Good News, Local Voices & Community Stories : 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 - as usual we've taken a selection of our published content and shortened them, where possible into one catch-up newsletter.
Why not grab a Sunday morning brew, grab a garibaldi and take ten to 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/ .
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.
14-year-old boy sentenced for terrorism offence
A 14-year-old boy from Nottinghamshire has admitted downloading a video which described how to make a bomb using household items.
The teen was charged with the terrorism offence after officers from Counter Terrorism Police East Midlands (CTPEM) arrested him in January this year, following concerns that he was carrying a knife.
The knife was found in his bedroom and he was charged with possession of an offensive weapon - for which he received a referral order for nine months.
During their investigation CTPEM also found a knuckle duster and a photo of extreme right-wing graffiti sprayed on a fence near his home.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was charged with section 57 of the Terrorism Act 2006 (possession of items for a purpose connected with the commission, preparation or instigation of an act of terrorism).
That charge was later withdrawn, and on his first appearance at Westminster Crown Court on 14 July, he pleaded guilty to new charges put to him.
The boy admitted possession of an offensive weapon (the knuckleduster), racially aggravated criminal damage (graffiti) and S58 TACT (possession of the bomb-making video, useful to a person committing an act of terrorism).
On 28 August 2026 at Nottingham Youth Court, he was sentenced to a three-year youth rehabilitation order with electronic monitoring. An order was also made depriving him of items seized during the investigation.
Courtesy of Nottinghamshire Police
Triple win for Newark officers as wanted shoplifting trio caught
Newark officers managed to catch three wanted shoplifters in 24 hours and put them before the courts this week.
The neighbourhood policing team have been on the lookout for Alistair Paterson, Daniel Allsop and Karl Allsop for some time now.
Responsible for around 50 shop thefts between them, the trio managed to successful evade the police until the start of this week when they were all arrested.
Paterson and Karl Allsop both found themselves in handcuffs by lunchtime on Monday (24 August), with Allsop's namesake Daniel detained as well late on Tuesday (25 August) morning.
Content courtesy of Nottinghamshire Police
Gainsborough's rubbish bags should be phased out in favour of modern alternatives, a councillor has said.
By: Jamie Waller, LDRS
Gainsborough’s South West ward is the only part of West Lindsey to use them, where the narrow ’10ft‘ alleys behind homes make wheelie bins inconvenient.
However Councillor Trevor Young (Lib Dem), who represents the area, says the bags are “outdated”, costly 💷 and may attract pests 🐀.
West Lindsey District Council 🏛️ has told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that it plans to review the service.
Cllr Young has submitted a motion 📄 to the full council meeting on September 7 calling for the authority to look into alternatives such as wheelie bins and communal collection points.
Mayors given powers to green light developments
Mayors across England are to be given ‘call in’ powers to take the most important planning decisions in their areas.
Under proposals to be published, a mayor will now be able to take over key planning applications which impact on local growth, and direct a council to take it forward or refuse it.
The move has been backed by ten mayors from different parties and will bring mayors across the country in line with powers the Mayor of London already has.
The national thresholds are being set outside of London for the first time: schemes with more than 150 homes, more than 15,000 square metres of commercial space, or any building over 30 metres or taller, roughly ten storeys will be in scope.
Mayors will also be able to grant up front permission for development, so that building can begin without a developer having to apply.
Courtesy of HMG www.gov.uk
Get ready for a fun-filled day of excitement, discovery and hands-on fun as Nottinghamshire Police Family Fun Days return for 2026!
Join Nottinghamshire Police at Bracebridge Recreation Ground on Saturday 12 September for a day filled with activities, demonstrations and chances to see the amazing work that officers and volunteers do every day.
There will be a huge range of interactive police stalls and activities, including:
🔍 CSI fingerprinting
🚁 Drones unit display
👮 Police kit try on – see how you look in uniform
🚓 Sit inside a police car
⚡ Test your reactions on the Batak machine
🐕 Meet the police dogs and much more!
There's something for everyone, so bring the family along!
🕚 The event runs 11am – 3pm, so drop in any time.
Courtesy of Nottinghamshire Police
Boy dies following Newark collision
A four-year-old boy has died after a collision between an off-road bike and a car.
Emergency services were called to Churchill Drive, Newark, at 6pm on Sunday (30 August) following reports of a crash.
The boy, who was a passenger on the off-road bike, was pronounced dead at the scene despite the best efforts of paramedics.
A 24-year-old man, who was riding on the same bike, suffered serious injuries and has been taken to hospital.
He has also been arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
The driver of the car remained at the scene and gave an account to police.
Help Shape the Future for Young People in the East Midlands
EMCCA is looking for passionate young people to join its Youth Committee and play a key role in making sure the voices of young people are heard across Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Derbyshire.
If you're aged 15-18 (or up to 25 for young people with additional needs) and want to help influence decisions, co-design projects, represent your peers and champion inclusion, this is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference.
September is the perfect time to get involved with an established group already helping to shape opportunities for young people across the region.
Interested? Contact jae.hodgson@eastmidlands-cca.gov.uk to find out more and take your first step towards creating positive change.
Frasers steps up attack on regulators over ‘untenable’ pricing rules
Frasers Group has intensified its criticism of UK regulators over rules governing recommended retail prices (RRPs), arguing that current guidance makes it harder for retailers to promote genuine discounts and ultimately harms consumers.
In a letter to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA), Frasers CFO Chris Wootton described the regulator's approach as "untenable," claiming it creates barriers to price competition during a cost-of-living crisis. Frasers argues that legitimate RRPs help consumers understand the value of discounts and that the company uses genuine market-based reference prices rather than misleading promotions.
The retailer's main objection is to ASA guidance requiring retailers to demonstrate that an RRP reflects the price at which a product is generally sold in the market. Frasers says this standard goes beyond the requirements of the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, is too vague, and places an impractical burden on retailers to gather market-wide evidence.
Credit: This summary is based on reporting by Sam Metcalf published by TheBusinessDesk.com on 1 September 2026.
Jail for Retford paedophile who targeted girl online
A paedophile has been jailed after exchanging sexual images with a 13-year-old girl.
Ardian Mason, aged 28, came to the attention of Nottinghamshire Police after uploading indecent images over an online messaging app.
After his arrest on 3 December 2024, Mason told officers he'd seen 'child porn' content on the app but said his account was no longer active.
He later admitted to possessing links containing indecent images of children and to transferring them to a secure folder.
Officers accessed the content after forensically examining Mason's mobile phone and discovered more than 1,000 Category A child sexual abuse images, each depicting the most serious sexual abuse that can be committed against children and babies.
They also uncovered more than 1,000 Category B and C images, along with more than 100 extreme pornographic images of adults, some depicting acts with animals.
Officers also discovered a series of images and chats involving the same teenage girl, who they were later able to identify and safeguard.
Damningly, Mason had sent some of the images to a woman he had met online using an assumed name.
Mason, of London Road, Retford, later pleaded guilty to:
- six counts of causing/inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity
- two counts of engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child
- five counts of distributing an indecent photograph of a child
- possessing an indecent photograph of a child
- and possessing an extreme pornographic image
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday 26 August, he was given an extended 12-year sentence - nine in custody and three years on extended licence.
He was also handed a restraining order banning him from any further contact with his victim, and was also made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order that will tightly restrict his internet use and his access to children.
Cyclists, don't miss out
Courtesy of Nottinghamshire County Council, our final planned Cycle Marking Event of the summer is taking place on Sunday 6th September at Cuckney Village Hall.
🕙 Time: 10am - 2pm
✅ FREE cycle marking
✅ FREE registration on the BikeRegister database
Help protect your bike and make it easier to recover if it's ever lost or stolen. 🔒🚲
📍 Cuckney Village Hall
📅 Sunday 6th September
Man charged following death of boy
A man is due to appear in court following the death of a four-year-old boy in Newark.
Police were called to Churchill Drive at 6pm on Sunday (30 August) following reports of a collision between an off-road motorbike and a car.
The boy, who was a passenger on the motorbike, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 24-year-old man, who was riding on the same bike, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.
The man suffered serious injuries and remains in hospital.
Manton Tenant Drop-in Session
Have your say, ask questions, or share your thoughts with Bassetlaw District Council
📅 Thursday 3rd September
⏰ Drop in anytime between 10am and 12pm
📍 Manton Family Hub
Community Way (off Shewsbury Road)
Manton, Nottinghamshire, S80 2TQ
For more information:
📞 0800 590 542
📧 customer.services@bassetlaw.gov.uk
Tougher rules to keep dangerous criminals locked up
By: Jo White, MP
Earlier this year, the Government announced changes to when some prisoners will be released because our prisons are dangerously overcrowded.
We need to be honest about how we got to this point. The blatant truth is that the government inherited prisons operating at close to 99 per cent capacity, with only 500 prison places added between 2010 and 2024. If prisons run out of cells, police cannot make arrests and courts cannot send dangerous criminals to jail. That would put the public at greater risk.
I want to be clear about what the government is doing to fix this mess. There are already plans in place for 14,000 new prison places, with 3,200 already delivered. A further £110 million is being brought forward to speed up the creation of prison places. This will take time.
This week, Justice Secretary Alex Norris confirmed in Parliament that many more serious offenders will be excluded from earlier release. Murderers, terrorists, those serving life or extended sentences and the most dangerous violent and sexual offenders were never included.
Now people convicted of rape, serious child sexual abuse and grooming offences will also be excluded. So will anyone convicted of an unlawful killing, including manslaughter, causing or allowing the death of a child, and causing death by dangerous or drink-driving. Historical indecent assault offences, which have been used to prosecute child sexual abuse, are excluded too.
This means the men responsible for the killing of PC Andrew Harper will not have their sentences cut, and hundreds more serious offenders will remain in prison for longer.
More space will also be freed by deporting more foreign offenders. The Government will also begin the careful work of ending the injustice of indefinite IPP sentences, under which some people remain locked up years after serving the minimum term set by a court.
The new release rules will apply only to eligible prisoners serving standard fixed sentences. They must serve at least a third of their term and longer if they behave badly. Leaving prison will not mean they are free to do as they please. Offenders can be tagged, placed under curfew, banned from pubs, clubs and football matches, and ordered to stay away from victims, and anyone who breaks the rules can be sent straight back to prison.
There will also be another £18.9 million for victim support, including a free helpline and specialist help for women and girls. Victims will have a say over the restrictions placed on offenders. An extra £700 million is being invested in probation and community services, with 1,300 more trainee probation officers being recruited.
This Government has listened and strengthened the scheme. Serious offenders will stay behind bars, victims will receive greater protection and public safety will come first.
Misconduct Hearing: Officer dismissed after using discriminatory language at custody suite
A police sergeant has been dismissed and placed on the barred list for using discriminatory language while working in a police custody suite.
A gross misconduct hearing was held at Force HQ at Sherwood Lodge on Wednesday 2 September.
The hearing was open to both the press and the public.
The officer, whose name has been anonymised on medical grounds, was working at a custody suite on the 19th November 2025.
At approximately 9am, a British Asian male was being transferred from the custody suite.
The hearing heard that the officer made comments that were discriminatory, offensive, and inappropriate such as 'come on, get back on the boat and go back to where you come from.'
These comments were captured on CCTV and reported by a concerned colleague.
He was dismissed from the force and placed on the police barred list.
After careful consideration and specialist medical advice, the officer's name has been anonymised due to concerns for his welfare.
Misterton News : Thursday 3 September 2026
ANOTHER CHANCE TO GIVE VIEWS ON THE OLD SCHOOL SITE
The model of how the old school site might look, after extensive refurbishment and a new-build community hub, will be at the Make Bake & Grow Show on Sunday 13 September at the Primary School. It is open to the public from 1.30-4.00pm. Come along and give your views. Any development will be subject to Parish Council approval and sourcing outside funding. The proposed development will be in three phases: first, obtain funding for the surveys necessary to find out what work needs to be done and at what cost. Second, obtain further funding to make good the ‘heritage’ aspects of the site. And third, a major grant for the new-build community hub at the rear of the site.
MAKE BAKE & GROW SHOW
On Sunday 13 September is the 2nd Make Bake & Grow Show, held at Misterton Primary School. Organised by Misterton Gardeners’ Club, come and support the show by entering your art and crafts, baking, and fruit and veg. Entries to the Show can be registered at the Library on Thursday 10 September between 2.00-7.00pm and on Saturday 12 September between 9.30am and 12.30pm. Late entries can be registered on Sunday 13 September at the Show between 10.00-11.00am, or any time online at https://www.mistertonhub.com/what-s-on/clubs/gardening-club/make-bake-grow-show. The Gardeners’ Club needs raffle and tombola prizes and plants for the plant sale. All profits from the Show go to club funds to fund a wide range of speakers and events.
NEW SUPPORT GROUP FOR MEN WITH PROSTATE PROBLEMS
A new group has started for men with a prostate cancer diagnosis, going through treatment, or with associated prostate issues. The group meets at the Retford Enterprise Centre (DN22 7GR) on the last Tuesday of each month from 2.00-4.00pm. If interested, or for more information, contact Jean Kirby on 07930 958 938 or e-mail jean.kirby1@nhs.net. The next meeting is on Tuesday 29 September.
BASSETLAW ACTION CENTRE: UPDATE
Bassetlaw Action Centre is continuing to help people in in the district. They need volunteers to help with a number of services where they will be given full training and expenses paid. The roles are:
Drivers – using their own car or one of BAC’s vehicles (a wheelchair accessible vehicle or a minibus) to take people to appointments, shopping or on social visits
Befrienders – creating friendships and talking regularly to people either face to face or on the phone
Supported hospital discharge service volunteer – helping people who have recently been discharged from hospital to settle back home by doing odd jobs such as light cleaning or shopping or offering a short-term befriending service
Administrator – general administrative duties within the Retford office.
Commitments can be as little as one hour a week and are structured to fit around the volunteer’s life. If you think that you might be a good match for one of these roles, or would like to ask some questions, please call 01777 709650, e-mail enquiries@actioncentre.org.uk or visit BAC’s website: bassetlawactioncentre.org.uk
BAC also offers trips in a fully accessible minibus. This is a door-to-door service, picking up from Misterton and West Stockwith. Membership is free for this service - just pay the cost of the seat on the bus, £12 for lunch club trips and £22.50 for day trips. In September and October, trips are:
Tuesday 15th - Faun Café, Hemswell Cliff (lunch)
Wednesday 23rd - Crystal Peaks, Sheffield (day trip)
Thursday 1st - Rufford Abbey Country Park (lunch)
Monday 5th - Bakewell Market (day trip)
Tuesday 13th - The Woodcocks, Lincoln (lunch)
Wednesday 21st - Lakeside Village, Doncaster (day trip)
Thursday 29th - Thoresby Courtyard Café (lunch).
For further information and to book, call 01777 709650.
WEST STOCKWITH NEWS - Thursday 3 September 2026
PARISH CHURCH CELEBRATED ITS ‘BIRTHDAY’
St Mary’s Parish Church celebrated its ‘birthday’ on Sunday 30 August. The patron saint of the Church is St Mary the Blessed Virgin, to give the Church its full name. And the Patronal Festival is on the Sunday the nearest the anniversary of St Mary’s birth.
Coming up is the annual Ride & Stride event on Saturday 12 September. St Mary’s will be open from 10.00am-4.00pm for those taking part alongside an art exhibition. On Sunday 13 September, the art exhibition continues all day from 10.30am with refreshments available and folk musicians playing in the garden from lunchtime. Then at 3.30pm, the three folk groups from the Isle of Axholme – Treading Softly, Full Circle, and Dave & Dave – will come together for a concert. Tickets are £5 – pay at the door and BYO alcohol. All profits go towards the Church’s new heating system. Pictured are Pip Whidett and Dave Allison playing at a concert in the Church in May.
Residents invited to shape Bassetlaw's New Local Plan
Bassetlaw District Council is inviting residents and key stakeholders to have their say on the future of the district as a six-week consultation on the creation of a new Local Plan is launched.
The current Local Plan, adopted in 2024, must be reviewed by 2028-29 with the new one aiming to manage and influence economic growth, jobs, services and investment, including those linked to the Trent Valley Supercluster.
At the Council’s Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 2nd September, councillors approved the proposal to give people the opportunity to share their views on what the new Local Plan should include and how they would like to be involved as it is developed.
Content courtesy of Bassetlaw District Council
Langold Drug Warrant leads to arrest and charge
Officers from Nottinghamshire Police's Bassetlaw Neighbourhood Policing Team have arrested and charged a man following a drugs warrant carried out in Langold.
On 03/09/2026, officers executed a warrant at an address in Langold as part of ongoing efforts to tackle drug-related crime and protect local communities.
During the operation, officers located and seized a quantity of suspected drugs, along with other items linked to criminal activity.
A male was arrested at the scene and, following further enquiries, has since been charged and remanded into custody. He is due to appear before court this morning (04/09/2026).
Content courtesy of Nottinghamshire Police
Think you've got what it takes to be an Independent Custody Visitor?
Notts OPCC is now recruiting volunteers to make unannounced visits to Nottinghamshire Police cells where, in addition to inspecting facilities, they can ask to meet detainees before making a report on their findings.
The scheme and the visitors are totally independent, and the role includes talking with those who are detained, checking the suites for cleanliness, making sure there are adequate stocks of supplies and raising any issues which may need to be addressed whilst detainees are in custody.
ICVs make a valuable contribution to policing by providing an independent scrutiny mechanism for both the prisoner and the custody officers.
Find out more, including how to apply http://www.nottinghamshire.pcc.police.uk/.../independent...
Content courtesy of Nottinghamshire PCC
Family tribute to 'positive, kind and caring' son after fatal collision
A heartbroken family have paid tribute to a 20-year-old man who was killed in a road traffic collision.
Trizain Meyler was riding a pedal cycle along Blyth Road, Harworth, when he was involved in a collision with a car.
Despite the best efforts of emergency services, Trizain died at the scene.
The collision happened at approximately 2am on 19 August. The driver stopped at the scene and has been assisting a police investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
Trizain, who lived in Harworth, had been cycling towards the village from Blyth Services, where he worked, at the time of the collision.
In a tribute on behalf of his family, Trizain's mother said:
"Trizain was such a positive, kind and caring young man. He was considerate of the people, animals and the world around him and he never judged a single soul. He was very family orientated and had enough love in him to make a difference in this world.
"Trizain was an adored son, a treasured big brother to his baby sister and a treasured little brother to his two big brothers. He was a much-loved uncle, cousin, nephew, grandson and great-grandson. Family was such a huge part of Trizain’s life. He loved his nieces and was a big part of all of our lives. He wanted the people he loved to be happy and would always be there for them.
"Growing up wasn’t always easy for Trizain. He had autism and when he was younger he sometimes struggled with communication and making connections with his peers. With the support and influence of his two big brothers and his best friend Ashton, he overcame so much of this as he grew up. He became someone who loved meeting new people, making friends and talking to people wherever he went.
"Trizain had never been in trouble with the law or at school. He went on to college and trained to become a barber, something he was really proud of and talented at. He loved barbering and could shape up, cut and trim his own hair.
"He also really loved his job at Costa. He enjoyed going to work, being around people and being part of the team. For someone who had found communication difficult when he was younger, seeing the confident young man he grew into and how much he enjoyed being around people made us incredibly proud.
"Trizain absolutely loved riding his pedal-assist bike. It was a huge part of who he was and brought him so much happiness and freedom. He loved being out on his bike and would ride whenever he got the chance.
"His friends were a massive part of his life. He had his best friend Ashton and so many other friends who he loved and was fiercely loyal to. Trizain also had an amazing ability to make connections wherever he went. He made friends while on holiday who stayed important to him long after the holiday was over, and he had so much love for them too. Distance didn’t matter to Trizain when somebody became his friend.
"His girlfriend Millie and her son were also a huge part of Trizain’s life, and he became a big part of theirs. He loved them both and cared deeply about them. The relationship he built with her son showed the caring and loving side of him that came so naturally.
"He loved animals, making and writing music, going on holiday, experiencing new places and meeting new people.
"Trizain was also ambitious and always thinking about his future. He had already started making plans for the next ten years of his life. He wanted to learn about trading, buying and selling and the stock market. He used to talk about becoming a self-made millionaire. That was Trizain – when he became interested in something, he wanted to learn about it and see how far he could take it. He had plans, goals and a whole future he was excited about.
"His laugh was contagious, his loyalty was solid and he had a strength about him that meant he didn’t let things get him down. Every hour my boy spent on this earth he made me proud.
"For all the struggles he came through, he still managed to fit so much into such a short life.
"As his mother, I have lost my baby in such a sudden and tragic way. I can’t even imagine how we will ever come to terms with the fact that our boy’s life has been cut so short. And even whilst writing this it doesn’t seem real. How can any mother ever get over losing a child?
"Every day I am living the same nightmare when I wake up and realise he is gone. I can’t believe, he will never get to have children, get married, buy his first house or his first car. He won’t get to see his baby sister grow up or watch his nieces grow. His brothers, sister, cousins, family, girlfriend and friends have lost someone who should have been alongside them for so many more years. We are all truly heartbroken and devastated.
"My son had so much potential and so much more he had planned to do. His zest for life showed in the strength and determination he put into everything he did. He really did live his life and there was still so much more of it he should have had."
The family are trying to raise funds to help with the unexpected costs of Trizain's funeral. Donations can be made at: https://gofund.me/a6c1b04a6.
Content courtesy of Nottinghamshire Police
Great Opportunity for BCVS Members
BCVS is delighted to share an exciting new collaboration with Ygam, the UK's leading charity dedicated to preventing gaming and gambling harms among children and young people.
🎓 Free Certified Online Training is now available, offering valuable knowledge and practical tools to help support young people and strengthen our communities.
The training will cover: 🎮 Gaming and gambling harms
🧠 Mental health and wellbeing
🌍 The role of religion and culture
📢 Marketing and sponsorship
👀 Spotting the signs of harm
🤝 Signposting to help and support
This is a fantastic opportunity to increase awareness, build confidence, and gain practical knowledge that can make a real difference in supporting children, young people, and families.
✅ Book your free place today: bit.ly/bcvsgamtraining
Content credit: BCVS
Nottinghamshire County Council fly the Red Ensign
Nottinghamshire County Council flew the Red Ensign, also known as the "Red Duster", at County Hall yesterday (3/9/26) to mark Merchant Navy Day.
The annual Fly the Red Ensign campaign honours the brave men and women who kept Britain supplied during both World Wars and celebrates the vital contribution of today's merchant seafarers.
A special ceremony was led by Chairman Councillor Christopher Adegoke and attended by local dignitaries, military veterans and Armed Forces representatives.
Councillor Adegoke paid tribute to Merchant Navy seafarers past and present, describing them as the unsung heroes of Britain's maritime heritage, whose resilience, professionalism and dedication deserve the nation's deepest respect.
Credit: Nottinghamshire County Council
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
P.S. Your feedback about this newsletter is important to me. You can email me your feedback to news@bassettlawtoday.co.uk
