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 thirty six of our published stories and shortened them where possible for your weekly roundup. And YES, I did say - THIRTY SIX stories!
Why not grab a brew, get the Pink Wafers 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 ... "Once we hold a belief, it tends to stick with us for the rest of our lives, unless we challenge it." –Dr. Richard Gillett
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.
A Sad Chapter in the Story of Sherwood Forest's Major Oak
For centuries, the Major Oak has stood proudly at the heart of Sherwood Forest, captivating visitors from around the world and serving as one of Britain's most iconic natural landmarks.
Believed to be around 1,000 years old, the ancient oak has witnessed generations of history, weathered countless storms, and become forever linked with the legendary tales of Robin Hood and his Merry Men.
Sadly, Newark and Sherwood District Council has announced that the Major Oak is now reaching the end of its remarkable life.
While the Major Oak may be entering its final chapter, its place in history, folklore and the hearts of millions will endure forever.
Recovered Stolen Motorbike – Manton, Worksop
Nottinghamshire Police, have successfully recovered a stolen motorbike from an address in the Manton area of Worksop.
The bike was originally stolen from Meadowhall, Sheffield, on 3 June 2026 and has since been linked to a number of incidents across Worksop, including reports of anti-social behaviour. Police enquiries remain ongoing as they continue to investigate those responsible and pursue all available lines of enquiry.
Nottinghamshire Police do need your help. If you have information about where similar bikes are being stored, ridden, or used, please let them know.
Report information via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
Introducing your BRAND NEW local history and nostalgia group for Bassetlaw
Bassetlaw Today listened to their readers who asked for a Bassetlaw focused history and nostalgia group.
They asked for a platform to share stories and pictures of long gone Bassetlaw pubs and local landmarks they remember from their youth, our remarkable Bassetlaw history through the ages and any other Bassetlaw related photos they would like to share with a story.
Join Now and share your memories 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1912785046097884
New Local Plan hopes to manage and influence growth, jobs, services and investment
Bassetlaw District Council is preparing to create a new Local Plan ready to manage and influence economic growth, jobs, services and investment linked to the Trent Valley Supercluster.
As part of preparation work, the council is setting out its timetable for the Local Plan which will guide how the area will grow and develop up to 2045, including the transformation of the former power station sites at West Burton, Cottam and High Marnham into a leading hub for clean energy and innovation.
The Council will continue to lead on planning until 31 March 2028, when a new unitary authority is due to be created.
Major Rail Disruption Following Bedford Train Collision – Essential Travel Only
Passengers travelling through Bedford were urged to travel only if absolutely necessary as significant disruption was expected to continue until at least Sunday 28 June following the tragic train collision involving two East Midlands Railway trains on Friday 19 June.
Worksop Firefighter Takes on Emotional Charity Trek in Memory of Son Lost in Road Collision
A dedicated Nottinghamshire firefighter is preparing to embark on an emotional 168km charity trek in memory of his son, while raising awareness of the devastating impact road traffic collisions can have on families and communities.
Crew Manager Paul Stoneman, who has served with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service for 32 years and is based at Worksop Fire Station, tragically lost his son Kieran in a road traffic collision on 3 February 2024 while he was travelling to work. Kieran was just 28 years old.
As Paul begins this remarkable journey, he does so carrying not only the memory of his son, but also a message of hope, resilience and support for others facing their own challenges.
Anyone wishing to support Paul's fundraising efforts can donate to Fire Fighters Charity and help continue the vital work it provides to members of the fire service community and their families.
Full list of 44 roads set for repairs including 5 in Bassetlaw
By: Lauren Monaghan
Nottinghamshire County Council has published a list of 44 of the worst roads in the county which are due to be repaired.
The Reform-led authority has been steamrolling its various programmes to repair Nottinghamshire’s crumbling, dilapidated roads since early 2026, following a September 2025 survey which found 38 percent of roads were in ‘poor condition’
More than 150 councillor requests for roads to be resurfaced were put forward and highway officers and staff have now narrowed this down to 44 sites which met the requirements for full resurfacing.
Here is the full list of the 44 locations, broken down into each borough and district:
Ashfield
- Resurfacing of A608 Cordy Lane, Underwood, Selston, from near Willow Court – £150,000 to £200,000
- Resurfacing of C85 Annesley Lane, Selston, from M1 Bridge to B600 Nottingham Road – £300,000 to £400,000
- Resurfacing and structural patching of Salmon Lane, Annesley Woodhouse, from Skegby Road to M1 bridge – £400,000 to £500,000
- Resurfacing of B6020 Chapel Street, Kirkby in Ashfield, from B6018 Sutton Road to Wheatley Avenue – £250,000 to £300,000
- Resurfacing of B6020 Lane End / Urban Road, Kirkby in Ashfield, from Railway bridge to Portland Street – £200,000 to £250,000
Bassetlaw
- Resurfacing of A614 Bawtry Road, Bircotes, from near Elm Cottage
beyond Snape Lane travelling north – £400,000 to £500,000 - Resurfacing and structural patching of A614 Bawtry Road, Bircotes, from near Snape Lane to Hawk’s Nest – £300,000 to £400,000
- Resurfacing of A57 Markham Moor A1 Bridge North (A638) roundabout, the full roundabout – £150,000 to £200,000
- Resurfacing and structural patching of A60 Doncaster Road / High Road, Carlton in Lindrick, from approach to bend at Red Lane to Pinfold Drive – £300,000 to £400,000
- Resurfacing and structural patching of A60 Doncaster Road, Langold, from Hodsock Park Lane Byway to A634 Oldcotes – £300,000 to £400,000
Broxtowe
- Resurfacing of B600 Main Road / Watnall Road, Watnall, from near Common Lane (end of layby) to Little Holland Gardens – £300,000 to £400,000
- Resurfacing of B5010 Derby Road, Stapleford, from Toton Lane junction to surfacing joint at Hall Road – £300,000 to £400,000
- Resurfacing of Main Street, Newthorpe, from B6010 Beauvale past Greenacres to surface change near bend at No 202 – £200,000 to £250,000
Gedling
- Resurfacing of A60 Mansfield Road, Arnold – from the Ram Inn near Henry Street to Arch Hill Layby – £200,000 to £250,000
- Resurfacing of A60 Mansfield Road, Woodthorpe, from the junction at Woodthorpe Drive to the junction at A6514 Valley Road – £400,000 to £500,000
- Resurfacing of Killisick Road, Arnold, from Gleneagles Drive to Parry Way – £100,000 to £150,000
- Resurfacing of Valley Road, Carlton, from Marshall Hill Drive to Foxhill Road – £400,000 to £500,000
- Resurfacing of Birchfield Road, Arnold, from Oakdale Road to Homefield Avenue – £250,000 to £300,000
- Gunthorpe Road, Gedling, from Stanhope Road to Bayliss Road – £100,000 to £150,000
- Resurfacing of Hilton Road, Mapperley – whole road length – £250,000 to £300,000
- Resurfacing of Godfrey Street, Netherfield – whole road length – £100,000 to £150,000
- Resurfacing of Whittingham Road, Mapperley, from Haywood Road to Kent Road – £50,000 to £100,000
Mansfield
- Resurfacing of A6075 Debdale Lane / A6075 Priory Road, Mansfield, from the junction for the A6191 Chesterfield Road North to mini roundabout at Church Hill, including the mini roundabout – £700,000 to £800,000
- Resurfacing of Bellamy Road, Mansfield – From the Lindhurst Lane roundabout to Bingham Road Roundabout, including the roundabout at Bingham Road, the Bingham Road roundabout to Gamston Road and Bingham Road roundabout to the A6191 Southwell Road West – £400,000 to £500,000
- Resurfacing at Priory Square / Station Street / High Street, Mansfield, from Rose Lane to the A6075 Debdale Lane junction – £200,000 to £250,000
- Resurfacing at C140 Atkin Lane / High Oakham Hill, Mansfield, from High Oakham Road to the Alexandra Avenue bend – £50,000 to £100,000
- Resurfacing at Sandlands Way, Mansfield – from the Mini roundabout at the junction of Sandlands Way and New Mill Lane – £50,000 to £100,000
- Surface dressing on Sandlands Way / New Mill Lane, Mansfield, from the B6030 Clipstone Road East to Sanderling Way (Foxglove PH) – £100,000 to £150,000
- Resurfacing on B6033 Bath Lane / Ravensdale Road, Mansfield, from the roundabout at Barringer Road to the pedestrian refuge near the mini roundabout at Brunt’s School Access (travelling west) – £300,000 to £400,000
- Resurfacing on Cedar Avenue, Mansfield Woodhouse, from Park Hall Road to Hazel Grove – £150,000 to £200,000
- Resurfacing on Ruskin Road, Mansfield, from the A6075 Abbott Road junction to approximately 20 metres past Peel Crescent junction – £50,000 to £100,000
- Resurfacing on York Terrace, Market Warsop – Whole road length – £50,000 to £100,000
- Barringer Road, Mansfield, from Ravensdale Road to Old Mill Lane – £50,000 to £100,000
Newark and Sherwood
- Resurfacing on A6075 Forest Road / Tuxford Road, Ollerton, from Briar Road to the B6387 Main Road – £300,000 to £400,000
- Resurfacing on Haywood Oaks Lane, Blidworth, from Dale Lane to Haywood Oaks Farm Cottages – £300,000 to £400,000
- Resurfacing on Normanton Road / Station Road, Southwell, from Newark Road to Corkhill Lane (including the junction) – £200,000 to £250,000
- Resurfacing on Balderton Lane, Coddington, from Barnby Road crossroads travelling north to 30mph limit entering Coddington – £300,000 to £400,000
- Resurfacing on Holme Lane / Langford Lane, Holme, from the A1133 to High Street junction, Holme – £150,000 to £200,000
- Resurfacing on Bilsthorpe Road / Main Street, Eakring, from the layby entering Eakring to Kirklington Road – £200,000 to £250,000
Rushcliffe
- Resurfacing on Main Street, East Bridgford, from Kneeton Road to approximately 90 metres past Cross Lane – £250,000 to £300,000
- Resurfacing on Colston Road, Cropwell Bishop (Phase 1), from approximately 330 metres east of the A46 to approximately 10 metres past the junction at Skylark Hill – £200,000 to £250,000
- Resurfacing on Tithby Road, Tithby, from Bingham Road to Cropwell Bishop Road, Cropwell Butler – £300,000 to £400,000
- Reconstruction on Hickling Lane, Upper Broughton, from A6006 Melton Road to Green Lane – £100,000 to £150,000
- Resurfacing on Gotham Road / Lantern Lane Roundabout, East Leake – the whole roundabout – £100,000 to £150,000
Police issue warning to drivers as vehicle crime spikes
Motorists in Bassetlaw are being urged to tighten up their security after police reported a rise in vehicle crime across parts of Nottinghamshire.
Officers say many of the incidents could have been avoided with a few simple precautions — and they’re calling on drivers to take extra care, whether they’re parking up for the night or just popping into a shop for a minute.
Police say too many thieves are still finding cars left unlocked.
Funding available for Nottinghamshire community projects that reduce waste and promote recycling
Nottinghamshire community groups, schools, and charities are invited to apply for a share of funding for initiatives that focus on waste reduction, reuse or recycling.
Veolia and Nottinghamshire County Council’s Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund is back for its 16th year to provide grants of up to £1,000 to community groups, schools, and charities across Nottinghamshire's seven boroughs and districts: Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Broxtowe, Gedling, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, and Rushcliffe.
A Night to Remember for Young Madness Fan Henry
Six-year-old Henry from Gainsborough had the experience of a lifetime on Friday night when he became the unexpected star of TK Maxx Presents Live at Lincoln Castle
After a member of the Madness team spotted Henry's fantastic ska-inspired outfit in the crowd, he and his grandad were invited backstage to meet the legendary band.
Later in the evening, Henry was invited back on stage to dance alongside the Nutty Boys during "Night Boat to Cairo". In a moment he'll never forget, Suggs handed him the microphone for the final word of the night, earning a huge cheer from the Lincoln Castle crowd!
Award-Winning Crime Prevention Scheme Recognised Nationally
A pioneering Nottinghamshire crime prevention project that helps tackle the root causes of offending has won a prestigious national award.
The Open 2 Recovery (O2R) programme works with individuals responsible for significant retail crime, providing tailored support to address issues such as substance misuse, mental health challenges, and other complex needs.
Through a trauma-informed approach, police and partner agencies work together to help participants break the cycle of offending and build brighter futures.
Please Stay Safe: Fire Service Issues Hot Weather Safety Warning
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service urged residents to stay safe as the Met Office's hot weather warning remained in place throughout the week.
With temperatures soaring, please take care, look out for vulnerable friends, family and neighbours, and help keep Nottinghamshire safe.
NEWARK AND SHERWOOD: More than 100 homes proposed on the edge of rural Notts village
By: Lauren Monaghan
A rural Nottinghamshire village could expand by more than 100 homes after plans for a new development were put forward.
Proposals have been submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council for the construction of 119 homes on farmland off Old Rufford Road and Mickledale Lane, Bilsthorpe.
While the land comes under the Rufford Parish area, the development, lodged by C A Strawson Farming Limited, would see the expansion of the north-western edge of Bilsthorpe, which, according to the 2021 Census, has about 3,500 residents.
The large development plans will be decided by the council at a later stage, with the authority setting a September 16, 2026, deadline.
Concerns Raised Over Proposed Changes to Faith School Transport in Nottinghamshire County Council
Children attending faith schools across Nottinghamshire could be affected by potential changes to the county's discretionary school transport scheme, currently under review by Nottinghamshire County Council.
The council says it is facing "significant financial pressure" and is considering a number of options, including maintaining the current service, increasing parental contributions, or phasing out the scheme in future years. Around 520 pupils currently use the service to travel to Catholic and Church of England schools.
The council says the discretionary scheme cost around £1.25 million last year, with families contributing around 20% of the cost. A final decision is expected by August 2026.
Based on content provided by Lauren Monaghan, LDRS
Teenager jailed for owning and sharing documents useful to terrorism - seven counts of terrorism offences
A 17-year-old boy from Nottinghamshire has been jailed after he pleaded guilty to seven counts of terrorism offences.
The boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, previously admitted disseminating terrorist publications and possessing information useful to a terrorist. At court on Friday 19 June, he was jailed for two years, with an additional year on extended licence.
The result comes after an investigation by officers from Counter Terrorism Policing East Midlands (CTPEM).
Earlier Start Times for Bin Collections - Don't miss your collection
Bassetlaw District Council announced that, they would be helping their Waste Management Crews to work through the very hot weather with earlier start times.
To avoid the hottest parts of the day, they started all of BDC collections at 5.30am on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, so asked for residents to please put their bins out the night before to ensure it gets emptied.
Worksop College Students Take Over Ye Olde Bell for a Day of Hospitality and Business Experience
Nottinghamshire, UK - Nottinghamshire's Ye Olde Bell Hotel handed over the reins to the next generation of potential hospitality talent on Wednesday 17th June, welcoming students from Worksop College for a special Takeover Day.
From 10:30am to 4:00pm, students stepped into every corner of the business, gaining hands-on, real-world hospitality and business experience, preparing food alongside the head chef, polishing cutlery and laying tables, greeting and serving guests, working behind the bar, and creating social content to capture the Ye Olde Bell experience.
Guests enjoyed a fully student-led experience, packed with creativity, professionalism and teamwork, with support from Ye Olde Bell's experienced staff on hand throughout the day.
Community Champions and Policing Heroes Honoured at Nottinghamshire PCC Awards
Outstanding individuals, volunteers and police personnel have been recognised for their dedication to making Nottinghamshire a safer and stronger place to live during the 2026 PCC and Force Awards ceremony.
Among the community award winners were:
Teresa Waldron, CEO of Deaf-initely Women, who received the Vulnerability Champion Award for her leadership in supporting Deaf and Deafblind women, helping the organisation grow into a vital and resilient service.
Kelese Hyacinth was presented with the Young Futures Award for her work leading the Nottinghamshire Youth Commission, ensuring young people have a strong voice in policing and crime prevention.
Nottingham Street Pastors received the Community Cohesion and Public Service Award for their outstanding volunteer work supporting vulnerable people and improving safety in Nottingham's night-time economy.
13 years for knife-carrying burglar who robbed man during Bassetlaw crimewave
The man burrowed a hole through a roof to evade police after subjecting Bassetlaw residents to a series of terrifying ordeals.
James Rylance forced his way through the loft ceiling of a Bircotes house and clambered out onto the roof before spending the next four hours throwing tiles at the officers below.
He was already by that stage wanted for three separate home invasions where he armed himself with weapons, as well as a street robbery where he threatened to throw acid at another man.
Vehicle Seized by Police Following Antisocial Driving
East Bassetlaw Neighbourhood Policing officers seized a vehicle after witnessing it being driven in an antisocial manner during night-time patrols in Retford town centre on 20 June.
The driver had previously been issued with a Section 59 warning earlier this year for similar behaviour, meaning officers were able to use powers under the Police Reform Act to seize the vehicle.
Bassetlaw Yesterday brings Bassetlaw’s past back to life — one memory, one photo, one forgotten tale at a time
The Dawn of the Motorised Era (1923)
By: Alan Immingham
The crisp morning air on Canal Road in 1923 was broken by a sound the town of Worksop had never heard before: the loud, rhythmic chugging of a petrol engine.
For years, firefighting in Worksop relied entirely on muscle, coal, and horses. When the fire bell rang at the station—located directly opposite the bustling flour mill—the town's local council workers had to drop their tools, sprint to the yard, and harness heavy draft horses to the manual steam pump.
Precious minutes were lost before the team even cleared the station gates.All of that changed on a momentous day in 1923, when the Worksop Urban District Council officially took delivery of its very first motorised petrol fire engine.
The Crowds Gather on Canal Road
The arrival of the motorised engine was treated like a royal visit. Hundreds of local residents gathered along Canal Road, spilling onto the pavements to catch a glimpse of the glossy red machine.
Fireman Tom Wilkinson—the man famously tasked with looking after the station's stable of horses—stood alongside his crew in pristine, brass-buttoned uniforms and polished leather helmets.
There was a bittersweet feeling among some of the traditional horse-keepers, but the sheer power of the new machine was undeniable.
The firemen demonstrated the vehicle by turning the massive iron crank handle at the front.
The petrol engine roared to life with a cloud of exhaust, terrifying a few nearby delivery horses but delighting the cheering crowd.
A Revolution in Firefighting
The introduction of this motorised engine revolutionised how Worksop was protected:
- Instant Power: Unlike steam engines, which required a fire to be lit under a water boiler to build pressure, the petrol engine allowed the crew to drive off instantly.
- Built-in Turbine Pump: Instead of relying on manual hand-pumping by volunteer crowds, the truck’s engine mechanically powered a high-velocity pump capable of throwing hundreds of gallons of water per minute.
- Speed to Scene: The brigade could now reach outlying farms and rural Bassetlaw estates in a fraction of the time, fundamentally shifting the odds in their battle against fire.
The 1923 motorised engine became a symbol of a modern, forward-thinking Worksop. It paved the way for decades of rapid technological growth, cementing the proud legacy carried forward today by the crews at the modern Vesuvius Fire Station.
Illegal encampment on Goosemoor Park
Bassetlaw District Council Statement (June 23, 2026) as follows:
We’d like to provide an update on the current illegal encampment on Goosemoor Park and the steps the Council has taken to date.
Bassetlaw District Council was granted a Possession Order at Mansfield County Court on Wednesday 17th June, which requires those illegally occupying Council-owned land to leave.
However, the Court stated that the Council was not permitted to enforce the eviction until at least 15th July 2026.
We are also investigating a potential breach of planning on a nearby site and have issued Stop and Enforcement Notices in respect to any further development of the land.
Cllr Jonathan Slater, Deputy Leader and Ward Member for East Retford North, said:
“We have received a large number of enquiries on this issue and understand the concerns of residents.
“We have been given a clear instruction from the courts and will put measures in place to carry out eviction proceedings as soon as we are legally permitted to.
“Please be reassured that we will continue to work through the legal process and once the site is vacated, take steps to improve the security of the land.”
If residents have any concerns or witness any illegal activity taking place in the area, they are encouraged to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101.
Nottingham Forest Chairman Nicholas Randall KC issues statement thanking supporters for their incredible backing throughout the 2025/26 season, both at the City Ground and across Europe.
Despite facing the challenges of one of the world's most competitive leagues, Forest secured a fifth consecutive Premier League season while also representing the club with pride in the UEFA Europa League.
The Chairman praised supporters for creating unforgettable memories from Seville and Porto to Istanbul and Herning, highlighting the special bond between the club and its fans.
The full statement can accessed on the Nottingham Forest website HERE
Have your say on Strawberry Road Park in Retford
Bassetlaw District Council has launched a consultation to find out how residents use Strawberry Road Park and the surrounding land, and whether any improvements are needed.
The online survey runs until 27th July 2026 and gives people the chance to share.
The council will use your feedback to understand what changes, if any, could help improve the area.
Bassetlaw's Non-League Clubs Ready for a New Season of Local Football
As the countdown to the 2026/27 season continues, football supporters across Bassetlaw are preparing to get behind their local clubs once again as another exciting year of non-league football approaches.
While the bright lights of the Premier League often dominate headlines, some of the county's most passionate support can be found much closer to home, with clubs across Bassetlaw continuing to play a vital role in their communities.
Leading the way is Worksop Town FC, who continue to represent the district at one of the highest levels of non-league football. The Tigers have enjoyed a remarkable rise through the football pyramid in recent years and are now competing in the National League North, attracting supporters from across the region.
Meanwhile, both of Retford's clubs are looking forward to exciting new challenges after successful campaigns last season.
Retford United FC are preparing for life in the Northern Counties East League (NCEL) Premier Division following a promotion-winning season. The club described the achievement as a "historic promotion-winning campaign" and will be aiming to build on that momentum at Cannon Park.
Retford FC, known as the Choughs, also enter the new season on a high after securing promotion and being crowned champions of United Counties League Division One. The club continues to grow both on and off the pitch, with a strong emphasis on developing local players and strengthening community ties.
Bassetlaw's football scene extends beyond its headline clubs, with teams such as Harworth Colliery FC, SJR Worksop FC, Worksop Town Reserves and numerous grassroots sides continuing to provide opportunities for players of all ages to participate in the game.
One of the biggest attractions of non-league football remains its affordability. Supporters can enjoy live football, family-friendly atmospheres and a genuine connection with players and club officials, all while helping sustain clubs that sit at the heart of their local communities.
Whether it's standing on the terraces with friends, enjoying a pie on a Saturday afternoon or following your team home and away, non-league football offers an experience that many feel has been lost in the modern game.
With promotion dreams, local rivalries and community pride all on the line, the 2026/27 season promises to be another memorable one for Bassetlaw football.This season, why not swap the sofa for the terraces and support your local club?
Bassetlaw. Local football. Local pride.Which Bassetlaw club will you be supporting this season?
The Health Bill will deliver real change for patients. Opinion Piece by Jo White, MP
Everyone knows the NHS needs change. People are waiting too long for appointments. Too many patients feel they are passed from pillar to post. The system often feels too big, too slow and too far away from the people it is meant to serve.
I am sitting on the Bill Committee for the new Health Bill, which will examine this legislation line by line. My job is to make sure this new law works for patients, staff and local communities.
The biggest change is the abolition of NHS England, the national body that helps manage the NHS in England. Most people do not know what NHS England is or who runs it, even though it has huge influence over how the NHS works.
The Bill will bring many of its powers back under the control of the Department of Health and Social Care. That means clearer responsibility. The NHS is paid for by the public, and the public deserve to know who is in charge. If things go wrong, those responsible must answer for it.
Local health bodies, called Integrated Care Boards, will have a clearer job. They will have more responsibility for planning local services, including more primary care services such as GP, dental, pharmacy and eye care services.
That means decisions are made closer to patients by people who understand local priorities.
The Bill also changes how patients are listened to.
The NHS has too many management bodies, too many layers and too much confusion. Patients often do not know who to speak to. Families tell their story again and again, reports are written, but many still feel nothing changes.
Under this Bill, the job of listening to patients will move closer to the people who actually make decisions.
For health services, local Integrated Care Boards would take on this role. For social care and public health, local councils would take it on. In plain English, this means fewer middlemen and clearer responsibility.
If patients cannot get a dentist, local NHS leaders should hear that directly, and if people are being bounced around the system, the organisations in charge should not be able to hide behind another body.
As a member of the Bill Committee, I will be scrutinising this closely.
My aim is clear. I want to see less management and more action, and an NHS where patients are not just consulted, but listened to, and their experiences result in real change for the better.
Events grants launched by Worksop Together Board
Grants to support a vibrant programme of monthly events, festivals and cultural initiatives have been launched by the Worksop Together Board, working in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council.
Businesses, community and voluntary organisations are among those being invited to bid for a share of £40k to deliver events in the Worksop Pride in Place designated area up until March 2027.
Creswell Crags: Nottinghamshire's Window into Prehistoric Britain
Nestled on the Nottinghamshire-Derbyshire border, Creswell Crags stands as one of Britain's most important prehistoric sites, offering a remarkable glimpse into human life stretching back more than 60,000 years.
The dramatic limestone gorge, carved by water over thousands of years, is home to a series of caves that have preserved evidence of some of the earliest inhabitants of Britain. Although the county boundary runs directly through the site, with some caves in Nottinghamshire and others in Derbyshire, archaeologists view Creswell Crags as a single landscape that was used by prehistoric communities long before modern borders existed.
Nottingham Maternity Review
By: Lauren Monaghan, LDRS
Undignified body storage, an early gestational baby being disposed of as clinical waste and 156 babies who could have survived under better care.
These are just some of the harrowing maternity realities thousands of mothers, babies and families have had to endure under the care of Nottingham hospitals.
For nearly four years, Donna Ockenden’s independent maternity review has been unravelling care failings under Nottingham University Hospitals Trust’s (NUH) maternity and neonatal services as far back as 2006, though the majority of cases are from 2012.
Examining 2,505 cases of death and serious harm, and involving 2,430 families and 822 staff, the review is the largest in NHS history.
On Wednesday (June 24), distressing details of the report were read out by Ms Ockenden to an audience of impacted families and the media while on a live broadcast.
Of the 2,505 cases, 612 relate to severe maternal harm, 505 relate to stillbirths, 329 relate to neonatal deaths – within the first 28 days of life – 297 relate to brain injuries at birth, 24 relate to maternal deaths and 535 relate to additional maternity experiences.
Police officer dismissed following gross misconduct hearing
A police constable has been dismissed from the force without notice after failing to make an arrest and then attempting to cover his tracks.
PC Aaron Harthill-Harrison attended a two-day hearing at Nottinghamshire Police's Headquarters, which concluded on Thursday 25 June.
The hearing was open to both the press and the public.
The hearing heard that on 6 November 2024, PC Harthill-Harrison attended a report of a suspicious man looking at houses and back gardens.
He was then seen climbing over a gate with a suitcase.
PC Harthill-Harrison attended the location and spoke with a man fitting the description and carrying a suitcase.
He obtained the man's name and address but failed to arrest him on suspicion of burglary and failed to seize or search the suitcase.
Great news for Bassetlaw and communities across the East Midlands!
East Midlands Ambulance Service (EMAS) has secured an additional £26 million investment between 2026 and 2029, helping to strengthen frontline emergency care for local residents.
The funding will support up to 400 additional patient-facing staff and around 40 extra ambulances by 2029, ensuring EMAS can continue meeting growing demand and improving response times for patients across our region.
Recruitment is already underway, creating hundreds of new opportunities for Technicians, Urgent Care Assistants, Mechanics and Paramedics to join this vital life-saving service. EMAS has already made significant improvements in Category 2 emergency response times, reducing average waits from 43 minutes in 2024/25 to under 30 minutes in April 2026.
Construction starts on Priory redevelopment
The ambition of creating a new and exciting leisure and entertainment venue in the heart of Worksop Town Centre is becoming a reality as construction has begun at the Priory.
The occasion was marked by local leaders and key stakeholders in the project earlier this month as they gathered to launch the next phase of the development.
Splendour to bow out after 18 years as Nottingham launches final festival farewell
After nearly two decades as the beating heart of Nottingham’s summers, organisers have confirmed that this July’s Splendour will be the last ever — and they’re determined to send it off in style.
Since its launch, Splendour has brought global names to Wollaton Park — from Paolo Nutini, Pet Shop Boys and Calvin Harris to Blondie, Paloma Faith, Manic Street Preachers, Jess Glynne and Anne‑Marie.
NEWARK AND SHERWOOD: Former ‘landmark’ riding school could be replaced by dozens of homes
By: Lauren Monaghan, LRDS
A historic former village riding school could be demolished to make way for dozens of homes.
New proposals from developer Shelford Property Investments Limited submitted to Newark and Sherwood District Council have revealed plans to tear down the Heather House property in Walesby, a small, rural village near Ollerton.
Plans will be decided by the council at a later stage, with the authority listing the determination deadline as September 10, 2026.
Victims of domestic abuse in Notts to receive enhanced 999 support
Domestic abuse specialists are to be embedded in Nottinghamshire Police's 999 control room to significantly enhance support to victims – thanks to a successful funding application by the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) for Nottinghamshire.
The force is one of 12 across England and Wales to be selected for the second phase of a national roll out of Raneem’s Law, which was established in memory of Raneem Oudeh and her mother Khaola Saleem, who were murdered by Raneem’s ex-husband in August 2018 after multiple 999 calls went unanswered.
Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council 26th June 2026 - By: Julie Leigh
Our work to tackle vacant properties on our high streets continues to receive national recognition, as one of the trail blazers of the High Street Rental Auction first adopters.
We have recently been a finalist for a Local Government Chronicle award for our collaborative work to tackle the problem of long-term empty shops, engaging with landlords, agents and businesses to understand the barriers to occupancy.
Our work was described by judges as having an exceptionally proactive team, leading the way nationally, utilising new legislation and powers with genuine partnership at the heart of our approach.
We continue working in Worksop, Retford and Harworth and Bircotes to bring more vacant properties back into use on the high street. This is in addition to progress being made to regenerate Worksop’s Priory Centre.
Meanwhile, plans have moved forward to renovate and extend an empty building at Worksop’s Creative Village with planning permission approved and a construction partner appointed.
When finished, it will provide a high-quality education workspace supporting both apprenticeships and adult learning in practical skills targeting the construction industry including welding and bricklaying.
The need for this scheme was first identified in partnership with the government through the community regeneration fund process and was supported by a strong local evidence base demonstrating demand for skills and training provision.
Subject to final agreements, we expect work will begin on site in early 2027 and when completed it will help residents access new opportunities and equip businesses with the skilled workforce they need.
Finally, earlier this week, we raised our Armed Forces Day flag in the Old Market Square in Worksop to show our support for Armed Forces Day, which this year falls on the 27th of June.
Alongside this, Worksop’s Royal British Legion has organised a two-day event this weekend, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th June, at the town’s rugby club to bring the community together featuring military bands, vehicles and local cadet units.
I hope you will show your support at the event for the men and women who make up our armed forces as we recognise the work of our current serving troops, our veterans, reservists and cadets as well as their families.
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
