Good News, Local Voices & Community Stories : Bassetlaw News Highlights from the Last Week

Local News that Matters from Bassetlaw's Favourite Newsletter. No Ads, No Paywall .... Just News

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 custard cream 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.

NOTTS: MPs issue joint statement on City Ground expansion

By: Joseph Connolly, LDRS

Nottingham’s MPs have issued a joint statement on the proposed expansion of Nottingham Forest’s City Ground.

Nottingham East MP Nadia Whittome, Nottingham North and Kimberley MP Alex Norris and Nottingham South MP Lilian Greenwood published the words online on Thursday, September 3, setting out their stance on the plans.

And in positive news for Forest fans in terms of the expansion getting over the line after years of negotiations and complications, all three said they support the plans, which include boosting the stadium’s capacity from around 31,100 to around 52,500.

The statement says:

“We support Nottingham Forest Football Club’s redevelopment plans for the City Ground. This is a historic opportunity to celebrate and preserve our city’s proud heritage as home to a world-famous club, while boosting our local economy and creating well-paid, unionised jobs.

“The case for a bigger stadium has been clear for years: six consecutive seasons of sold-out games have meant that many thousands of local fans cannot see their team play on home turf, including a whole new generation of young supporters.

“Greater capacity will enable NFFC to host major international matches in future tournaments, strengthening our visitor economy by firmly putting Nottingham back on the map as a legendary football city.”

Have Your Say on the Future of Rhodesia

Residents across Rhodesia are already sharing their views through our community survey. Have you had your say yet?

Bassetlaw District Council want to hear what you love about living in Rhodesia, what you think could be improved, and your views on a range of proposed local projects developed by the Parish Council.

⏰ The survey closes on Wednesday 30 September, so don't miss the opportunity to have your voice heard.

✅ Complete the survey here: Take the Rhodesia Community Survey

Content courtesy of Bassetlaw District Council.

Mum's tribute to 'beautiful' boy after Newark collision

A heartbroken mum has paid tribute to her four-year-old son who died after a collision in Newark.

His mum, Tilly Robinson, has released the following tribute to her son:

"My beautiful boy was tragically taken from us on Sunday.

"Robert Henry was my pride and joy and my heart will be forever broken.

"Myself, his little brother, Ronny-Boy, and all our family will never forget Robert Henry and we will make sure his memory lives on in all that we do.

"He may have only had four precious years with us but he was such a big character, full of love, big smiles and cheeky charm.

"We would like to thank all the emergency services and members of public present at the scene who helped my boy, Robert Henry."

Content courtesy of Nottinghamshire Police

More than 20 major road improvement schemes planned across Nottinghamshire this September

Key A-road resurfacing projects continue as surface dressing and micro asphalt programmes reach more than 200 sites across the county.

Residents, road users and businesses across Nottinghamshire will continue to see significant investment in the county's roads this September, with more than 20 major resurfacing and machine-lay patching schemes planned as part of Nottinghamshire County Council's record £181.25 million Highway Capital Maintenance Programme.

Among the headline schemes are resurfacing works on both the northbound and southbound stretches of the A57 Worksop Bypass, the A60 Doncaster Road corridor in Langold and Carlton in Lindrick, the A60 Mansfield Road through Ravenshead and Arnold, the A60 Loughborough Road and Mere Way Roundabout in Ruddington, and further major works at the A6009 Rosemary Street and A38 Stockwell Gate junction in Mansfield. A significant machine-lay patching scheme is also planned on the A610 Kimberley and Eastwood Bypass, while works will take place on the A1133 Besthorpe Road in Collingham.

NOTTS: Notts companies who paid employees less than minimum wage named and shamed.

By Joseph Connolly, LDRS

Companies who did not pay their employees minimum wage have been named and shamed by the government.

A total of 660 businesses were listed, with 15 of those being based in Nottinghamshire.

The government has published a list since 2011 in order to “hold bosses to account”.

Since then more than £100m in penalties have been issued to more than 5,200 companies nationwide, with £66m worth of unpaid wages being paid back to approximately 650,000 employees in that time.

Nationally, B&Q was the worst offender, owing more than £450,000 to more than 4,500 members of staff.

‘Handbrake U-turn’ on major shake-up of Nottinghamshire councils

By: Lauren Monaghan, LDRS

Nottinghamshire politicians are divided over the pausing of a major shake-up to councils and the city, with some saying they are “frustrated” while others are calling it a “victory”.

Nottinghamshire had been heading for its largest boundary shake-up in 50 years following the Labour Government’s announcement in December 2024 for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR).

However Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Angela Rayner, announced on Monday (September 7) that the plan will now be paused by officials following new legal advice.

May’s 2027 local elections will also go ahead on existing boundaries.

The Annual Cheese Festival Returns to the Welbeck Estate

The historic 15,000-acre Welbeck Estate in Nottinghamshire – the home of Stichelton Cheese - has announced it will host its second Welbeck Cheese Festival on Saturday 26 September 2026 from 11am to 4pm.

Held in the Courtyard at Welbeck, this free-to-attend community event is organised in conjunction with renowned cheesemonger Neal's Yard Dairy, offering an unmissable chance for local food lovers to sample a variety of artisan cheeses from across the country.

The festival brings together a rare industry-style experience directly to the public, gathering nine of Britain's legendary cheesemakers (and an Italian) in one location: events of this nature usually only take place in London.

Eight Nottinghamshire businesses with a 0 food hygiene rating

By: Joseph Connolly, LDRS

It was as recently as 2010 that the government introduced its food hygiene ratings system.

But since then, the ratings have become a vital tool in holding businesses to high standards and helping consumers choose where they want to eat.

A five out of five rating means standards are “very good”, with four being “good” and three meaning “generally satisfactory”, according to the Food Standards Agency.

Below that, improvement is required. A two-star rating indicates “some” improvement is necessary, one star indicates “major” improvement needed, and a zero – the worst rating – means “urgent” improvement is “required”.

Anywhere that supplies or sells food, or where food is consumed, is given a rating.

This includes restaurants, pubs, cafes, takeaways, food vans, food stalls, canteens, hotels, supermarkets, other food shops, schools, hospitals and care homes.

Most businesses have good scores, with 97% in the UK achieving a rating of three or higher, and 78% having a five out of five score.

Across Nottinghamshire, there are just eight places which were given a rating of zero at their last inspection.

Two of these were in the city of Nottingham, two were in Ashfield and two were in Rushcliffe.

Newark & Sherwood and Mansfield both had just one establishment given a rating of zero at the last inspection.

And Broxtowe, Bassetlaw and Gedling had none.

NFRS Launches Around The World In 80 Days Charity Challenge

Staff at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service will collectively travel 25,000 miles (40,000KM), the equivalent of a journey around the world, in just 80 days, while raising money for Fire Fighters Charity.

Every mile counts.

Whether you walk, cycle, run, swim, row or take part in any other physical activity, you can help move us closer to our goal.

The challenge is open to everyone, including staff, family members, friends, supporters and members of the public. You can submit your miles in support of any NFRS station, department, or team, helping them climb the leaderboard and putting your chosen team one step closer to the top.

To get involved, simply complete the form below each time you'd like to contribute mileage, and keep an eye on the leaderboard (also below) to see how everyone is performing. Your involvement can be as simple as logging the miles completed on your daily dog walk.

Together, we're aiming to travel around the world and raise as much money as possible for Fire Fighters Charity

Content courtesy of NFRS

Operation Reclaim: 'There really is nowhere to hide' - Balaclava restrictions to be enforced from September 15

Young people who wear balaclavas to intimidate members of the public and cause anti-social behaviour in the city centre will face the consequences from September 15.

Nottingham is set to become one of the first cities in the UK to introduce restrictions on the wearing of face coverings such as balaclavas.

The order, which has been backed by the public, will provide police officers and council officers the power to require a person to remove their face covering where their identity is being concealed to commit crime or anti-social behaviour.

New Community Hub Opens at Keyes Court

Residents in Mattersey and Mattersey Thorpe are set to benefit from a modern new community hub following the completion of a major refurbishment project.

Keyes Court is now serving as the new home of the village's Community Centre and Tenant and Resident Association (TRA), following its relocation from Cunningham Close. The revitalised facility will provide an important focal point for local activities, events and social gatherings for years to come.

The building has undergone a complete transformation, creating a modern, welcoming and accessible space for residents and community groups. Improvements include the removal of an internal wall to create a larger lounge area, and a refurbished kitchen with new appliances, including a fridge and microwave, helping to ensure the facility is well equipped for a variety of activities and events.

New £8 Million fund to help East Midlands companies grow

Firms across the East Midlands will be able to access grants to invest in new equipment, technology and energy-saving measures through a new £8.1 million business fund.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward has committed the funding to help businesses across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire invest, grow and become more productive over the next four years.

Over the lifetime of the programme, the Business Investment Fund is expected to support about 500 businesses and unlock £19m in additional investment from businesses.

New Booking System for Vans at Nottinghamshire Recycling Centres from January 2027

Van owners in Nottinghamshire will need to book an appointment before visiting recycling centres from 2 January 2027 under new measures designed to tackle trade waste abuse and improve the experience for residents.

Under the changes, vans must be re-registered, will be limited to six visits per year, and some larger vehicles, including Luton vans, box vans, flat beds and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, will no longer be permitted on site. Van users will be able to book visits online and choose from three recycling centres operating on a rotating schedule.

Nottinghamshire County Council says the new system aims to reduce the impact of trade waste being brought to household recycling sites, which has contributed to significantly higher disposal costs and increased pressure on facilities across the county.

Man charged with murder following the death of an Ollerton woman

A man has been charged with the murder of Anna Zukowska.

The 52-year-old woman was discovered at her home address in James Close in Ollerton, shortly before 8pm on Sunday 6 September.

Jozef Zbigniew Oleszek, aged 60, of James Close, Ollerton, was arrested on Sunday 6 September and charged with murder on Wednesday 9 September.

He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates Court on Thursday 10 September.

Rampton Hospital is set to receive £527,000 of NHS funding to replace air conditioning in one of its units, helping maintain a stable and comfortable environment for patients, staff and visitors during periods of extreme heat.

The funding is part of a wider £1.5 billion government investment in the NHS, aimed at making hospitals across England safer, more resilient and better equipped to cope with year-round pressures.

✅ More than 950 NHS improvement projects will be delivered nationwide
✅ Over £200 million will fund major projects including new operating theatres, children's wards and mental health facilities
✅ More than £1.3 billion will be invested in maintenance, safety and resilience improvements
✅ More than £32 million will help hospitals improve cooling, ventilation and protection from extreme heat

The investment is designed to help NHS services remain safe, open and able to care for patients during winter pressures, heatwaves and other periods of high demand.

Source/Credit: www.gov.uk

Strengthening Emergency Support Across Bassetlaw

Community volunteers who provide emergency support across Bassetlaw are better equipped to help residents thanks to a £750 Councillor Community Grant.

North Nottinghamshire Community First Responders has used the funding to purchase new uniforms and additional medical equipment for its volunteers, helping them continue supporting local people during medical emergencies.

Working alongside East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, the team is often among the first medically trained people to arrive at an incident. Their volunteers provide immediate care and reassurance to patients and their families while further emergency support is on its way, particularly in rural communities across the district.

Notts Councils, NHS and Samaritans join together to Break the Silence on Suicide

A Nottingham and Nottinghamshire-wide suicide prevention campaign aims to reach people who are vulnerable to suicide through encouraging open conversations and identifying people in the most at-risk groups.

The Break the Silence on Suicide campaign from NottAlone, Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council is supported by the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire NHS Integrated Care Board, Samaritans, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire NHS Talking Therapies, Active Notts, Nottingham Forest Foundation and other organisations throughout the city and county, aiming for the broadest-reaching suicide awareness campaign in the area to date, with a number of organisations also lighting up their buildings in yellow on 10 September, which is World Suicide Prevention Day, to show their support for the campaign.

Credit: Nottinghamshire County Council

'She was wonderful and vibrant' - tributes paid to mum-of-two killed in her Ollerton home

Tributes have been paid to 'a wonderful and vibrant' mother who had her 'whole life ahead of her' before she was killed.

Anna Zukowska, aged 52, leaves behind two sons, who have been left devastated by the news of their mum's untimely death.

In a family statement, they said:

"Anna was a wonderful, vibrant person who was full of life and had so many plans for the future.

"She leaves behind countless friends whose lives she touched.

"Her mother, her sister and sons are deeply heartbroken and struggling to process the unimaginable tragedy.

"We respectfully ask for privacy during this painful time and the family place their trust in the justice system to hold the person responsible for this crime fully accountable."

Content courtesy of Nottinghamshire Police

Worksop Firefighter Completes 9/11 Stair Climb For 25th Anniversary

As the world marks 25 years since the events of 11 September 2001, a firefighter from Worksop Fire Station has returned from Atlanta after taking part in a memorial challenge honouring the firefighters who lost their lives during the attacks.

Firefighter Ben Shepherd travelled to Georgia, USA, to join colleagues from across the UK, Ireland, and the United States in the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb. The event sees participants climb the equivalent of the 110 storeys of the World Trade Centre towers in tribute to the 343 firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice while responding to the attacks.

The climb brought together members of the global firefighting community, united in remembrance and respect for those who ran towards danger, whilst raising funds for three important charities: The Terry Farrell Firefighters Fund, Fire Fighters Charity, and Blue Light Card Foundation, supporting the firefighting and wider emergency service community when it comes to mental and physical health, both in the UK and U.S.

If you would still like to donate to Ben, you can do so by clicking here.

Local Plan Drop-In Event - Rampton

Residents are invited by Bassetlaw District Council to attend an upcoming Local Plan consultation event and have their say on the future of the Rampton area.

Rampton Village Hall, Manor Grounds, Rampton, Retford, Notts, DN22 0JU

Duration: 2 hrs - 21/9/2026

The new Local Plan will help shape where you live, work and spend your leisure time for years to come.

Event Details - https://tinyurl.com/49khy6jc

You can learn more about the Local Plan on the Bassetlaw District Council website - https://www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/

Misterton News

LOCAL GOVERNMENT REORGANISATION (LGR)

Local district and parish elections will go ahead in May 2027 after plans for a major shake-up of local government were put on hold after the Government launched a review in light of new legal advice. Communities Secretary Angela Rayner this week (7 September) announced that proposals to merge smaller councils to form larger authorities in a number of counties have been withdrawn. And plans for 14 other areas, including Nottinghamshire, will also be paused and reviewed.

Angela Rayner, Communities Secretary, told Parliament that she wanted to check the process and legality. The Government was facing legal challenges (judicial reviews) over proposals to reorganise councils. The Government had argued that the proposals would make the system simpler and produce savings. However, critics said the plans would not save money; and would divert resources from front-line services and mean councils were more remote from their communities.

NEW LOCAL PLAN

Bassetlaw District Council (BDC) will hold a drop-in consultation event on the new Local Plan on Monday 5 October in Misterton Methodist Church between 4.30pm and 6.30pm. The new Local Plan, covering growth up to 2045, will manage and influence economic growth, jobs, services, and investment. For more information, go to www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/localplanreview2026. Consultation started on Thursday 3 September 2026 and closes at 5.00pm on Thursday 15 October 2026.

Alongside this, the Council is also holding a Call for Sites to give residents and organisations the opportunity to submit sites with the potential for new housing or economic development (www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/planning-and-building-control/planning-policy/bassetlaw-local-plan-review-2026/call-for-sites/)

NEW GLASS RECYCLING PAYS OFF

Bassetlaw residents have recycled over 770 tonnes of glass since the launch of the Council’s new kerbside glass recycling service at the end of April. Bins are collected from households every six weeks and during the first 12 weeks of the service, crews collected 771.22 tonnes of glass. By recycling more glass, the amount of waste sent for disposal has reduced.

Download the Bassetlaw ‘Binformation’ App to advise when the next bin collection is, sign up for alerts, and access information on which items you can put in your recycling collections. The Binformation App is available to download free from the Apple App Store and Google Play. A desktop version is also available through the Council's website. For more information and to access the desktop version, visit the Bins, Recycling & Waste section of www.bassetlaw.gov.uk.

HOUSING REGULATOR DELIVERS INSPECTION RESULTS

Bassetlaw District Council has received its judgement from the Regulator of Social Housing following a comprehensive inspection process that took place between February and May 2026. This is the first time the Council has been inspected by the Regulator, which assesses how social landlords are performing against four Consumer Standards. Bassetlaw Housing scored a C2 rating (the highest rating is C1, with C4 the lowest). The Regulator reported some weaknesses in delivering the outcomes of the consumer standards and improvement is needed; specifically in relation the Safety & Quality Standard and Transparency, Influence & Accountability Standard. The Regulator for Social Housing’s full report is at: at: www.gov.uk/government/publications/bassetlaw-district-council

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:

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

ACCLAIMED ACTOR RETURNS TO WEST STOCKWITH

Actor Tim Marriott will return to the village in October with a production called Waiting for Hamlet. It’s on Friday 2 October at 7.00 for 7.30pm; tickets are £13 (students £10). Canapes and drinks are available but BYO wine.

Tim Marriott, who made his name as Gavin Featherly in the BBC sitcom, The Brittas Empire, has been to the village twice before. His new production is a riotous journey into the afterlife of Shakespeare’s greatest tragedy… Waiting for Hamlet takes audiences behind the scenes of Shakespeare’s iconic tragedy, uncovering the untold tale of the Old King and his court jester, Yorick (pictured left). Arriving in the afterlife poisoned, furious, and desperate for revenge, the King finds himself challenged by the one person who can stand in his way - the fool who knows him better than anyone. A battle of wits unfolds between two unlikely adversaries: one who believes he has all the answers and one who knows that wisdom often comes from embracing the absurd.

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. The next meeting is on Tuesday 29 September.

NOTTINGHAM UNIVERSITY HOSPITALS TRUST: Trust requesting for £16 million in cash support

By: Lauren Monaghan, LDRS

Nottingham’s hospital trust has requested £16 million in emergency funding to ensure it can continue to effectively care for patients.

Nottingham University Hospitals Trust (NUH) board members gathered on Thursday (September 10) to discuss the most recent data on the trust’s operational and financial performance this year.

In recent years, NUH, which runs Nottingham City Hospital and Queen’s Medical Centre, has been heavily reliant on extra funding from the government to help its operations and system work as effectively as possible.

The trust’s finance official said the £16 million in cash support would help with the trust’s expenditure, including on staffing and suppliers, adding it did not relate directly to a specific service within NUH.

The NUH board said they were waiting on a response from NHS England for the first cash request of £16 million in 2026/27.

In the 2025/26 financial year, NUH received £124.9 million in cash support from NHS England, with auditors KPMG stating in its most recent report that NUH’s cash position “continues to be extremely challenging”.

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.