Monday Edition - Vandalised Cemetary, No Splashing in the Heat, Skeletal Remains Discovered & More

Happy Bank Holiday Monday to you all and I hope you are having a great long weekend. We're working in the sun to make sure you get your daily news fix ..... so here is today's newsletter covering all things Bassetlaw and of course - your daily puzzle fix.

Todays thought for the day ... "Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it." — George Orwell

Enjoy the read, please email us if you have a story for us and have a great Bank Holiday Monday wherever you are reading this.

Justin Doddy, Editor

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

Priory Centre set for exciting new phase

Drone footage of the Priory Centre site.

The demolition phase of the Priory Centre regeneration project is now complete, clearing the way for the construction stage to begin on time.

The main building that formed part of the original Netherholme Centre has been safely removed, with preparation work for the next phase of construction having already begun.

Visitors to Worksop Town Centre will be able to see progress on site over the coming months as a new building is constructed to host exciting facilities, including a climbing wall, indoor adventure play area, a bowling alley and more.

Existing public areas of the Priory Centre will also be refreshed and following the announcement that Sports Direct has returned to the Priory Centre, work to attract further retail and leisure offers is moving at pace.

Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council, said:

“I’m delighted that this once in a generation project for Worksop Town Centre is moving along as planned and on time.

“With demolition now complete, this paves the way for the really impactful and exciting part of the project – creating a new mix of entertainment, leisure and retail in a revamped Priory Centre. I look forward to sharing more details about this as further progress is made.”

The demolition phase of the project has been completed, with our construction partners G F Tomlinson working hard to keep any impact on Priory Centre tenants and the public to a minimum. This includes much of the noisy and disruptive work completed outside of peak visiting times, and regular discussions with tenants and the public to keep them informed on progress.

Much of the former building has also been recycled or reused having been separated and removed from site, with the footprint now clear for proprietary building work to begin.

All existing units that will form part of the new building are also being stripped, in addition to the removal of two trees and some shrubs opposite the centre to enable the installation of a bridge that will span the Chesterfield Canal.

Andy Sewards, Chairman at G F Tomlinson, said:

“Completing the demolition phase marks a significant milestone for the Priory Centre regeneration project and we’re pleased works are progressing to programme. Throughout this phase, our team has worked closely with Bassetlaw District Council, tenants and the local community to minimise disruption while safely delivering complex demolition and preparation works in a busy town centre environment.

“As activity increases over the coming months, people will begin to see the transformation of the site take shape and we’re proud to be playing a key role in delivering a development that will create new opportunities for leisure, retail and social activity in Worksop town centre for the future.”

Stores that are currently part of the Priory Centre are open as normal and pedestrians can still walk through the shopping centre, connecting the car park with Bridge Place and Ryton Street.

Vehicle access is still available from Bridge Place. However, the site compounds now occupy much of the parking area to accommodate further works and on-site storage.

Following a period of free parking at the Priory Centre, there will be a change in parking fees and conditions from Tuesday 26^th May. Pay and display machines have been installed, along with new signage that will inform visitors of the new car parking charges and conditions, which have been brought in line with all other Council operated car parks.

Around 100 spaces are still available in the two-story car park, including four disabled spaces, in addition to three disabled spaces in front of Costa.

Regular updates on the progress of the redevelopment will be available by visiting www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/priorycentre

Operation Star results in Quad Bike Seizure

Officers from the East Bassetlaw Beat Team were out on Tuesday May 19 as part of Operation Star, tackling antisocial vehicle use in the area.

During the patrols, the police successfully seized an illegal quad bike that was being ridden causing damage to local woodland.

If you see antisocial behaviour like this in your area, please continue to report it to the police.

Call 101 or report online.

Archaeological works to begin at Lowdham roundabout as part of the A614/A6097 scheme

Looking back to Roman times will be the focus of the A614/A6097 scheme over the coming weeks as targeted archaeology works get underway at Lowdham roundabout.

Three weeks of archaeological works will look to identify and record potential historic remains including those associated with an undated former lynchet that is recorded on Nottinghamshire County Council Historic Environment Record in farmland at the junction of Nottingham Road and the A6097 Epperstone Bypass.

Some 960 square metres will be investigated as part of the works at Lowdham, which begin on 22 May with a ground penetrating radar survey, to help preserve archaeological data and build an accurate record of history for future research projects.

Archaeologists will then dig trial trenches as part of their work before moving on to a second phase of detailed excavation where land will be stripped, mapped and recorded.

Motorists will notice archaeological teams on site around the junctions while works are taking place, although traffic will be unaffected.

Councillor Bert Bingham, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “We have been looking ahead to the key milestones of the A614/A6097 scheme however, we must first look back in time at the importance of Nottinghamshire’s history.

“The archaeological works at Lowdham roundabout are a vital part of delivering the A614/A6097 scheme responsibly. They allow us to understand and preserve any traces of our county’s heritage before construction progresses, ensuring that improvements to the road network go hand in hand with respect for the area’s history.

“This careful approach not only safeguards important finds for future generations but also demonstrates how infrastructure projects can be delivered with both progress and preservation in mind.

“Archaeological investigations have to take place before works on any scheme like this can commence, and this is another significant step towards making the A614/A6097 project a reality.

“I would like to reassure motorists that no traffic management measures will be in place whilst teams are working on site, although they might see our people in the area during the three-week period.

“2026 has been a significant year so far for this scheme and I look forward to hearing more about the progress of the archaeology.”

Our three interesting facts for today ....

Blowing out the candles on a birthday cake increases the number of bacteria on it by up to 1400%

The least hygienic parts of an aeroplane are the tray tables

In 1981 Margaret Thatcher refused to share a Concorde with a giant panda.

Worksop Cemetery Vandalised

Bassetlaw District Council announced on Social Media that Hannah Park Cemetery has suffered some extreme vandalism.

Vandals broke into the cemetery Between the hours of 8pm on Thursday. May 20 and 7am on Friday, May 21 and pushed over six memorial stones, damaged and broke ornaments and floral displays, as well as ripping roof tiles from the toilet block.

The Council advised that headstones are now back in position and have been temporarily secured. They are also in the process of reaching out to the relatives who care for the graves that have been vandalised.

Cllr Darrell Pulk, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods at Bassetlaw District Council, said:

“This is a shocking spate of vandalism in a place that should be respected and immune to any form of vandalism.

“This is the first time I have seen outrageous damage on this scale in a cemetery and ask that if anyone has any information about the identity of whoever caused the damage, please report this to Nottinghamshire Police.”

Any concerned relatives can contact the Council on 01909 533 487 from 9am Tuesday morning.

This incident has been reported to Nottinghamshire Police. If you have any information about this, please call 101 and quote the crime reference number 133/22052026.

Planned closure at Mansfield Recycling Centre for essential works

Mansfield Recycling Centre will be closed for the first week of June.

From Monday June 1 to Sunday June 7, Mansfield Recycling Centre will be closed to carry out essential repair work to the footpath and access road. The site will reopen and operate as normal from June 8.

Nottinghamshire County Council and Veolia are asking residents to use an alternative site during this time such as Warsop, Bilsthorpe or Hucknall Recycling Centre, all of which will be operating as normal.

Nottinghamshire County Council and Veolia would like to thank residents for their patience and understanding while these essential works take place.

For more information about waste and recycling services across Nottinghamshire, visit www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/waste-and-recycling.

Police issue statement as human skeletal remains found next to A617 Rainworth Bypass

Police continue to investigate after suspected human skeletal remains were found in a wooded area next to the A617 Rainworth Bypass.

Detailed inquiries remain ongoing to establish the circumstances after the remains were discovered by members of the public around 2.45pm yesterday (Saturday May 23, 2026).

A police cordon has been set up and is set to remain in place for some time while the investigations continue.

Detective Inspector Matt Scott, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:

"I understand a report of this nature will likely cause concern among the community; however, I would like to offer my reassurance this incident poses no risk to public safety.

"While the investigation is still in its early stages, following inquiries carried out so far, I can confirm that the remains we have found are believed to be of one person.

"The identity of this person is yet to be established but a dedicated team of officers are working to confirm this as soon as possible.

"We have a dedicated team of specialist forensic officers carrying out lines of inquiry. This will help us better understand the circumstances of how the body came to be there and see if there is more information about the death which can be gathered."

DI Scott added:

“Any discovery of human remains is taken extremely seriously. A thorough investigation is being carried out and we are keeping an open mind at this time.

“It is important for me to stress that this is also likely to take us some time yet. There will still be a scene remaining that will be guarded by police officers for a number of days while our work continues.

"As our investigation progresses over the Bank Holiday weekend and into next week, residents can expect to see an increased police presence in the area. I would encourage anyone with any concerns to please come and speak to us.

“We would like to thank the public for their patience. We know the effect this investigation will have had on residents living in the area.

“As always, we will keep people updated as this complex investigation develops.”

The road currently remains open while inquiries are being carried out at the scene.

Service Issues Reminder On Drone Use At Emergency Incidents

Image courtesy of Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service

Senior fire officers are urging the public to follow national drone safety rules after seeing a rise in drones being flown near active emergency scenes.

Nottinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service says it has seen an increase in people attending incidents and operating drones in close proximity to emergency responders, prompting a fresh reminder about the Civil Aviation Authority’s Drone Code.

Flying drones close to, or directly over, emergency incidents is strongly discouraged and, in many cases, unlawful. The Drone Code makes clear that unmanned aircraft must not be used near areas where emergency services are working unless specific permission has been granted.

Unauthorised drone activity at incidents can create a significant safety risk and may hinder emergency operations, including:

preventing or delaying the landing of an air ambulance or other emergency aircraft;
interfering with the Service’s own operational drone use;
placing responding crews, casualties and the wider public at risk.

Flying a drone in these circumstances may constitute a breach of the Drone Code and may be a prosecutable offence. Recent prosecutions (Drone pilot who flew over fire fined in ‘first conviction of its kind’ | News | Independent TV) have demonstrated that enforcement action, including fines and seizure of equipment, can and will be taken where drone use interferes with emergency service operations.

Notably, drone footage taken and shared from emergencies may also compromise the privacy and dignity of people involved in these incidents. Emergency responders will always consciously consider the sensitivities around incident footage prior to sharing.

The service asks that all members of the public follow the Civil Aviation Authority’s Drone Code and heed instructions given by emergency responders on scene, which is often to avoid the area surrounding an active incident completely. These measures are in place solely to protect life, ensure the safety of those involved, and allow emergency services to respond as effectively as possible.

Splash Park Update – The Canch, Worksop

Bassetlaw District Council has announced that the Splash Park at The Canch in Worksop will be closed for the next few weeks while essential replacement work is carried out.

The Council has apologised and stated that they understand that this will be disappointing news, especially with the warmer weather arriving and thanked residents and visitors for their patience and understanding while these important improvements are completed.

Last year, the Splash Park experienced a number of mechanical and water quality issues. Following a full winter audit, several major replacements were identified within the Plant Room.

Unfortunately, delays in sourcing specialist equipment and securing contractors have impacted the timescale for these works.

The replacement project is scheduled to begin on Monday 1st June and will help extend the lifespan of the Splash Park, while also ensuring a more modern facility with enhanced safety standards for everyone to enjoy in the future.

In the meantime, visitors can still cool off at the Council’s other Splash Parks, which are now open:

Langold Country Park

Kings’ Park, Retford

Can you figure out today's puzzle?

First figure out the nine letter solution and then find as many words as you can in today's panagram that contain the letter Q.

Our last panagram was CACOPHONY. Read our next newsletter for the solution to today's puzzle.

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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