Murder Suspect Charged, Recycling Centre Changes for Van Users, Bassetlaw Emergency Support & More
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Today's Quote of the Day - “My mother always said I’d amount to nothing. I wish she could see me now — she’d still be right." — Anon.
Enjoy the read and have a great day wherever you are in Bassetlaw.
Justin Doddy, Editor
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New Booking System for Vans at Nottinghamshire Recycling Centres from January 2027
Van owners in Nottinghamshire will need to book an appointment before visiting recycling centres from 2 January 2027 under new measures designed to tackle trade waste abuse and improve the experience for residents.
Under the changes, vans must be re-registered, will be limited to six visits per year, and some larger vehicles, including Luton vans, box vans, flat beds and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, will no longer be permitted on site. Van users will be able to book visits online and choose from three recycling centres operating on a rotating schedule.
Nottinghamshire County Council says the new system aims to reduce the impact of trade waste being brought to household recycling sites, which has contributed to significantly higher disposal costs and increased pressure on facilities across the county.
Councillor Bert Bingham, Cabinet Member for Transport and Environment, said the changes will help ensure recycling centres remain accessible, sustainable and focused on serving Nottinghamshire residents, while tackling misuse and managing demand more effectively.
Residents will be informed of the changes ahead of implementation, with information leaflets being distributed at recycling centres from the autumn.
Courtesy of Nottinghamshire County Council. ✅
Man charged with murder following the death of an Ollerton woman
A man has been charged with the murder of Anna Zukowska.
The 52-year-old woman was discovered at her home address in James Close in Ollerton, shortly before 8pm on Sunday 6 September.
Jozef Zbigniew Oleszek, aged 60, of James Close, Ollerton, was arrested on Sunday 6 September and charged with murder on Wednesday 9 September.
He has been remanded into custody and is due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates Court on Thursday 10 September.
Although formal identification has not yet taken place, Anna's family have been made aware and are being supported by specially trained officers. They have asked for privacy during this incredibly difficult time.
Detective Inspector Stu Barson, who is leading the investigation, said:
"The family and friends of Anna Zukowska are at the forefront of this investigation.
"We can now announce that a 60-year-old man has been charged with murder. We are currently looking for no one else in connection with this devastating incident.
"However, we would still ask for anyone with information, no matter how small, to please get in touch with our team."
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 607 of Sunday 6 September 2026. Information can also be shared via this online link
Rampton Hospital is set to receive £527,000 of NHS funding to replace air conditioning in one of its units, helping maintain a stable and comfortable environment for patients, staff and visitors during periods of extreme heat.
The funding is part of a wider £1.5 billion government investment in the NHS, aimed at making hospitals across England safer, more resilient and better equipped to cope with year-round pressures.
✅ More than 950 NHS improvement projects will be delivered nationwide
✅ Over £200 million will fund major projects including new operating theatres, children's wards and mental health facilities
✅ More than £1.3 billion will be invested in maintenance, safety and resilience improvements
✅ More than £32 million will help hospitals improve cooling, ventilation and protection from extreme heat
The investment is designed to help NHS services remain safe, open and able to care for patients during winter pressures, heatwaves and other periods of high demand.
Source/Credit: www.gov.uk
Strengthening Emergency Support Across Bassetlaw
Community volunteers who provide emergency support across Bassetlaw are better equipped to help residents thanks to a £750 Councillor Community Grant.
North Nottinghamshire Community First Responders has used the funding to purchase new uniforms and additional medical equipment for its volunteers, helping them continue supporting local people during medical emergencies.
Working alongside East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust, the team is often among the first medically trained people to arrive at an incident. Their volunteers provide immediate care and reassurance to patients and their families while further emergency support is on its way, particularly in rural communities across the district.
Graham Robinson, Chairman of North Nottinghamshire Community First Responders said:
"As a charity run by local volunteers, the support we receive makes a real difference to the communities we serve.
“This funding helps us continue providing a vital service across North Nottinghamshire, giving residents the reassurance that help is available when it is needed most. We are incredibly grateful for this support and to everyone who continues to champion the work of Community First Responders."
North Nottinghamshire Community First Responders are a group of over 30 local volunteers recruited and trained by East Midlands Ambulance Service NHS Trust to BTEC level 3 and 4 standards in the First Person On Scene qualification.
Cllr Alan Rhodes, Ward Member for Worksop North-East spoke on behalf of the Councillors who contributed funds to the First Responders and said:
"I’m proud to support North Nottinghamshire Community First Responders alongside my fellow councillors.
“The dedication shown by their volunteers is truly remarkable, providing vital support and reassurance to people across our communities when they need it most. The service they provide makes a real difference to local residents, and we are delighted to contribute towards ensuring they can continue their important work. On behalf of all the councillors involved, I would like to thank every volunteer for their commitment to serving our communities."
The Councillors who contributed part of their Councillor Community Grant to the North Nottinghamshire Community First Responders are: Cllr Tony Eaton and Cllr Julie Leigh, Ward Members for Worksop South; Cllr Maria Charlesworth, Ward Member for Worksop North; Cllr Alan Rhodes and Cllr Fraser Merryweather, Ward Members for Worksop North-East; Cllr Harriet Digby, Ward Member for East Retford West; Cllr Susan Shaw, Ward Member for East Retford East and Cllr Carolyn Troop, Ward Member for East Retford South.
North Nottinghamshire Community First Responders is always looking for new recruits to join its team. Volunteers receive training and play a vital role in helping patients by providing emergency care and support within their local communities.
To find out more about the First Responders, how to get involved and how to donate, visit: https://northnottscfr.co.uk
Each Bassetlaw District Councillor is allocated a small annual budget and has the discretion to award grants to support community activities within their ward. Councillor grants may support projects related to sport, culture and heritage, environmental sustainability, social welfare, and general community benefit.
Content courtesy of Bassetlaw District Council
Notts Councils, NHS and Samaritans join together to Break the Silence on Suicide
A Nottingham and Nottinghamshire-wide suicide prevention campaign aims to reach people who are vulnerable to suicide through encouraging open conversations and identifying people in the most at-risk groups.
The Break the Silence on Suicide campaign from NottAlone, Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council is supported by the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire NHS Integrated Care Board, Samaritans, Nottingham & Nottinghamshire NHS Talking Therapies, Active Notts, Nottingham Forest Foundation and other organisations throughout the city and county, aiming for the broadest-reaching suicide awareness campaign in the area to date, with a number of organisations also lighting up their buildings in yellow on 10 September, which is World Suicide Prevention Day, to show their support for the campaign.
The golden thread that runs through the messages from all involved in this campaign is the hope that if this message reaches even just one person and helps to save their life , the whole campaign is worthwhile.
A Nottingham born-and-bred spoken word poet, Chris Oliver, has also lent his talent to the campaign, filming a powerful video for NottAlone where he delivers his poem It’s OK to not be OK. In the poem Chris describes overcoming adversity and mental health challenges including suicidal thoughts, highlighting the key message of reaching out for help from friends, family, or support services.
Reflecting on his involvement with the suicide prevention campaign, Chris said:
“I’m really proud to be part of this project because it’s important to bring awareness to mental health for people. I’ve had my own struggles with mental health, and I’ve also supported young people that I’ve worked with in my roles at schools and alternative provisions.
“I hope that people who hear my poem realise that they’re not alone and that there is help out there for them, they just need to be willing to tap into it. I want them to know that there is hope.”
The film of the poem can be viewed on the NottAlone social media channels from 3pm on World Suicide Prevention Day.
For the first time, both Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council are working together with the Nottingham branch of Samaritans to help reach even more people.
Grant Williams, who was a Samaritans listening volunteer for nine years and is now a Trustee of the Nottingham Samaritans Branch, said:
“We’re really encouraged by the way Nottingham City Council and Nottinghamshire County Council are joining together on this campaign. It shows how important a message of hope can be and how powerful it is when organisations come together, and we’re proud to be involved.
“We want everyone to know that if you’re having these really hard feelings, you are not alone. The Samaritans phone lines are open 24hours a day and there will always be someone to answer your call.
“We have about 100 volunteers in Nottingham, we are non-judgemental and we are always here for you. You can call us on 116 123. If you call us, we’ll be there and we will listen.”
In an effort to encourage conversations and physical activity as part of the suicide prevention campaign, NottAlone has teamed up with Active Notts, Notts Talking Therapies and Nottingham Forest Foundation to organise local community walks.
The walks have been planned to encourage group walking and talking, which encompass two key measures of good mental health; a sense of community and getting active.
The mental health walks are taking place across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire around two pivotal mental health awareness days, World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, and World Mental Health Day on 10 October:
- Sunday 13 September, 11am – 12noon, Idle Valley Nature Reserve, DN22 8RQ. The walk will be led by Notts Talking Therapies, meet at the Talking Therapies banner in the car park. No booking required.
- Thursday 24 September, 6-8pm, Tricky to Talk walk for wellbeing in conjunction with Nottingham Forest Foundation from the Nottingham Forest City Ground along the Embankment and back. Booking is essential via: www.abler.io/shop/nottinghamforest/mentalhealth.
- Sunday 11 October, 11am – 12noon, Kingsmill Reservoir, NG17 4PA. The walk will be led by Notts Talking Therapies, meet at the Talking Therapies banner in the car park. No booking required.
Reflecting on the campaign and mental health walks, councillors at both Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council expressed their support for the important message being shared.
Councillor Jody Stoll, Cabinet Member for Communities and Public Health at Nottinghamshire County Council, said:
“I’m hugely supportive of this campaign, it’s all about reaching those people who are the most vulnerable and at risk of suicide and letting them know that it’s ok to talk about it. We want those people to know that they are not alone and help is available.
“Although it might seem daunting to reach out for help, once you’ve taken that first step you will find that help is always available to you. You can find links to support services and charities on the NottAlone website, NottAlone.org.uk, and I would encourage anyone who is struggling to speak to someone they trust and visit the NottAlone website together.
“The mental health walks are another great way to boost mental wellbeing, they allow people to connect, get fresh air and move their bodies positively. If you can’t attend one of the NottAlone mental health walks, I’d encourage you to seek out a local walking group, or invite a friend or neighbour for a walk.
“Finally, if you are worried about someone’s mental health, please don’t be afraid to start the conversation with them. You don’t have to have all the answers, just being there for someone can do more than you know.”
Councillor Helen Kalsi, Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health at Nottingham City Council, said:
“Suicide is such a complex issue, but by normalising conversations about mental health, we can show our residents that hope is always possible.
“Starting the conversation is the beginning of the process and although it can be difficult, residents can use the NottAlone.org.uk website to find local mental health advice and support services.
“These services are here to help people through difficult times. They will do everything they can to assist people who are struggling with suicidal thoughts or who have lost a loved one who has taken their own life.
“Throughout September – including on World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September – please look out for our social media posts online and our promotional materials and share them far and wide amongst family, friends, work colleagues and your communities. You don’t always know who is struggling.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or thoughts of suicide, it’s ok to talk about it. You can visit www.NottAlone.org.uk for helpful information and links to support services.
If you are struggling to cope, call 111 and select option 2 to speak to a mental health professional 24/7 ☎️.
NottAlone is a partnership between Nottinghamshire County Council, Nottingham City Council and the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire NHS Integrated Care Board.
Credit: Nottinghamshire County Council
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Justin Doddy, Editor
Bassetlaw Today
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