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 - we've taken over thirty of our published stories and shortened them where possible for your weekly roundup. And YES, I did say - OVER THIRTY stories!
Why not grab a brew, get the orange creams out, stop thinking about the match at 1am ................... 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/ .
Todays thought for the day ... “The greatest use of a life is to spend it on something that will outlast it.” — William James
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.
Duo charged and remanded for drugs supply offences after Newark raids
Two suspects have been charged with drugs supply offences following simultaneous police raids in Newark.
Officers investigating the supply of heroin and crack cocaine across the region executed warrants in Friars Crescent and Philip Road.
Police entered properties on the neighbouring streets at the same time on Tuesday (16 June), following reports they could have links to drugs supply. Four suspects were located inside the addresses and arrested – including Tyler Green, 18, and Kieran Lane-Fox, who have both since been charged with various offences.
Green, of Friars Crescent, Newark, and Lane-Fox, of Philip Road, Newark, have both been charged with being concerned in the supply of crack cocaine and heroin, and possessing Class B drugs.Lane-Fox, 22, has additionally been charged with breaching a criminal behaviour order.
Harworth & Bircotes residents are being invited to get active, meet new people and discover local opportunities at a free community wellbeing event this summer.
Active Communities CIC, based in Harworth and Bircotes, is hosting its Wellbeing Weekender at Harworth Colliery Football Club on Saturday 11 July, from 12pm to 3pm, thanks to a £950 Councillor Community Grant from Bassetlaw District Councillors.
The free event will feature a range of activities including football, darts, wheelchair basketball, archery and the chance to meet local health and wellbeing organisations.
Entry is free and everyone is welcome.
‘She should have had a better life’: former midwife’s daughter with life-changing brain injury let down by the trust she worked at
By: Lauren Monaghan, LDRS
A former Nottingham midwife’s daughter was left with a serious brain injury after “days” of missed and delayed care by the trust she used to work at.
Four-and-a-half-year-old Caitlin was born under Nottingham University Hospitals Trust (NUH) in 2021, to Carlton parents Emily Stringer, 36, and Darryl Gwinnett, 38.
Born prematurely, she was transferred to the neonatal unit to continue growing in an incubator, but her parents say she was a “completely healthy” baby.
Now, the four-year-old is living with a life-changing brain injury from the complications of missed and delayed intervention and is not expected to survive childhood.
One for the Animal Lovers - A Warsop man who was banned from keeping or even looking after animals has been jailed after causing serious injuries to a dog.
David Pogmore, aged 34, was issued with the ban in 2012.
He was reported to the Nottinghamshire Police after an incident in December 2024 when a dog he was looking after suffered a broken leg and a contusion to her head.
Expert testimony from an independent veterinary surgeon suggested that the dog – a Pug called Betsy – had likely been kicked with sufficient force to propel her into a hard object or surface.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Wednesday 17 June Pogmore, of Meden Avenue, Warsop, was jailed for two years and two months and given an indefinite Animal Disqualification Order.
Tesco Worksop extends Kids Eat Free scheme to weekends this summer, offering extra support for families
Tesco Worksop extends Kids Eat Free scheme to weekends this summer, offering extra support for families
Tesco has announced that its popular Kids Eat Free scheme has been extended to include weekends for the first time, giving families even more opportunities to save during the school summer holidays.
Running from 25 June to 1 September, the offer is available in more than 330 participating Tesco Cafés and Coffee Shops, including the Tesco Café at the Gateford Road store in Worksop, providing welcome support for families across Bassetlaw.
West Lindsey/Notts: Trent Bridge improvements
By: Jamie Waller, LDRS
Cross-county talks are underway on how to improve a bridge which has been labelled as a “bottleneck” and a “nightmare” for commuters.
The Trent Bridge at Gainsborough is a key route between Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire, but often has traffic queuing to cross it.
Greater Lincolnshire Mayor Andrea Jenkyns commissioned a feasibility study earlier this year into options, including widening it or an entirely new bridge.
The authority is now speaking with Nottinghamshire County Council, East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward and the STEP fusion project about the possibility of joint funding.
Good news for Bassetlaw's farming community as Tesco extends Future Farmer Programme
There is welcome news for Bassetlaw's rural community after Tesco announced it is extending its Future Farmer Programme for a further three years, continuing its partnership with Harper Adams University's School of Sustainable Food and Farming.
With Bassetlaw spanning approximately 638 square kilometres and around 96% of the district classified as rural, agriculture remains at the heart of the local economy. Initiatives that support the next generation of farmers are therefore especially important for the district's long-term prosperity.
The programme, backed by England's largest supermarket chain, which has a store on Gateford Road in Worksop, has already helped more than 200 young farmers develop the skills needed to build sustainable and resilient farming businesses.
E-scooter reminder after drink-drive arrest
Riding an e-scooter whilst under the influence of alcohol is every bit as serious as drinking and driving in a car.
That's the warning from Nottinghamshire Police after a young man was pulled over and breathalysed after he was spotted swerving from side to side on the road.
The rider also had two traffic cones placed on the rental vehicle when he was pulled over shortly after 4.45am on Sunday 21 June.
A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drink.
Mayor of the East Midlands reacts to Andy Burnham's Policy Speech
The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has released the following statement in response to Andy Burnham's policy speech today, Monday 29 June.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said:
“The East Midlands is part of the UK’s future, and it is right that Andy Burnham – who has spent a decade leading one of our most successful regions – is giving us the power, the trust, and the resources to put things right.
“This matters. Too often, people feel that politics happens somewhere else, indifferent to what they want and cutting across the things that matter to them. But as Mayor, I know that the only politics that works is one that is grounded in place, shaped by local people, and delivered by every part of our society and economy.
“This is a moment that has deep roots. The UK has been on a journey, these past 10 years. We have faced some huge challenges – the impact of leaving the EU, the Covid-19 pandemic, and an ongoing cost of living crisis driven by global conflict.
But we have also been on a devolution journey – with successive administrations creating more regional Mayors and giving their regions the space and resources to have a vision for themselves that is greater than receiving handouts from London.
“We are ready to make this work.”
Police Force takes delivery of new and enhanced drones
Two new police drones that can fly for longer and see further than ever before have taken to the skies of Nottinghamshire.
The state-of the-art aircraft, which also feature live mapping overlays, smart AI object detection and enhanced collision avoidance, have been added to the fleet to replace another unit.
Drone operators also have the option of a 400x camera zoom, an enhanced spotlight and a loudspeaker for conveying messages over long distances.
The force's 14 volunteer drone pilots carried out familiarisation training on the devices at Hucknall Airfield last week.
Engineering careers are for everyone – and that's a message that could inspire young people across Bassetlaw.
With Bassetlaw home to a proud engineering and manufacturing heritage, there's never been a better time to encourage more women to consider careers in the transport industry.
To mark International Women in Engineering Day, Stagecoach East Midlands has celebrated three inspiring women who are proving that engineering is no longer a male-dominated profession.
With engineering, manufacturing and transport continuing to play a vital role across Bassetlaw's economy, stories like these highlight the exciting opportunities available for local people looking to build rewarding careers.
Apprenticeship and career opportunities with Stagecoach are available via their careers website.
Morrisons Invests in AI as £940 Million Savings Reinvested into Stores
Shoppers across Bassetlaw, where Morrisons has a strong presence serving communities including Worksop and Retford, could benefit from the supermarket's continued investment after the retailer revealed its use of AI, automation and data technology has helped deliver £940 million in savings over the past three years.
Rather than investing in artificial intelligence for its own sake, Morrisons says it has focused on practical innovations that improve efficiency while maintaining customer service.
Mayor calls proposed cancellation of A46 and A38 investment "completely unacceptable"
The Mayor of the East Midlands has issued the following statement today, following the announcement by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer that some roads and energy capital projects will "no longer go ahead as planned", to fund the Defence Investment Plan.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said:
“The proposal to remove investment from two road schemes in the East Midlands – into the A46 and A38 – is completely unacceptable to me.“I was informed of this decision as the Prime Minister was delivering his speech on the Defence Investment Plan. If Mayors and their regions are to be seen as respected partners of government, we need to be treated like grown-ups and involved in trade-offs which affect our regions.“The trade-offs here are ones I understand. I understand that increasing investment into defence means removing it from other things. I understand that everywhere will need to contribute so that we can be safe in a less certain world.
What I cannot understand is why the only region being asked to lose £900 million of investment into its roads is the East Midlands – that is not equitable and fails to recognise the decades of underinvestment that have preceded today’s decision.“The East Midlands will play its part in delivering a safer world – we have strengths in defence and will be investing into those alongside the government.
But people working in defence need good roads so that their staff can get to work, access their supply chains, and trade.
We will not serve our defence sector well if we underinvest into its enabling infrastructure.“The Government must seek contributions from regions other than ours and from spending areas other than roads. This is what I am asking Ministers for today.”
Its on Sunday ... Its at Farnsfield ... Worksop Cricket Club are in The Mallen T20 Final
Worksop CC has made it to their second t20 cup final in 4 years - after winning the competition in 2023.
This Sunday's final (July 5, 2026) will take place at Farnsfield CC at 14:30 - get behind the team.
Hotspot Patrols Pay Off as Police Recover Nuisance Motorbike
Officers from Bassetlaw South have been carrying out targeted patrols in hotspot areas to address reports of anti-social behaviour linked to off-road motorbikes.
Over the weekend, Nottinghamshire Officers successfully recovered a motorbike being used to cause disruption in one of these areas. A 22-year-old male has been reported for driving offences.Police have said that they understand the impact that nuisance motorbikes can have on our communities and want to reassure residents that are continuing to patrol areas experiencing high levels of ASB.
SEND drop-in session for parents and carers to be held in Ollerton
Are you a parent or carer of a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)?
Join us for a relaxed and welcoming drop-in session where you can get support, ask questions, and connect with professionals.
Ollerton Family Hub, Dukeries Academy, Whinney Lane, NG22 9TH
Monday, 6 July 2026 - 10:00am to 11:30am
This informal session is a great opportunity to meet professionals and ask questions
Grassroots Focus: SJR Worksop FC – A Club Built on Community, Opportunity and Ambition
Our push for people to get out, experience and support non-league football in Bassetlaw moves on to Step 7 SJR Worksop FC, a club in the heart of Worksop, that continues to make a remarkable impact both on and off the pitch.
SJR Worksop FC has grown into one of the largest and most progressive grassroots football clubs in the Sheffield & Hallamshire region, providing opportunities for players of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to enjoy the beautiful game in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Bassetlaw Yesterday brings Bassetlaw’s past back to life — one memory, one photo, one forgotten tale at a time
The Great Cheese Riot of 1766
On 2 October 1766, during Goose Fair, Nottingham became the scene of one of the city's most unusual protests – the Great Cheese Riot. Farmers were demanding between 28 shillings and 30 shillings per cwt, a price many people considered highly excessive, and frustration quickly boiled over into a mob.
“The people were so exasperated that their violence broke loose like a torrent; and seized the cheese and began wheeling or carrying the cheeses away down Wheeler gate and Pecks Lane. When the Mayor attempted to restore order, he was knocked down by a cheese in the open fair (presumably still within the Market Square).”
Two or three people from the crowd were arrested, prompting the mob to attack the building housing them until they were released. The 15th Light Dragoons were then sent for, but rioting and expropriations continued and were only put down the day after that.
In the melee, William Eggleston, from Car Colston, who was guarding a cheese, was shot accidentally by the Dragoons and subsequently died from his injuries.
The Great Cheese Riot wasn't really about cheese—it was about hardship, inequality and the growing frustration of ordinary people during a time of economic uncertainty. It remains one of Nottingham's most fascinating and colourful moments in history, reminding us that food security and the cost of living have sparked public protest for centuries.
Based on content from Dr Denise Amos, Notts Heritage Gateway.
If you love nostalgia, local history, and celebrating the district we call home, this one’s for you. Following lots of positive feedback we have created a Bassetlaw Yesterday Facebook Group - please share your memories, whether it be an old pub long gone, a tale from the pits or a funny tale from history.
Struggling with Council Tax? You're Not Alone – Help Is Available
New research by GMB Union has revealed that at least 1.5 million people across Britain were taken to court over unpaid council tax during 2024/25, with the true figure likely to be even higher.
The investigation also found that more than 4.5 million council tax accounts are in arrears, while councils are owed at least £4.6 billion in unpaid council tax.
For many households across Bassetlaw, rising living costs continue to put pressure on family finances. If you're worried about paying your council tax, it's important to remember that help and support may be available. Speaking to your local council as early as possible can often lead to affordable repayment arrangements or advice on financial support.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE: Newark bypass: How project became yet another ‘betrayal’ in just two days
By: Joe Locker, LDRS
A plan to scrap one of Nottinghamshire’s largest infrastructure projects has become yet another betrayal for the East Midlands region, local politicians say.
Improvements to Newark’s heavily congested A46 bypass have been in the running for years, but in a matter of days the entire project now looks unlikely.
“I think it’s a betrayal to the residents we all represent, especially here in Nottinghamshire,” said Cllr Mick Barton, Reform leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, which is in charge of highways.
Red Arrows Cleared for Take-Off: New Jets Confirmed in £15bn Defence Boost!
By: Jamie Waller, LDRS
The Red Arrows will get new jets as part of a huge military spending investment after concerns about securing their future had been raised.
The government’s Defence Investment Plan has pledged an extra £15 billion to keep the UK safe from foreign threats, with cash also going towards upgrading Lincolnshire’s Typhoon fighter planes, runways and training.
West Lindsey: New Gainsborough businesses
By: Jamie Waller
Two new units built as part of Gainsborough’s cinema development will soon be occupied, with discussions ongoing for the third.
They have been vacant since becoming available 11 months ago, which some councillors have labelled “disappointing”, although others say the town centre is improving.
Subway has been confirmed as one of the new names in Gainsborough’s market place, and is expected to open by the end of the summer.
Local business The Florist By Blush will also expand from Marshall’s Yard during July, including a flower school and enhanced wedding services.
Centre Stage for Worksop u3a at Festival Celebration
The UK’s only U3A Steel Band – Steelpantastic – will bring a carnival atmosphere to the U3A National Festival this week thanks to a grant from a group of Bassetlaw District Councillors.
The band, made up of members of the Worksop and District U3A are making the trip to York between the 1st and 3rd July thanks to an £800 councillor community grant that is supporting transport, and future maintenance of their instruments.
Good News for Bassetlaw's Deafblind Community as Support Set to Grow Nationally Through New Government Funding
Thousands of Deafblind people across the UK are set to benefit from improved access to specialist communication support after the UK Government announced new funding to significantly increase the number of qualified interpreters.
The funding will support specialist competency assessment sessions for interpreters, helping to increase the number of registered Deafblind interpreters from just eight to 68 – an increase of more than eightfold. The move is expected to reduce waiting times and improve access to vital communication services for around 12,000 Deafblind people nationwide.
Update on the Canch Splash Park repairs from Bassetlaw District Council - 1/6/26.
Bassetlaw District Council have provided an update on the Canch Splash Park Repairs by social media as follows:
'We know how much families and young people value the Canch Splash Park, and we’re really sorry it hasn’t opened yet this summer.When the Splash Park closed for the season in October 2025, we identified the large-scale repairs and refurbishments that needed to be made and put plans in place.
This has resulted in a significant £160k rebuild, which includes a new bespoke insulated plant room building, new electrics and components throughout, refurbished pumps and pipes, a new chlorinating unit, and new start buttons on the splash pad.
This essential maintenance is helping to make the Splash Park safer, more reliable, and extend its useable life so it can be enjoyed by children and families for many more years to come.
Unfortunately, the project has experienced a number of delays over the last six-months, which ultimately impacted on the start date of the specialist contractor, who was not available until June 2026.
We appreciate this has been frustrating and disappointing for everyone, especially during the really warm weather this summer, and we’re grateful for your patience.
Our contractors are working to complete the repairs so the Splash Park is able to open for the beginning of the school summer holidays, subject to mandatory water testing, the results of which can take up to 14 days to be returned to us by an independent lab.
We know this is not the timeline everyone had hoped for, and we appreciate your understanding while we near the end of this significant project.
As an alternative, please use our Splash Parks in Kings’ Park, Retford and Langold Country Park.'
Stolen Vehicle Recovered in Worksop
Nottinghamshire Police Officers in Worksop have located another stolen Land Rover Discovery in the Carlton Road area during the evening of June 30, 2026.
Police are also appealing for anyone living in or around the Carlton Road area who has CCTV, doorbell camera footage, or who witnessed any suspicious activity to contact Nottinghamshire Police.
Spending more and putting on a few pounds during the World Cup? - You're not alone as Footie fans are using hydration breaks to panic-buy beer and ice cream during World Cup
New data from Asda has revealed we're panic-ordering snacks the second there’s a break in play.
Football fans are literally ordering snacks mid-match and it’s peak 2026 behaviour
As the UK sweats through record-breaking temperatures and everyone’s glued to this summer’s football tournament, new data from Asda has revealed what we’re really doing during the action — panic-ordering snacks the second there’s a break in play.
According to the supermarket, online orders are spiking by up to 30 per cent during half-time (and yes, those newly introduced “hydration breaks”), as fans scramble to restock beers, ice cream and crisps without missing a second of the game.
Museum prepares for a magical evening of outdoor theatre
Bassetlaw Museum is preparing to step back in time and experience the glamour of the 1920s at a truly magical outdoor theatre event.
Visitors are invited to enjoy an evening beneath the stars, as touring company This is My Theatre brings its production of ‘The Great Gatsby’ to the museum’s gardens.
Booking is now open for the event taking place on Friday 11th September, with Amcott House providing a stunning backdrop to this adaptation of the famous F Scott Fitzgerald’s timeless novel, capturing the spirit of the jazz age.
Extended parking options at Prospect Precinct
New parking conditions at Prospect Precinct have been amended in a direct response to feedback from customers and businesses.
Taking account of public feedback and further consultation with businesses and stakeholders, visitors to the precinct can now make multiple free visits each day.
As part of the revised conditions customers can now:
· Use the one-hour free parking multiple times a day. Visitors must get a free ticket for each visit.
· Customers parked in a disabled bay displaying a valid blue badge do not need to obtain a free ticket at any time.
· Options to park for longer are available via a cashless pay and display ticket, in line with charges that are consistent across the district.
· The conditions apply between the hours of 8am and 6pm, Monday to Saturday. Any visits outside of these times do not require customers to display a ticket, including Bank Holidays, but excluding Good Friday.
58 Football Fields Transformed: Green Charity Celebrates Incredible Year for Nature
Green charity improves green spaces equal to 58 football fields
Regional charity Groundwork Five Counties has announced it has improved 415,964 m² of land in 2025/26, equal to 58 football fields. The organisation manages dozens of green spaces around the East Midlands, supported by community volunteers.
Tour of Britain Routes Through Lincolnshire Revealed
By: Jamie Waller, LDRS
The Lincolnshire legs and routes for Britain’s top cycling event have been revealed.
The Tour of Britain will hold the first and second legs of the men’s event in the county on Wednesday, September 2 and Thursday, September 3.
There are plenty of points for spectators to witness the peloton as it comes to the county for the first time.
The first 113-mile leg will begin in Lincoln’s Castle Square before venturing out into the Lincolnshire Wolds, taking in Market Rasen, Binbrook, Caistor and Waddingham.It will conclude with five laps around the Lincoln Grand Prix circuit, including the gruelling climbs up Michaelgate, for a total of 1315 metres of ascent.
The next day, cyclists will head to Boston for a flatter 111-mile route, passing through Woodhall Spa, Horncastle and Wragby, and Louth. They’ll then ride to Mablethorpe, make one last climb up Langton Hill, finishing with a sprint finish towards Skegness.
It’s hoped that the council-backed event will provide a windfall of publicity and tourism for the county.
Force's largest ever cannabis seizure as £5m drugs farm dismantled
An officer who followed his nose led to Nottinghamshire Police's largest cannabis seizure and a drugs factory worth almost £5 million being dismantled.
More than 4,800 plants, all at varying stages of maturity, were found inside a disused industrial unit in Botany Avenue, Mansfield.
Worksop Bus Passengers Get a Free Ride in Clean Air Day Surprise
Worksop bus operator “surprises and delights” customers for Clean Air Day as a lucky passenger is chosen at random to receive a prize of a free 28-Day MegaRider ticket
Worksop bus operator, Stagecoach East Midlands, has celebrated National Clean Air Day by giving randomly selected passengers free travel for a month.
In Worksop, receiving his free ticket from Duty Manager, Ryan Jest, winner Daniel Cook said:
“I like travelling on the buses because it's really easy. Whether I am going to town or over to work, it is so simple. I prefer the bus to driving the car.”
Morrisons Invests in AI as £940 Million Savings Reinvested into Stores.
Shoppers across Bassetlaw, where Morrisons has a strong presence serving communities including Worksop and Retford, could benefit from the supermarket's continued investment after the retailer revealed its use of AI, automation and data technology has helped deliver £940 million in savings over the past three years.
Rather than investing in artificial intelligence for its own sake, Morrisons says it has focused on practical innovations that improve efficiency while maintaining customer service.
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
