsover, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak, and South Derbyshire.
Region-wide improvements will also include upgrades to bus stops and measures to tackle pinch points that slow down services.
Canine heroes Ginny and Barney
Earlier this week, Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service took their Fire Investigation dogs Ginny and Barney and put them through their paces at Nottingham Forest’s City Ground
The duo carried out specialist training to detect accelerants within a stadium environment, helping ensure they’re ready to respond in complex, real-world settings.A massive thanks to Ginny, Barney, their handlers and all at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service for keeping us and our communities safe
Edwinstowe Fraudster who exploited man in her care sentenced
A fraudster who exploited a vulnerable man in her care by stealing his money for their own gain has been sentenced.
The victim, who has now passed away, was first made aware of the deceit when he began to receive letters from his energy provider and the local council following failed payments.
Nottinghamshire Police then launched an investigation that included a senior carer responsible for shopping on behalf of him.
Detectives uncovered that at least £20,000 had been taken between January 2019 and June 2021 without the man's consent. The stolen money was spent for the perpetrators own gain, including on their car insurance, fuel, and other miscellaneous items.
The perpetrator from Edwinstowe, eventually went on to plead guilty to two counts of fraud by abuse of position.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday (5 June), a 15-month jail sentence was handed down, suspended for two years.
The perpetrator is also required to participate in mental health treatment for 12 months.
Mansfield Town FC to take on Retford United FC
In the same week that Mansfield Town Football Club launched it's new 26/27 kit it confirmed it's pre-season schedule (to-date) ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
The big game sees the Stags are taking on the Badgers at Cannon Park on Tuesday July 14 @ 7.00pm
New ‘Binfrastructure’ Strategy aims to cut littering
Bassetlaw District Council is looking at further ways to keep the district clean, attractive and welcoming for residents, businesses and visitors.
As part of a new ‘Binfrastructure Strategy’ the council is targeting littering and how to prevent it, through education, community engagement and enforcement and to make sure people are properly disposing of their waste.
It also includes plans to make sure the right bin is in the right place for the right reason, ensuring they are well located, accessible and fit for purpose.
Under the strategy, the anti-littering messaging will be strengthened to highlight the impact it has and everyone’s role in preventing it, while volunteers, community groups and businesses will be supported to take pride in their local areas and play an active role in keeping them clean.
A review of all litter bins to assess their usage, condition and location will also take place with plans to investigate the option of smart bins in key locations including technology signaling when they need to be emptied.
OPINION: Joe White, MP - New Police Station Is a Win for Worksop, But We Must Go Further
For too long, people have told me they want to see more police on our streets.
You have told me you want officers who are visible and part of daily life in Worksop. Not hidden away, but an active presence in the town centre, where people can see them and speak to them.
That is why I welcome the plans for a new police station on Bridge Street. It will put policing back in the heart of the town. It gives shoppers, visitors, businesses and residents more confidence that the police are on hand to keep the town centre safe.
The plan is for Nottinghamshire Police to move from their current base inside Queen’s Buildings to Bridge Street. Bassetlaw District Council has agreed to transfer the building to the police. There is still a process to follow, but this is a major step in the right direction.
I want to be absolutely clear that this new police station will not come at the expense of policing in Retford, Harworth, or anywhere else in Bassetlaw. This is not about creating one single police station for the whole district.
Before the general election, I met with Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden. We agreed then that a stronger police presence would be a joint priority. I am pleased that this commitment is now moving forward.
We should also be honest about how we got here.
Over many years, local policing and justice in Bassetlaw has been hollowed out. The closure of custody cells in Worksop was a travesty. It meant people arrested locally have to be transported to Mansfield instead. I have heard first-hand from local police officers about the time this takes out of their day. An arrest can mean officers spending valuable time travelling to and from Mansfield, when that time could be better spent responding to crime and supporting residents here in Bassetlaw.
The loss of Worksop Magistrates’ Court created the circumstances for the prison cell closure because the costs of running them were shared with the police.
These decisions did not happen by accident. They followed years of cuts and a policy that expected towns like ours to make do with less. The result has been that important public services were taken further away from the people who rely on them.
The new police station is a chance to turn the page. It will not fix everything on its own. But it is a clear sign that Worksop is being listened to again.
Re-instating custody cell provision in Worksop remains a key campaign priority for me. I will continue to demand that we get this investment.
When someone is arrested in Bassetlaw, there must be the appropriate provision here in our area.
This new station is very welcome. It is progress. But it must be the start, not the end.
Growth in the East Midlands
The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) has announced a new investment plan that will make £107 million funding available to drive inclusive growth across the region.
The Local Growth Fund – approved at the latest EMCCA Board meeting on June 8, 2026 – will provide investment for programmes focused on business growth, employment and skills, infrastructure, regeneration, innovation, and community resilience from 2026-30.
The Local Growth Fund will support five key areas:
1.Developing skills and employment opportunities
2.Supporting local businesses
3.Driving innovation in advanced manufacturing and clean energy
4.Unlocking strategic sites for regeneration
5.Helping our communities to thrive
The East Midlands Growth Plan is a 10-year strategy built around three core pillars: enabling growth, maximising high impact sectors, and creating thriving places. Delivery of the East Midlands Growth Plan will mean:
- 60,000+ more people in work;
- 210,000 more people with skilled qualifications;
- 100,000+ new homes built;
- £13 billion added to the economy;
- 1GW additional clean community energy generation.
Further details on delivery and allocations to each project will be announced as implementation of the Local Growth Fund progresses.
Worksop Town FC have published their pre-season schedule ahead of the forthcoming 26/27 season and what an offering it is.
Included are matches against Retford FC and a Barnsley XI however the one we are looking forward to is on August 1 at 3.00pm as the the Tigers, a Step 2 side take on the mighty Blades - Sheffield United at The Windsor Foodservice Stadium on Babbage Way.
Faith school transport scheme consultation still open
A consultation into the future of Nottinghamshire County Council’s discretionary faith transport scheme is still open for everyone to have their say.
The consultation, which closes on 12 June, comes as part of a review into the county council’s discretionary scheme which offers a discounted travel pass for pupils attending a school on the grounds of faith where statutory low-income eligibility does not apply.
The scheme also offers free travel for primary aged children eligible for free school meals where the chosen faith school is between two and 20 miles from home, extended free travel for secondary‑age pupils eligible for free school meals where the chosen faith school is up to 25 miles away from home and a large family concession where families attending the nearest suitable denominational school pay for only the two youngest children.
The scheme currently benefits children across 15 faith schools, 10 of which are in Nottinghamshire with the remaining five schools in Nottingham City, Derbyshire and Doncaster.
To find out more about the options and have your say visit the county council’s website: www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/faithschooltransport
World Cup 2026: Football Experts to emerge from Hibernation
For three years and eleven months a breed of people lie dormant ... they have no detectable interest in football but then in true Lazarus style they emerge - in workplaces, pubs, the gym, on buses ...... football experts are everywhere!
These experts suddenly think they know about every team, the strength of each squad, what systems they should play in different matches, why a team deserves to be there, the colour of the ball, half time entertainment, water breaks, new rules, the list is endless.
We are about to watch the second world cup ever in the USA, the first since 1994 when Brazil won on penalties. 24 teams competed in 1994 however over the last 32 years FIFA have created a monster competition that now has 48 teams, being played over three countries with over 100 matches to be played. Running from Jun 11, 2026 to Jul 19, 2026 the re-awakened football expert truly has their work cut out for them in 2026.
Sweepstakes now require two or three teams per person in normal size offices, wall charts take over whole walls and the football expert is quietly telling someone that Cape Verde have an outside chance at 2500/1.
This year the football expert will also be an expert on world events and talking politics, wondering why referees are not being allowed into the USA and seriously thinking that Donald will get a run out for the USA.
Genuine football fans who suffer the pain of watching their team every week, pay for their dodgy fire sticks, pay for over priced shirts and suffer with VAR now have to endure the World Cup football expert at every turn.
But there is a light at the end of the tunnel .... like the majority of contagions, these football experts will return to their hibernation by the end of July while the true supporter dreams of league success for their local team in 2027/27 and laments being one of the 47 teams to return home without the 18 Karat gold (exterior), 36 cm high, 6.142kg FIFA World Cup Trophy.
But maybe, just maybe ........ 2030 in Morocco, Portugal and Spain will be the one.
London Marathon runners raise more than £21,000 for Beaumond House
Funds raised will support vital hospice care for patients and families across North Nottinghamshire
More than £21,000 has been raised for Newark-based Beaumond House Hospice Care through supporters running the London Marathon in aid of the charity.
A total of £21,172 has been raised by the five runners who represented Beamond House, taking on the iconic 26.2 mile challenge on Sunday 26 April 2026.
The funds will allow the hospice to continue providing supportive palliative care to patients and their families across North Nottinghamshire, including In Patient Care, Day Therapy, Hospice at Home and Complementary Therapy.
Among those taking part in the marathon were sisters Melissa Anstey and Louise Tucker, who ran in memory of their later father, Richard. Beaumond House supported Richard and the family after he was diagnosed with terminal lung cancer in 1995, and the sisters were inspired to run the marathon after finding a photograph of their father running it himself 45 years ago.
Beaumond House relies on donations and community fundraising efforts to continue its positive impacts, with events such as the London Marathon and upcoming Newark Half Marathon playing a key role in facilitating its vital work.
To learn more about ways to fundraise for Beaumond House, visit www.beaumondhouse.co.uk/challenge-events.
To find out more about Beaumond House, visit www.beaumondhouse.co.uk or call 01636 610556 to speak to a member of the team.
Warning issued after police arrest suspect in Worksop rogue trading investigation
Residents are warned to be vigilant following an arrest in connection with suspected rogue trading in Worksop.
The victim, a man aged in his 80s, was deceived into handing over his bank card and PIN code after a group of men turned up at his address and asked if he needed any work doing to his house.
He said 'no' but regardless of this, they got some ladders out and climbed up onto his roof and told him that it needed fixing.
They initially told him the work would cost £30 but he was then told it would be £10,000 to fix his roof.
One of men told the victim they could get paid if he gave him his bank card and PIN code, and they would withdraw daily amounts.
The victim, who said he was prevented from calling his daughter about it, gave them his card and PIN code.
The incident happened on Friday 13 February. The victim later told his daughter what had happened.
His bank card was fraudulently used to withdraw cash on a daily basis, with more than £4,000 taken out, before his card was cancelled.
No work was carried out.
Police have been carrying out inquiries into the incident, including checking CCTV footage. They also visited the victim, giving him advice to prevent further fraud as well as contact details if he needed any help in the future.
Following their inquiries, officers arrested a 23-year-old man on Saturday (6 June) on suspicion of fraud by false representation.
He was additionally arrested on suspicion of a car key burglary committed in Gringley-on-the-Hill, Bassetlaw, between 29 and 30 January.
He was subsequently released on conditional bail. Investigations remain ongoing.
More than 20 new apartments are set to be built near a Nottinghamshire Energy Village near Ollerton
By: Lauren Monaghan, LDRS
Developer Whytemac Ltd’s plans to reuse old car park space for new modern apartments has been approved by Newark and Sherwood District Council.
The patch of land off Latimer Way is within the site of the Sherwood Energy Village in Ollerton, a 91-acre environmentally friendly business park which was created to regenerate an old coalfield after Ollerton Colliery closed in 1994.
There is already a two-story office block on the site off Latimer Way called Prospect House, which was recently given permission to be converted into apartments.
But the rest of land behind the block is the vacant office car park which is now grown-out – it is this part that developers want to use for further homes.
Now, developer Whytemac is set to build a new L-shaped apartment complex for 26 “generous” one-bed flats which will all feature an open-plan living, kitchen and dining area.
The complex being split into two wings is to break up the “massing” of the building, which will be two storeys in one part and three storeys in the other.
The same access off Latimer Way to serve the converted office block will be used for the new apartments, where 49 spaces will be available for both buildings.
Usually, most new housing schemes of around 11 homes or more have to set some homes aside for affordable housing to help the local authority address its housing need.
But the developer’s ‘viability’ assessment says its project is not able to provide any affordable homes or developer contributions as it would lead to a deficit, which the authority has accepted.
Newark Market place redevelopment to begin January next year
By: Joe Locker, LDRS
An historic Nottinghamshire market place is set to be redeveloped next year – but the proposals have prompted concerns.
Just over £3.6 million is being spent regenerating Newark Market Place, including putting in trees and benches, and making the area more accessible.
This will include flattening the market square by reducing the amount of cobbled surface to make it wheelchair and pram friendly, and consolidating market stalls to make the most of the space for other events and al fresco dining opportunities.
Newark and Sherwood District Council has said some preliminary works have started, and the next steps will include appointing a contractor.
It is hoping to begin work in January 2027, with completion expected 11 to 12 months later.
However, the proposals have given rise to concerns from some, including members of Newark Town Council.
Energy debt and unfair charges resolved by Green Doctor
Hilary from Nottingham was incorrectly billed by her energy supplier as a business account, overcharging her and leaving her with an unfair £1,600 debt.
The Green Doctor, a free energy advice service by charity Groundwork Five Counties, helped her to get the debt waived, her bills lowered, and her account switched to domestic.
In October Hilary and her family moved into a house in Nottingham city centre, previously used as student accommodation. Because of this, the electricity supplier billed Hilary as a business account despite her making multiple attempts to rectify their mistake.
Hilary’s husband has chronic health conditions, and they have a young grandson with severe autism who requires care around the clock. It’s important that their home is stress-free, which wasn’t possible when she was worrying about energy bills and making regular long phone calls to the supplier.
The family was referred to the Green Doctor, an energy and money-saving advice service that helps households in the East Midlands to tackle high utility bills, debt, damp and mould, and other related issues.
Green Doctor Mayita visited Hilary and reviewed her bills, noting she was wrongly charged over £300 a month through a business rate, with a debt totalling £1,600. They rang the supplier together several times to set things right.
The fully funded Green Doctor service is available anywhere in the East Midlands to people of any age and background, whether they own their home, rent, or are a council or social housing tenant.
Police warning after spate of thefts at cash machines
Police are encouraging people to be extra vigilant following a spate of thefts involving cash machines.
Four victims have been targeted in recent weeks resulting in losses of over £10,000.
A man in his 70s was targeted on 21 May as he used a cash machine inside a branch in Beeston. He had completed his cash withdrawal but had not yet removed the bank notes or card from the machine.
He was then approached by two men who told him he had dropped a £10 note. Unbeknownst to him at the time, his bank card was swapped as he was distracted.
Reports then came in that his actual bank card had been used on numerous occasions in different locations, totalling a loss of over £6,000.
The second incident, which also occurred on 21 May, happened at a cash machine in Mansfield.
A woman in her 70s again reported being distracted after she was told she had dropped some cash on the floor.
In the confusion that followed, the woman's actual card was taken, with transactions now totalling over £4,700.
The possibility for Lincolnshire to host a leg of the 2026 Tour of Britain has been welcomed by some leaders – although not everyone is convinced
By: Jamie Waller, LDRS
Lincolnshire has been offered the chance to host the initial stage of the men’s race on Wednesday, September 2, 2026 although no final decision has been made.
The organisation and hosting fee would cost Lincolnshire County Council up to £450,000, with officers saying it would draw thousands of visitors to the area.
However, questions were raised over whether it would actually be value for money at the council’s Culture committee on Friday (June 5).
The route would start and end in Lincoln, likely using the castle and Cathedral area in a similar way to the city’s annual cycling Grand Prix.
VEHICLE CRIME: Seven arrested and stolen vehicles recovered in 'chop shop' raids
On Monday (June 8, 2026), enquiries led to officers raiding a scrap yard in Doncaster.
They discovered an extensive and elaborate set up involving multiple vehicles, containers and parts, and it is believed the yard was being used as a chop shop.
A chop shop is a term used to describe a place where stolen vehicles are dismantled so that their parts can be sold or used to repair other stolen vehicles.
Five men, aged between 30 and 56, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.
Three vehicles reported as stolen were discovered at the yard and have since been recovered.
The same day, officers in Barnsley attended a site where they located a stolen Mercedes and a Range Rover which had been stolen from an address as part of a two-in-one burglary. Officers also located a shipping container full of engines, a chassis and several car parts suspected to be stolen from the two stolen vehicles.Two men, aged 22 and 66, were arrested at the scene on suspicion of theft of a motor vehicle.
Nottinghamshire County Council’s youth service is celebrating Carers Week after being recognised as continuing to be young carer friendly.
Carers Week is a national campaign that raises awareness of unpaid carers and the important work they do.
This year’s theme, Building Carer Friendly Communities, focuses on helping more people understand and support carers.
The youth service received a Young Carer Friendly Quality Mark, for the second year running, for its work to support young carers across the county. All full-time staff have completed training to help them spot young carers and understand how to support them. Information is also shared so that young people know where they can get help.
The service works closely with Nottinghamshire Carers Association and the Young Carers Notts Service. New staff are trained when they join, and two team champions help make sure support for young carers keeps improving.
Many young people who use youth services have caring responsibilities. Supporting them and making sure they feel included is a key priority. The council currently runs eight young carer groups in young people centres and two more will be added this year.
A project to restore and reopen part of a medieval Nottinghamshire landmark has reached the halfway point – but costs have soared amid the discovery of significant archaeological features
By: Joe Locker, LDRS
Newark Castle’s gatehouse is currently being restored and turned into a “destination attraction at the gateway to the town”, featuring interactive galleries and a viewing platform at the top of the tower.
The castle was originally built in the mid-12th Century by Bishop Alexander of Lincoln, who was known as Alexander the Magnificent.
It survived three sieges during the English Civil War, but was partially demolished on the orders of Oliver Cromwell.
The Romanesque gatehouse is now considered by Historic England to be one of the finest complete examples in the country.
However, the project is taking longer and has proven more costly to complete.
During the work a number of archaeological features have been discovered, including a five-metre deep well and a latrine.
Scaffolding has exposed further damage to the masonry on the gatehouse, while a chimney has been found to be structurally unsafe.
At a Newark and Sherwood District Council cabinet meeting on Tuesday, June 9, councillors approved extra cash to help finish the project, which a council officer said is now roughly “50 per cent” complete.
The original budget was £5.6 million, but tenders for the work came back “significantly over the budgeted cost”.
In February last year the authority approved an extra £1 million for the work, but the cost has since risen again by another £1.5 million, bringing the total budget to just over £8 million.
The spending of more than £17,000 on chauffeurs by the region’s Labour mayor has been dubbed “excessive, shocking, eyewatering and unjustifiable” by opposition parties
By: Eddie Bisknell, LDRS
Data published by the East Midlands Combined County Authority shows that in the 13 months from March last year to April 2026, Ms Ward has spent £17,733 on chauffeurs described as “luxury, executive, premium and high-end”.
This follows extensive work from the Local Democracy Reporting Service into the amount of money spent by Claire Ward, East Midlands Mayor, on chauffeurs since March 2025.
In March this year, the LDRS had reported on data for March to August 2025, with no further data available at that time, showing £1,508 spent on chauffeurs.
Following this, in May, the LDRS successfully lobbied for the remaining data up until February 2026 to be published, showing a further £7,820 on chauffeurs.
Now data for March and April 2026 has been made available showing a further £8,405 on chauffeurs for Ms Ward in those two months alone – nearly as much as the previous year combined – totalling £17,733.
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