Major Oak Dies, Worst Bassetlaw Roads to be Repaired, EMR Travel Update & More

Happy Monday to you all and I hope you had a great weekend.

Here is today's newsletter covering all things Bassetlaw and surrounding areas including a combination of sad news about the Major Oak and an inspiring story from a Nottinghamshire Fire Fighter.

You will also see that throughout June we are running a fabulous competition to win tickets to 'Beyond Van Gogh' or 'Beyond Monet' for the opening week of the exhibition at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham. This competition can only be won by one of our amazing newsletter subscribers. Please spread the word.

Todays thought for the day ...“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.” ― Albert Einstein

Have a great Monday wherever you are reading this.

Justin Doddy, Editor

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter if you haven't already and please forward the newsletter to a friend that you think may like it.

A Sad Chapter in the Story of Sherwood Forest's Major Oak

Image courtesy of Ben Andrew/ RSPB / BBC

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 tree's physical condition may be declining, its legacy remains stronger than ever, having inspired generations with its beauty, history and folklore.

Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, described the news as deeply saddening, highlighting the Major Oak's importance not only to local residents but also to visitors from across the world. He reaffirmed the Council's commitment to protecting the tree's legacy, with saplings already planted to help ensure its story continues for future generations.

Councillor David Moore, Chair of Newark and Sherwood District Council, added that the Major Oak remains a treasured symbol of the district, the nation and the wider world, and pledged to continue championing its significance for years to come.

While the Major Oak may be entering its final chapter, its place in history, folklore and the hearts of millions will endure forever.

📖 Source and credit: Newark & Sherwood District Council

Recovered Stolen Motorbike – Manton, Worksop

Image courtesy of Nottinghamshire Police

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 us know. Community information plays a vital role in helping us remove these vehicles from our streets and bring offenders to justice.

Report information via 101 or anonymously through Crimestoppers.

Police thank everyone for their continued support in helping to keep our communities safe.

Our three interesting facts for today ....

99.99% of The Cook Islands is open sea

Tahitian has no word for sadness

The parliament of Palou is called the House of Whispers

Introducing your BRAND NEW local history and nostalgia group for Bassetlaw

Bassetlaw Today has listened to our 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.

They group will also accept history from our nearby neighbours in surrounding areas as our history is so intertwined.

If it's only Bassetlaw history and nostalgia you want then that is all you'll get in the group.

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 current Local Plan, adopted in 2024, must be reviewed by 2028–29 and by starting work now it will help ensure the council can meet the new 30-month timeframe set by the Government, meaning a new plan will be in place by 2029. This will help manage speculative development to the benefit of local communities in the future.

At a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday 2^nd June, Councillors agreed on the updated timetable for preparing the new Local Plan, alongside a formal Notice of Commencement.

Cllr Steve Scotthorne, Cabinet Member for Planning, Identity and Place said:

“This is an important step in planning for Bassetlaw’s future and by starting work on a new Local Plan now, we can make sure growth is well managed and supported by the services our community’s need, protects the natural and historic environment and makes the most of once in a generation opportunities coming forward at the Trent Valley Supercluster.

“We are setting out a clear timetable, so people know when to get involved and we will listen to the community carefully at every stage.”

The Council will continue to lead on planning until 31 March 2028, when a new unitary authority is due to be created.

Win tickets to see Beyond Van Gogh or Beyond Monet

Win a pair of tickets or a family ticket (5 tickets) for Beyond Van Gogh or Beyond Monet for the opening week of the exhibition at Motorpoint Arena in Nottingham.

To be in the draw all you need to do is sign up to our 100% Free daily digital newsletter. Current subscribers will be entered automatically.

Full details can be found at: https://bassetlaw-today.ghost.io/competition-2/ .

Major Rail Disruption Following Bedford Train Collision – Essential Travel Only

Passengers travelling through Bedford are being urged to travel only if absolutely necessary as significant disruption is expected to continue until at least Sunday 28 June following the tragic train collision involving two East Midlands Railway trains on Friday 19 June.

The incident sadly resulted in the death of an EMR driver and left a number of passengers injured. Our thoughts are with everyone affected.

The railway between Bedford and Luton remains closed, resulting in major changes to services across the Midland Main Line.

Key Travel Information

No East Midlands Railway services will operate between Bedford and London St Pancras.

No Thameslink services will run north of Luton.

Limited rail replacement bus services are operating between Bedford, Luton and Kettering.

🔹 Reduced EMR services will operate between:
✅ Sheffield and Bedford
✅ Nottingham and Bedford
✅ Corby and Kettering

Thameslink services will operate a reduced timetable between London and Luton.

Ticket Acceptance
Passengers affected by the disruption can use their tickets on alternative routes and operators where available.

Check Before You Travel
Journey planners and travel apps are being updated, and passengers are strongly advised to check the latest travel information before setting off.

EMR have expressed their gratitude to all for your patience and understanding while emergency services, investigators and railway teams continue their work and recovery efforts.

Content courtesy of EMR.

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.

Throughout his career, Paul has attended countless incidents and supported people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. However, nothing could prepare him for the heartbreak of losing his own son.

In the months that followed, Paul and his family faced unimaginable grief. Seeking support during this incredibly difficult time, he turned to Fire Fighters Charity, which provided personalised wellbeing support to help him begin navigating life after loss.

Now, Paul is giving back to the charity that helped him when he needed it most.

Inspired by a shared dream he once had with Kieran, Paul will begin a 168km trek along Hadrian's Wall this weekend. The challenge holds special significance, as Kieran loved the outdoors, particularly hiking and camping, and the pair had planned to complete the route together.

Paul will set off from South Shields on 21 June and finish in Bowness-on-Solway on 25 June — a date that would have marked Kieran's 30th birthday.

Speaking about the challenge, Paul said:

"I made a promise to myself that I would still do it and I will be carrying Kieran with me every step of the way."

As well as honouring his son's memory, Paul hopes his story will help others who may be struggling with loss and encourage members of the fire service community to seek support when they need it.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, Paul has already raised more than £1,300 for Fire Fighters Charity.

Charlotte Smith, Regional Fundraiser at Fire Fighters Charity, praised Paul's efforts, describing the challenge as both inspiring and a moving tribute to Kieran.

The story also highlights the ongoing importance of road safety. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is currently running a road safety campaign alongside this summer's men's World Cup tournament, aimed at reducing road traffic collisions among young men across the county.

While firefighters are often among the first to arrive at serious incidents, Paul's experience serves as a poignant reminder that the effects of road traffic collisions extend far beyond the scene itself, impacting families, friends, colleagues and entire communities.

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

Notts County Council Leader Mick Barton (LDRS)

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’

In February, it announced a £2 million ’emergency’ pot of money would go towards road fixes across 35 sites deemed in immediate need.

The following month, a ‘game-changing’ £122.5 million ‘phase one’ sum was announced to be pumped into fixing the county’s road network in 2026/27.

This total was then brought up to £181.25 million when its phase two scheme for 2026/27 was announced in April, adding an extra £58.75 million.

Around £11.2 million of the phase two pot was already earmarked that month to be set aside for the so-called ‘Worst First’ roads, where each councillor at the authority could submit three key roads in the areas they represent to be put forward for priority works.

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.

Speaking on the new priority scheme, Council leader, Mick Barton (Reform), said “it’s brilliant stuff”, adding: “All three priority roads by each councillor will be addressed in some way or another.

“The ones that haven’t made this [scheme] for resurfacing or surface dressing will still get maintained in some way by JCB patch repairs or the first time crews.”

In May, the authority’s two new leased JCB Pothole Pro machines began works on roads, where the machines will be trialled by the authority for 12 months.

Cllr Barton said each of the 44 priority works will be done by the end of this year and said Reform UK’s headquarters were using the County Council as an example for what can be done for local roads.

He continued: “Councillors know their areas the best and work closely with their communities, so it’s also the community having a say.

“It’s going to have a massive difference across the county. This year, what we’re doing with highways, that’s the Reform way.”

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

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