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 digestive 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 ... “Keep your face always toward the sunshine—and shadows will fall behind you.” – Walt Whitman
I hope you enjoy the read, please email us if you have a story for us and have a great weekend wherever you are.
Justin Doddy, Editor
P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter here if you haven't already and remember to send us your pictures and stories from around Bassetlaw.
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service declares a Major Incident
At 1:30 pm (August 9), Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service declared a major incident. This related to the cumulative impact of multiple incidents placing significant pressure on operational resources, rather than a single incident in isolation.
During the period the Service operated with very limited resources and reduced pump availability. As a result, response times to incidents were likely to be delayed.
Boy Racers Beware: Worksop Is Not the Place for Anti-Social Car Meets as Police Seize Cars
Robust Action Taken by Officers in Worksop. Officers from the Bassetlaw North Neighbourhood Policing Team responded (August 8) to reports of vehicles being driven in an anti-social manner along the A57.
As a result, two vehicles were seized using the new Section 59 powers, where no prior warning is required.
Applications for the 2026-27 Bassetlaw Youth Council are now OPEN
Are you aged 11-18 and live, study, or work in Bassetlaw? This is your chance to make a real difference in your community and ensure young people's voices are heard.
As a Youth Councillor, you'll have the opportunity to:
💡 Influence local decisions
🤝 Lead community projects and volunteering initiatives
📢 Campaign on issues that matter to young people
🎓 Gain valuable skills, training, and leadership experience that can strengthen your CV and UCAS applications
⭐ Work alongside other passionate young people from across the district
Applications close on Tuesday 1 September, and successful applicants will be contacted on 7 September.
Summer Holiday Food Support in Bassetlaw
Bassetlaw FoodBank operates a self referral emergency food service - please call 01909 533 533
An Incredible Show of Support for One of Their Own
Earlier today, crews from Newark Fire Station and Worksop Fire Station took on an inspiring ladder climb challenge in Newark Market Place to support fellow firefighter Sophie, who is currently battling cancer.
Together, the crews climbed an incredible 8,000 feet and raised £616 towards Sophie's fundraising efforts.
This fantastic achievement is a testament to the strength, dedication and compassion shown by our fire service family and local community.
Looking for ways to keep the family entertained this summer?
Nottinghamshire County Council has highlighted some fantastic activities and events taking place across the county during the school holidays.
🚀 Adventure at Mill Waters - zip lines, high ropes, paddleboarding and kayaking
🦣 Creswell Crags - explore prehistoric caves and Ice Age history
💦 Holme Pierrepont Country Park - outdoor fun and watersports
📚 Inspire Libraries - free family activities and the Summer Reading Challenge
🌲 Notts Outdoors - holiday clubs, sailing and archery experiences
🏰 Rufford Abbey - summer trails, wildlife encounters and family events
🏹 Sherwood Forest - Nottinghamshire Day celebrations and the Robin Hood Festival
🌈 SEND Activities - inclusive events and opportunities across the county
Whether you're seeking adventure, history, nature, creativity or family fun, there's something for everyone to enjoy this summer.
👉https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/school-holidays-and-closures/school-holidays-events-and-inspiration/top-events?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialSignIn&utm_source=Facebook
Flat Tyre, Flatter Excuse!
A busy night for the Worksop North Neighbourhood Team took an unexpected twist when officers were flagged down by a motorcyclist needing help after a puncture on his bike.
Unfortunately, while chatting with the rider and carrying out routine checks, officers discovered the puncture wasn't his biggest problem...
The rider was found to have no driving licence and no insurance. As a result, the bike was seized and recovered under Operation Rustproof.
It's safe to say what started as a request for roadside assistance ended with a much longer journey home than expected!
The Real MVPs: The Volunteers Behind 80+ Games This Season
It’s been a tough summer for grounds teams everywhere, with the weather doing its best to disrupt cricket at every opportunity. But thanks to the dedication and hard work of volunteers at Worksop Cricket Club, more than 80 games have already been played in the town this season, with plenty more still to come.
A huge credit goes to Ant, Liam, Alex, and everyone who has given up their time to help prepare and maintain the grounds. From cutting and watering to covering, raking, brushing, marking and rolling, countless hours of behind-the-scenes work have helped keep cricket alive despite the challenging conditions.
While players take centre stage, it's the volunteers who often make the game possible. Their commitment, effort and passion deserve real recognition.
Street drinker behind Newark issues is issued with ban
A street drinker renowned for upsetting people with his drunken antics has now been banned from parts of Newark.
The sight of an intoxicated Graham Watson sitting with others on steps, gardens and benches across the town centre will be familiar to some.
That's because of the antisocial behaviour (ASB) linked to him – often outside Hope Church, off Barnby Gate, and St Mary Magdalene Church, in Church Walk.
Complaints against Watson and his group have included public defecation and urination, shouting, swearing, drunken behaviour, arguments and fighting.
A last-ditch attempt to challenge the expansion of Nottingham’s boundary is likely to fail, according to new legal advice.
By: Lauren Monaghan, LDRS
Nottinghamshire is heading for its largest boundary shake-up in 50 years, after the government confirmed how the county’s nine councils would be reorganised.
Rushcliffe Borough Council, in a joint effort with Broxtowe Borough Council, decided to see if judicial review of LGR was viable. A lawyer was subsequently appointed to assess whether the grounds for such review had the “potential to succeed”.
But in a document seen by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) on Monday (August 10), that senior lawyer has concluded an application for judicial review is more likely to fail than win.
EAST MIDLANDS COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY: The housing projects that wouldn’t have been built without the Mayor’s money
By: Joseph Connolly, LDRS
It was way back in early 2024 when the creation of the East Midlands Combined Authority meant that Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire had a regional Mayor for the first time.
Manchester and Birmingham had had one for years – and now it was our time to reap the benefits, one of which was access to the Brownfield Housing Fund.
The fund is a government project to provide money to developers for building homes on areas that have been built on before, rather than building on untouched land – promoting the saving of space and retention of green land.
Here’s the full list of Bassetlaw schemes that were successful in their bids, those that are still waiting for confirmation, and those that dropped out, despite originally getting the nod.
Signed off
A number of schemes have been signed off, ticked off and in many cases are being built or are even nearly finished, with the Mayor’s money.
Simpson Park, Harworth, Bassetlaw
Developers Harworth Estates Ltd needed a little boost of just under £400,000 for just 14 of the 1,000 homes at Simpson Park, a new estate on the very northern edge of Nottinghamshire.
All the properties in question, which are one and two bed bungalows, will be fully accessible and are set to be affordable.
The Mayor signed off on the money in May.
Still in the running
As of February, two projects were still in the running – both in Retford, in the north of the county.
At the time, they were waiting for planning permission to be granted by Bassetlaw District Council.
EMCCA confirmed that the schemes were still in the ‘pipeline’ at the start of August.
Canal Turn, Retford
The Canal Turn on Longholme Road is an old bungalow on the outskirts of the town.
The property is set on some acres of land, which is largely agricultural, but which a 2023 environmental survey found was of low “ecological value”.
After obtaining the site, developers Newsholme have been – and are still – trying to secure permission from Bassetlaw District Council for years, and want £675,000 of the Mayor’s money for 27 homes.
Amcott Place, Retford
Newsholme have also applied for an extra £425,000 in order to enable the building of 17 flats in Bridgegate in the centre of Retford.
A Lifesaving Partnership Making a Real Difference
Nottinghamshire Blood Bikes has expressed its heartfelt thanks to Nottinghamshire Police after receiving a generous donation of £6,323 as the Chief Constable's Charity of the Year.
For a small, volunteer-led charity, support of this scale has a truly significant impact. The donation has already been put to work, helping to fund the purchase of a BMW RT1250, the newest addition to the Nottinghamshire Blood Bikes fleet. Freshly fitted with full operational livery, the new bike is now ready to hit the road and support the delivery of lifesaving blood and medical supplies across the county.
Become a Police Cadet
The Volunteer Police Cadets is a nationally recognised youth organisation that aims to provide young people with valuable skills, and works towards strengthening relationships between Nottinghamshire Police and the local community.
It will serve as a safe space for youth development, offering a structured programme available to 11 to 16-year-olds (academic years 7-11).
The programme's key focuses are on various aspects of policing such as weeks of action, volunteering within the local community, and staying safe in your community.
Government Targets ‘Fake Discounts’ in New Cost-of-Living Crackdown
Shoppers could soon benefit from stronger protections against misleading promotions as the Government unveils plans to crack down on so-called "fake discounts" and subscription traps that can cost households hundreds of pounds each year.
📢 The proposals would target pricing tactics that can make deals appear better than they really are, including:
🔹 Inflated "was" prices
🔹 Misleading recommended retail prices (RRPs)
🔹 Discounts that do not represent genuine savings
🔹 Prices that are increased before being reduced in a promotion
The Government will launch a consultation this autumn on whether these practices should be formally banned under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act.
MIDLANDS PREMIER DIVISION GRAND FINAL DAY
On Saturday 15 August, Sherwood Wolf Hunt will take on Telford Raiders in the Midlands Men's League Premier Division Grand Final at Debdale Park Sports Club, Mansfield.
This is a true clash of the league's top two sides, with only points difference separating them at the end of the regular season. Both teams claimed one win each in their league meetings this year, setting the stage for an epic decider. ⚔
🏆 Premier Division Final
🐺 Sherwood Wolf Hunt vs Telford Raiders
📍 Debdale Park Sports Club, Debdale Lane, Mansfield, NG19 7NS
⏰ Kick-off: 3:00pm
🎟️ FREE ENTRY
Education hub team celebrate lakeside facelift
A specialist learning hub based at Sandhill Lake in Worksop is going from strength to strength thanks to a growing partnership between staff and Bassetlaw District Council.
Around 18 months ago, the lake was the focus of an intense clean-up that has helped to regenerate one of the town’s natural beauty spots, and in turn provide a safer, calmer and more engaging environment for its students.
It also achieved its objective of reducing anti-social behaviour that had increased in the area, deter drug dealing and usage, and combat fly-tipping.
The seven-hectare public lake and park is located west of the town centre and is also home to Sandhills learning hub, part of R.E.A.L. Alternative Provision. This provides specialist curriculum-based education for vulnerable young people who have previously struggled within a mainstream setting.
In March 2025, working in partnership with the hub’s Learning Manager Claire Colley, the council used funding from the Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner’s Safer Streets initiative to carry out significant environmental improvements.
Nottingham Forest propose new park and ride plans as part of stadium expansion
By:Joseph Connolly, LDRS
Nottingham Forest is proposing new park and ride plans for fans attending home games – in the hope of easing traffic congestion ahead of their huge planned stadium expansion.
The Reds, who were promoted to the Premier League in 2022, have long hoped to make the City Ground bigger and are in negotiations with Rushcliffe Borough Council to take it from its current capacity of 31,000 up to 52,500 – an increase of nearly 70%.
But as part of its application to the authority, the club has had to detail its plans to mitigate the impact of an additional influx of fans visiting the local area.
On Monday, August 3, the club published a detailed travel plan and transport strategy, explaining how it wants to implement a “multi-layered approach” to ultimately reduce the number of people coming to games in the car – and encourage them to use public transport instead.
Lettuce Celebrate National Allotment Week!
Looking to grow your own fruit, vegetables or flowers? Now's the perfect time to get started
As part of National Allotment Week, Bassetlaw District Council is giving away FREE 'Grow Your Own' bags to residents across the district. 🎉🌱
Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a complete beginner, each bag contains everything you need to get growing, including:
✅ Packs of seeds
✅ Pots to grow them in
✅ Savvy shopping information and helpful tips
📍 Collection Points:
🌿 Worksop – Queen's Building Reception
🌿 Retford – 17B The Square Reception
🌿 Harworth – Harworth and Bircotes Town Hall Reception
Town Centre Ban for Violent Shop Thief
A violent and antisocial shop thief has been banned from Worksop town centre after assaulting and spitting at shop staff.
Gregory Simmonite, aged 46, was jailed in February this year for assaulting an emergency worker and causing criminal damage at Bassetlaw Hospital.
Soon after his release, he began committing further offences and flouted an existing ban on entering the offices of Bassetlaw District Council.
On Friday 29 May, he assaulted, threatened and spat at shop security staff after stealing chocolate bars from Iceland in Bridge Place.
Appearing at Nottingham Magistrates' Court on 28 July, Simmonite, of no fixed address, was given a 12-week prison sentence, suspended for 12 months, and made the subject of a three-year Criminal Behaviour Order.
Worksop comes together for a day of family fun
Hundreds of visitors enjoyed a day of free family fun in Worksop town centre on Saturday 8 August, as local organisations and businesses came together to put on a day of activities and entertainment for the community.
Visitors of all ages got creative with clay modelling, face painting, an interactive graffiti workshop and pavement chalk art, with more than 200 people adding their own chalk creations to the town centre.
The graffiti workshop also proved popular, with visitors working together to create a finished piece which is now on display in the window of the former Peacocks unit in the Priory Centre.
There was plenty to see as well as do. Zebra Dance Studio performed a Toy Story-themed dance, while Woody and Jessie headed to the Savoy Cinema, where young visitors had the chance to meet the characters and pose for photos ahead of a screening of Toy Story 5.
A spectacular stilt walker also entertained visitors around the town centre throughout the day.
Energy-saving charity offers translation to support more communities
East Midlands-based charity Groundwork Five Counties is supporting more communities than ever by offering language translations during Green Doctor home visits, a free energy and money-saving advice service that saves households £180 a year on average.
The Green Doctor offers fully funded in-person home visits across the East Midlands to help households to become more energy efficient and save money by reviewing energy bills and finding better tariffs, applying for supplier discounts, benefits and government grants, and encouraging easy behavioural changes to save gas, electricity and water at home.
They also provide and install free energy-saving items such as LED bulbs, radiator foil, and draught proofing measures. Where a need is identified they can give out larger items such as air fryers, electric blankets, oil radiators and more.
Rail Passengers Urged to Check Before Travelling as Strike Action Impacts EMR Services
East Midlands Railway (EMR) has warned passengers that services will be significantly reduced due to RMT Union strike action on Saturday 15 August.
Trains to and from London will operate on a limited timetable, with services starting after 7am and finishing before 7pm.
To help accommodate passengers, EMR has confirmed that First Class will be temporarily declassified on Intercity services during the strike action.
Passengers are being advised to travel only if essential and to check their entire journey, including first and last train times, before setting off.
For the latest travel information and timetable updates, visit:
👉https://www.eastmidlandsrailway.co.uk/rail-strike
Worksop Police Station Front Counter Closure Notice
Please be aware that the front counter at Worksop Police Station will be closed on Monday 17 August and Tuesday 18 August due to electrical works.
If you need to contact Nottinghamshire Police during this period, please:
📞Call 101, or
💬 Use the Live Chat service on the Nottinghamshire Police website, available between 7am and 10pm.
Funding Supports Young People's Wellbeing in Retford
Young people in Retford are being supported to make healthier choices thanks to a £500 Councillor Community Grant.
The funding from a group of Bassetlaw District Councillors is being used to provide free healthy snacks, fresh fruit and juice for young people who attend a weekly after-school session at the Overflow Lounge, behind The Well on Hospital Road.
Around 30 young people currently take part each week, with sessions running every Wednesday during term time from 3.30pm to 6pm. Organisers hope to increase the offer and run sessions more often in the future.
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
