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 nearly THIRTY of our published stories and shortened them where possible for your weekly roundup. And YES, I did say nearly THIRTY stories!
Why not grab a brew, get the custard creams out 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 ... “It takes courage to examine your life and to decide that there are things you would like to change, and it takes even more courage to do something about it.” – Sue Hadfield
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.
East Midlands Mayor on her top achievements since she got into power – they might surprise you
By: Joseph Connolly, LDRS
It’s been two whole years since former Labour MP Claire Ward took up her role at the helm of the East Midlands Combined Authority (EMCCA).
She was asked in a conversation with the Local Democracy Reporting Service what she thinks her top three achievements are.
Free bus passes for young people in rural areas
In August 2024, after just three months in the position, the Mayor introduced free bus passes for college students who live in the High Peak area of Derbyshire, at the very north of the Peak District, near Glossop and Buxton.
Nearly 1,000 inactive teens now on pathway to employment or education
The East Midlands was chosen by the government as one of eight “trailblazer” regions to lead the “Youth Guarantee” scheme – a project to get the 948,000 young people nationwide who are not in education, employment or training, into work or study.
Transforming abandoned, disused buildings into more than 700 homes
The Mayor’s Brownfield Housing Fund was announced a few days before the Mayor was elected, at the end of April 2024.
Police Issue Update on Anti-Social Behaviour at Eaton Riverbank
Nottinghamshire Police and Bassetlaw District Council have issued an update following a number of reports of anti-social behaviour at the riverbank in Eaton.
Concerns raised include excessive noise, littering and behaviour that is negatively affecting local residents, farmers, private landowners and the area's wildlife.
Police say they will continue carrying out patrols in the area, with enforcement action being considered where appropriate against those responsible for anti-social behaviour.
One Earth solar farm approval
By: Jamie Waller, LDRS
Campaigners say they will fight on after plans for the UK’s second biggest solar farm were given government approval – despite a recommendation that they should be refused.
The One Earth solar farm and its battery farm will cover nearly 4,000 acres near Dunham-on-Trent, spanning across the Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire border.
Boost for mental health support on major roads with new charity partnership
National Highways has teamed up with a leading mental health charity to help people get support quickly and easily, as part of a new 12‑month trial focused on early intervention and preventing crises.
New signage with QR codes will be put up in busy locations near motorways and major A-roads, helping connect people to trusted, local mental health support services. The partnership with the charity Chasing the Stigma, through its Hub of Hope platform, aims to provide timely, accessible support for people who may be struggling, helping them to find help before reaching crisis point.
Partnership behind Oak House scoops top honours at industry awards
The team behind Nottinghamshire County Council’s newest offices has won the Integration and Collaborative Award in recognition of the outstanding partnership that delivered Oak House near Hucknall.
Nottinghamshire County Council, Arc Partnership, Morgan Sindall Construction and received the accolade at the Constructing Excellence East Midlands Awards.
As one of the region’s biggest renowned awards, it celebrates projects and organisations demonstrating excellence and innovation across the built environment sector.
A Place of Reflection, Learning and Hope Right Here in Nottinghamshire
Just a short journey from Bassetlaw, the National Holocaust Museum in Laxton continues to play a vital role in educating future generations about one of history's darkest chapters while promoting understanding, compassion and respect.
Founded by brothers Stephen and James Smith and their mother Marina Smith, the museum was inspired by a life-changing visit to Israel's Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial in 1991.
Determined that future generations should better understand the Holocaust and its lasting lessons, the family transformed their own home into what is now the UK's only national museum dedicated to Holocaust education.
Police Appeal After Suspect Identified in Newark Shoplifting Investigation
Nottinghamshire Police have launched a wanted appeal after identifying a suspect in a series of shop thefts that have affected six stores across Newark.
Officers believe Ray Canham, 52, of no fixed address, is linked to 12 shoplifting incidents reported between 23 February and 23 June. Items stolen included chocolates, laundry products, meat, butter and cheese.
Police say Canham is also wanted on recall to prison and are appealing for the public's help to locate him.
Record Crackdown on County Lines Brings Safer Streets for Bassetlaw and the UK
There is positive news for Bassetlaw and communities across the UK after the Government announced record-breaking success in its fight against county lines drug gangs, with thousands of criminals arrested, dangerous weapons seized and vulnerable young people protected.
According to the Home Office, last year was the most successful on record for its County Lines Programme. Police and partner agencies closed 2,833 county drug lines, arrested 7,381 suspects, charged more than 2,000 gang leaders, and seized over 1,400 knives from Britain's streets.
Alongside the enforcement action, 4,750 vulnerable children and adults at risk of exploitation were referred for safeguarding support, while independent research found the programme has helped reduce hospital admissions for knife assaults by 25% in key areas – preventing an estimated 840 knife stabbings every year.
Major Decarbonisation Project Getting Underway
Preparation work for Bassetlaw District Council’s biggest decarbonisation project ever undertaken gets underway this month.
Two of the council’s biggest carbon emitters, Worksop and Retford Leisure Centres, are being made more energy efficient by replacing the end-of-life gas heating systems for the building and pool with modern heat pumps. This is alongside other smaller improvements such as installing solar panels, heat recovery ventilation, a draught lobby, and improved LED lighting.
The work is being part funded using £2.18 million of the Government’s Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme, which is contributing to the UK’s ambition to be net zero by 2050, with additional investment from Bassetlaw District Council.
Support Grows for Free All-Day Bus Travel for Nottinghamshire Pass Holders
By: Lauren Monaghan, LDRS
Conservatives on the authority proposed a motion for the meeting, asking the Reform-led authority to write to the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Mayor, Claire Ward, requesting for the removal of the 9.30am weekday restriction for concessionary bus travel.
Currently, those with a concessionary bus pass have free off-peak travel on local buses between 9.30am to 11pm and all day on weekends and bank holidays.
For elderly and disabled pass holders under the County Council, their pass also allows them free weekday travel after 9.30am on NET trams and all day on weekends.
Good News for Pet Owners Across Bassetlaw as Government Announces Biggest Vet Reforms in 60 Years
Millions of pet owners across the UK are set to benefit from the biggest overhaul of the veterinary sector in more than half a century, with the Government unveiling plans designed to make vet care fairer, more transparent and more affordable.
Under proposals announced by the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra), vet practices will be required to publish price lists for common treatments, helping owners compare costs before making decisions. A new £21 cap on written prescription fees is also planned, alongside proposals for an independent veterinary ombudsman to help resolve complaints quickly and fairly.
The reforms also include a new licensing system for veterinary businesses, greater transparency over who owns practices, and stronger protections for pet owners, while supporting vets and veterinary nurses with a modern regulatory framework.
New Daily Bus Service Linking Worksop and Clumber Park
A new daily bus service linking Worksop and Clumber Park will launch this summer, making it easier for families to enjoy affordable days out during the school holidays.
Running from 25 July to 6 September, the service will operate three times a day between Worksop Train Station, Worksop Bus Station, Manton and Clumber Park.
The scheme is being funded by the East Midlands Combined County Authority and delivered in partnership with Stagecoach East Midlands and the National Trust.
Return tickets cost just £3 and include admission to Clumber Park. Travel and entry will be free for National Trust members, under 5s and visitors arriving in Worksop by train with a valid rail ticket.
A.W. Lymn Marks Exciting New Chapter with Funeral Home Open Day
Award-winning, family owned and operated funeral directors A.W. Lymn The Family Funeral Service, has celebrated the opening of two new funeral homes in Retford and Tuxford.
As a fifth-generation family business, A.W. Lymn is celebrating an exciting new chapter in its century long history by holding a community open day to invite families into its new funeral homes on Thursday, August 13. It follows the acquisition of established north Nottinghamshire business G.D. Hall funeral directors, the family firm’s fourth acquisition in three years.
Iceland? More like ENGland!
In a brilliant show of support for the Three Lions, Iceland temporarily renamed three of its stores “England” while the national team continued its World Cup journey!
The special rebrands could be found in the hometowns of three England stars:
Stourbridge – Jude Bellingham
Chingford – Harry Kane
Washington, Tyne & Wear – Jordan Pickford
Community Kicks: Police Football Tournament The Best Yet in 2026
Hundreds of young people took to the pitch at an action-packed grassroots football tournament and family fun day that brought communities together from across Nottinghamshire.
Nottinghamshire Police's annual Community Kicks event returned to David Ross Sports Village at the University of Nottingham on Sunday, 12 July, for an unforgettable day of sport.
More than 500 young players representing 48 teams took to the pitches, battling it out to be crowned champions of their age category.
Cashpoint Thief betrayed by own Bankcard
A thief was betrayed by his own bank card after using it while fitting trap devices to cashpoints across the East Midlands and beyond.
Felix Urcaciu used the card to make seemingly legitimate balance enquiries as he fitted the metal envelope devices to the machines' cash dispensers.
He and his brother, Cristian Urcaciu, stole at least £25,000 in cash that customers withdrew but never received.
Instead, the money was secreted into a metal sleeve over the top of the cash dispenser slot.
Sea Cadets March Forward with Councillor Grant
Young people at Worksop Sea Cadets are preparing to strike up a new tradition in the town thanks to a £1,300 Councillor Community Grant.
The funding has helped the unit's newly formed Corps of Drums purchase essential uniform items, training equipment and additional instruments, enabling the group to become fully operational ahead of a busy summer programme of parades, community events and Armed Forces Day celebrations.
Established earlier this year, the Corps of Drums has quickly become an important part of the Sea Cadet unit, providing young people with opportunities to develop musical ability, teamwork and confidence while representing their community.
Groundwork Five Counties Tackles Damp and Mould in Social Housing Across the East Midlands
Residents across the East Midlands, including those in Bassetlaw, are receiving vital support from Groundwork Five Counties as the charity works alongside local authorities and social housing providers to tackle the growing issue of damp, mould and housing disrepair.
According to the charity’s latest annual report, its Damp & Disrepair team visited 427 households during the 2025/26 financial year and identified 2,001 rooms with visible damp, mould or other disrepair issues that did not meet acceptable standards.
The work has become even more significant following the introduction of Awaab’s Law in October 2025. The legislation requires social housing landlords to respond to reported health hazards within 24 hours. The law was introduced in memory of two-year-old Awaab Ishak, who tragically died in 2020 after prolonged exposure to black mould in his home.
Extreme Wheels Roadshows Return to Worksop This Summer
Looking for free, fun-filled activities for young people over the summer holidays? The Extreme Wheels Roadshows are back at The Canch, Worksop, bringing exciting action-packed sessions throughout August
📍 The Canch, Worksop
📅 Thursdays: 30 July, 13 August, 20 August & 27 August 2026
⏰ 1pm – 3pm
✅ Free drop-in sessions – just turn up!
Each session will feature one of a range of exciting activities, including:
🛹 Skatepark
🎯 Laser Tag
⚽ Body Zorbing
🚴 Drift Trikes
🏎️ KMX Karts
🚲 BMX Sidehacks
ℹ️ Important Information ✔️ Minimum age for Extreme Wheels activities is 9 years old
✔️ Helmets must be worn at all times
✔️ Suitable footwear is required (no open-toed shoes or Crocs)
Asda job cuts branded 'shambolic' as hundreds of security roles at risk
More than 300 security officers employed by Mitie and working at Asda stores are at risk of redundancy in a process described as ‘shambolic’ by GMB Union.
The union has raised concerns about a lack of a comprehensive risk assessment of the impact of losing security staff, which could impact customer and worker safety amid high levels of shoplifting offences.
GMB also argues that the consultation process, which concludes on 24 July, is too short to allow meaningful engagement and that security officers have been given incorrect information about the process.
PCC launches £300,000 fund for domestic and sexual abuse support services
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden is inviting organisations to bid for funding to deliver support services for people affected by domestic or sexual abuse.
A funding pot of almost £300,000 opens for applications this Wednesday (15 July), with bidders having the chance to claim up to a maximum of £75,000 each to run services for 18 months starting this October.
Priority will be given to bids which demonstrate how they will cater for victims who are not currently well served and have specialist needs due to some of the "hidden harms" associated with domestic and sexual abuse.
Crocs, Cops & Stolen Mopeds: When Footwear Gives You Away
A rider’s unusual choice of footwear helped lead to the arrest of three suspects linked to alleged motorbike thefts in Nottinghamshire.
Officers from Nottinghamshire Police’s Roads Policing Unit became suspicious after spotting a Suzuki SV being ridden in Rhodesia, Worksop, by someone wearing a pair of Crocs. Shortly afterwards, they learned the motorcycle had been reported stolen.
Despite losing sight of the bike more than once, officers continued their enquiries and later spotted the Suzuki alongside another stolen motorcycle, a Honda FES. Information gathered by the team eventually led them to a blue Ford Fiesta believed to be connected to the bikes.
When the vehicle was stopped in Blyth Road, Worksop, officers found multiple occupants inside, including a passenger wearing Crocs similar to those previously seen, along with a motorcycle helmet.
Local government reorganisation decision announcement
Central government has today (July 16) announced its plans for the future of local government in Nottinghamshire.
Government officials today met with the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Council Leaders and Chief Executives and verbally confirmed the decision. A formal, written decision is expected in due course. The Secretary of State has also announced this in Parliament.
It has been decided, as part of the local government reorganisation (LGR) process, to implement the proposal brought forward by Nottingham City Council which will replace the nine existing Nottingham and Nottinghamshire councils and create two, single-tier unitary councils.
This would create two new councils;
- One covering the current local government areas of Nottingham City and parts of Broxtowe, Gedling, and Rushcliffe.
- And one covering the current local government areas of Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, and parts of Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe.
A map is available to find out which authority your postcode would be part of when they are created in 2028. Check your postcode here: LGR Notts.
In the short term, there will be no change to existing services. All services currently delivered by the nine affected councils will continue as normal.
The LGR proposals were submitted to central government in November 2025. A statutory consultation took place between February and March 2026. This was followed by visits to Nottinghamshire by officials from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government ahead of today’s decision.
Work will now begin on the transition towards the creation of the two new unitary councils. Elections for these will take place in May 2027, followed by the creation of shadow authorities ahead of the new councils being formally established in April 2028.
Any final decision on the future options must receive parliamentary approval before they can be implemented.
Two other proposals were submitted, one by Nottinghamshire County Council and Rushcliffe Borough Council, the other by Bassetlaw District Council, Gedling Borough Council, Mansfield District Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council. Ashfield District Council did not express a preference between the options, and Broxtowe Borough Council decided not to support any of the proposals and requested that the LGR process be paused to enable more detailed consideration.
Supporting Newark Castle: Online Abuse has been directed towards the team at Newark Castle - A Team Committed to Heritage, Community, and the Future.
The team behind Newark Castle has issued an important message highlighting both the dedication of those working on the project and the need for respectful community discussion.
The team have said that over recent weeks, moderators have removed a number of social media comments containing abusive, derogatory, and inappropriate remarks aimed at members of the Newark Castle team from their socials. They state that while public debate and differing opinions are welcomed—particularly on a topic as significant as the Gatehouse Project—the team has made clear that personal attacks, threats, and offensive comments directed at staff, volunteers, contractors, or project partners will not be tolerated.
End of the Line for Fare Evaders: Major Investment in Railway Ticket Gates Across England
The Government has announced £33.4 million in funding to install new ticket gates and barriers at stations across England, helping tackle fare evasion and create a fairer railway for passengers.
Fare evasion currently puts up to £400 million of rail revenue at risk every year—money that could otherwise be invested in maintaining the network, upgrading trains, improving station facilities and enhancing onboard services such as Wi-Fi.
The investment will fund:
🔹 New ticket gates at stations that currently have none
🔹 Taller barriers designed to prevent gate jumping
🔹 Additional standard ticket gates
🔹 Improved technology for digital tickets, paper tickets and contactless travel
Bassetlaw's Award-Winning Parks Celebrate Another Green Flag Success
Bassetlaw District Council is celebrating after three of its parks were once again recognised among the best green spaces in the country with prestigious Green Flag Awards.
The Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces and comes as the scheme celebrates its 30th anniversary.
Langold Country Park has secured the award for the third consecutive year, while Kings' Park has achieved Green Flag status for an impressive 19th time and The Canch has retained the accolade for 13 years running.
Midlands Defence Prospectus Highlights Region’s Potential to Deliver Jobs, Growth and National Security
A new defence prospectus launched in Parliament has set out an ambitious vision for the Midlands as a driving force behind the UK’s future defence capabilities. According to The Midlands: Powering UK Defence Growth, strategic investment in the region’s defence sector could create up to 38,000 high-value jobs and contribute almost £3 billion to the UK economy over the next decade.
The prospectus was unveiled at a Midlands All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) event in Westminster, jointly hosted by East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward and West Midlands Mayor Richard Parker, with sponsorship from Babcock International. Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Industry Minister Chris McDonald, MPs and leading business figures attended the launch, underlining the growing importance of the sector to the UK’s economic and national security priorities.
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.
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Have a great day and I look forward to seeing you read our next newsletter.
Justin Doddy, Editor
Bassetlaw Today
P.S. Your feedback about this newsletter is important to me. You can email me your feedback to news@bassettlawtoday.co.uk
