Policeman Sacked, More Ambulances on the Way, Splendour no longer to be Splendid & More
Happy Friday readers, another scorcher ahead but with the chance of some thunder and lightening today. It starts getting cooler from tomorrow, or at least starts to drop under 30 degrees !
I hope you have something nice planned for the weekend but until then .... grab a cold drink, a choc ice and have a read of today's newsletter covering all things Bassetlaw and surrounding areas.
Todays thought for the day ... “You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.” ― Dr. Seuss
Enjoy the read and have a great weekend 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 remember to send us your pictures and stories from around Bassetlaw, we may feature them in our newsletter.
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.
The man in question was a prolific offender.
When later asked about the incident, PC Harthill-Harrison stated there was nothing in the suitcase and that the man was of no fixed abode.
The hearing heard that both accounts were false.
The man was later arrested by PC Harthill-Harrison on suspicion of burglary.
However, the suitcase was never located which was a vital piece of evidence.
PC Harthill-Harrison said he had reflected on the incident and "mistakes were made"
Nottinghamshire Police's Professional Standard's Directorate carried out a thorough investigation.
The hearing found that PC Harthill-Harrison had breached the following standards of professional behaviour - honesty and integrity, duties and responsibilities and discreditable conduct.
Chair for the hearing, Assistant Chief Constable Gary Hooks said:
"PC Harthill-Harrison failed to act upon the information provided to him thereby jeopardising an opportunity to catch a criminal and keep the community safe from a prolific burglar.
"The situation was made worse by PC Harthill Harrison’s deliberate dishonesty in his communications with colleagues about the actions he had taken and the information about the suspect of which he was aware.
"This conduct undermines public confidence in and the reputation of the police service, and therefore PC Harthill Harrison will be dismissed from the force without notice and placed on the police barred list."
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.
Will Legge, Deputy Chief Executive at EMAS, said:
“This investment will make a real, positive impact to the service we provide our patients.“We now employ over 5,000 staff at EMAS. This continued growth will help us meet the challenge of growing demand for our service and create hundreds of new career opportunities.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming new passionate, caring colleagues to our EMAS team in the coming months.”
This is a welcome investment in our emergency services, supporting better care for patients and creating new employment opportunities that will benefit Bassetlaw and the wider East Midlands.
Content courtesy of EMAS.
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.
Visitors to the town centre will be able to see regular progress on site over the coming months as a new building is constructed that will host impressive facilities, including a climbing wall, indoor adventure play area, and a bowling alley.
Internal areas of the building will also form part of the development with existing public areas of the Priory Centre also set to be refreshed, in addition to a new pedestrian bridge that spans the Chesterfield Canal.
The redevelopment of the Priory Centre has received £17.9 million of UK Government funding, in addition to £2 million from Bassetlaw District Council to enhance the town centre and attract visitors from across the district.
Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council said:
“We have reached a major milestone in this transformational development that will bring modern leisure and entertainment facilities to our town centre.
“The change is already remarkable, and the true scale of the project is becoming clear. It is exciting to see the foundations being laid for a new destination that will help to revitalise the high street and compliment the impact we are already making by attracting new businesses and supporting existing retailers.”
These new facilities will be provided and managed by Bassetlaw District Council’s partner BPL, who have a stellar track record of delivering leisure and fitness facilities in Worksop, Retford and Harworth and Bircotes.
Michael Hirst, Chief Executive of BPL said:
"It’s fantastic to see spades in the ground on this landmark project for Worksop. This is a development of real scale and ambition that will transform the town, and BPL have exciting plans to help bring it to life in 2027."
The groundbreaking ceremony officially marked the start of the next phase of redevelopment, which is being delivered by Midlands contractor, G F Tomlinson, on behalf of the Council.
Andy Sewards, Chairman of G F Tomlinson, said:
“The ground-breaking ceremony represents a proud moment for everyone involved in this transformational project and demonstrates the collaborative working approach that has brought us to this stage. Following the successful completion of the demolition works, it is exciting to see construction now progressing on site and the vision for the future of The Priory Centre beginning to take shape.”
Enabling works began on site in February 2026, followed by the careful demolition of sections of the existing Priory Centre building, with G F Tomlinson working hard to keep any impact on Priory Centre tenants and the public to a minimum.
Stores that are currently part of the Priory Centre are open as normal and pedestrians can walk through the shopping centre, connecting the car park with Bridge Place and Ryton Street.
Vehicle access is available from Bridge Place. However, the site compounds now occupy much of the parking area to accommodate the works and on-site storage.
Cashless pay and display machines are now in operation, along with new signage to 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, which includes four disabled spaces, in addition to five disabled spaces in front of Costa.
Regular updates on the progress of the redevelopment will be available by visiting: www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/priorycentre
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.
To mark the moment, a special 2‑for‑1 day ticket deal has dropped today, letting fans grab a ticket and get another completely free. The offer applies to like‑for‑like general admission tickets.
With the clock ticking, it’s full steam ahead to a huge final weekend in Wollaton Park. The Wombats, Primal Scream, The Ks and Hard Life lead the Saturday bill on 18 July, while Snow Patrol, Editors, Craig David Presents TS5 and The Flaming Lips headline Sunday 19 July.
Splendour’s farewell is set to be a city‑wide celebration of everything the festival has meant to Nottingham — a summer staple that’s welcomed tens of thousands through its gates since 2008. For many, it’s been more than a festival: it’s been a family tradition, a friendship‑maker, and the backdrop to first dates, proposals, anniversaries and milestones.
It’s also been a launchpad for Nottingham talent. Hundreds of local artists have graced its stages, from Jake Bugg, who headlined in 2013 just two years after playing the Courtyard Stage, to ALT BLK ERA, who return this year after winning Future Sound of Nottingham in 2022 and going on to secure a record deal and a MOBO Award.
Over the years, more than 150,000 discounted tickets have been given to residents and 30,000 free tickets to children, helping Splendour become one of the most accessible festivals in the country.
Organisers said:
“We’ve loved bringing Splendour to you since 2008. We want everyone to know this will be the last one so we can celebrate together. If you’ve ever been — or never been — this is your chance to join us one last time.”
This year’s line‑up also features The Lathums, Estelle, Cast, Neville Staple, Kingfishr, The Futureheads, The Pigeon Detectives, The Sugarhill Gang, Say She She, Divorce and ALT BLK ERA, plus the Bodega New Music Stage, Day Fever clubbing, Vicky McClure and Our Dementia Choir, and Future of Nottingham winners TWO 2’S and Omari Marsalis.
DHP Family MD George Akins said Splendour has “played an important part in the lives of many people” but admitted rising costs and a crowded festival market have made recent years challenging. “We want this year to be a proper celebration of everything Splendour has meant to Nottingham,” he said.
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.
Councillor Neghat Khan said the festival had become “a Nottingham institution”, adding:
“We hope many of you will turn out to say goodbye and make this final festival a fitting celebration of Splendour’s legacy.”
The Final Splendour 2‑for‑1 Day Ticket Offer is available now at splendorfestival.com
Content courtesy of our colleagues at Stuck in the Middle
Our three interesting facts for today ....
Only 34% of the world's land surface is used for any kind of agriculture
The Ethiopian calendar has 13 months
The French Foreign Legion has its own vineyard
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.
The site includes Heather House, in New Hill, which sits as an empty property on the front of the road, with the former riding school buildings and paddocks sat behind it up the track.
With the nostalgic element of the former riding school, the Heather House building is considered a “landmark” by locals, but now its legacy could be tainted, where the empty home could be demolished and up to 31 new homes could be built on the site.
Early plans suggest the homes could be built toward the southern end of the patch of grass land, with a section in the north acting as public open space. Access would come from the existing one off New Hill.
Although the specific mix of homes would come at a ‘reserved matters’ planning stage – following an approval of the outline plans – documents suggest the development could include one four-bed home, 17 two beds and 10 three beds.
Nine of these properties would be classed as affordable.
One village resident, Nicholas Mitchell, submitted his objection to the proposed development, citing traffic and congestion concerns and calling Heather House an “important part” of the village’s history and heritage.
He said:
“Walesby is a small rural village, and a development of this scale would be out of keeping with the character, size and identity of our community.
“The addition of 31 houses would significantly increase traffic on local roads, creating additional congestion and road safety concerns for residents, pedestrians and cyclists.”
He continued that the dozens of homes would also place extra pressure on drainage, healthcare services and other facilities “already limited” in the small village.
Mr Mitchell said: “Heather House is an important part of Walesby’s history and heritage. It is a well-known local landmark and was once home to the village riding school, making it a significant part of the village’s social and community history.
“Many residents will have memories and connections associated with the property, and its loss would remove an important link to the village’s past.”
Nottinghamshire County Council, as the leading flood authority, has objected to the plans at this stage on the grounds of “insufficient” surface water drainage information being provided.
The authority has said the objection could be removed if the developer submits evidence to show whether infiltration is suitable or not for the site.
Planning documents state surface water runoff rates will be managed using Sustainable Drainage Systems.
The population of the village in the 2021 census was estimated at around 1,200.
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.
Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner Angela Kandola, who leads on the prevention of Violence Against Women and Girls for the OPCC, said the funding of almost £200,000 would help reduce harm and could even save lives locally.
"This is fantastic news and significantly enhances the service that Nottinghamshire Police can offer to victims of domestic abuse," she said.
"It will mean domestic abuse specialists from local services will be embedded in Nottinghamshire Police's control room, overseeing how incoming calls are assessed and managed, providing real-time advice to call handlers and responding officers, reviewing risk assessments, supporting staff training and ensuring victims are referred promptly to specialist services.
"This expert knowledge will mean the force can identify high-risk cases earlier and accelerate how quickly victims receive safeguarding measures to keep them safe. It could literally save lives."
The delivery of the service will be by local providers Nottinghamshire Women's Aid, Juno Women's Aid and Equation Nottingham.
It is hoped they can start in July and the pilot scheme will run until 31 March 2027 initially, and if successful, it is hoped it will become a permanent offer in the control room.
Detective Superintendent Lee Townley, the force’s strategic lead for domestic abuse, said:
"When a victim reports domestic abuse, they must have confidence that they will be protected from harm, which is why it’s so important that we get our response right from the moment we are called.
"We are therefore delighted to be part of this national programme. Placing domestic abuse specialists directly within our control room will give our call handlers and officers immediate access to expert support, helping us to assess risk more accurately and safeguard victims more quickly.
"By working closely with the specialists, we will undoubtedly protect more victims and survivors, improve our response and ensure specialist support is available exactly when it is needed most."
Christie Conroy, Head of Services at Nottinghamshire Women's Aid, said she was delighted the charity would be working in partnership with the OPCC, Nottinghamshire Police, and alongside partners Juno and Equation on this new initiative.
"Domestic Abuse can have a devastating impact on individuals and families and no single organisation can address these challenges alone," she said.
"This partnership reflects our shared commitment and by working collaboratively we can ensure survivors are at the centre of all our responses, they feel heard and they have improved access to wider support services.
"Together we can create a positive change, improve safety and make a meaningful difference to survivors and their families across our communities."
The expansion in Nottinghamshire was announced today, six months after the launch of the Government’s Violence Against Women and Girls Strategy, and will also be rolled out in Derbyshire, Thames Valley, West Yorkshire, Hampshire, Essex, Merseyside, Cambridgeshire, North Wales, Gloucestershire, Cleveland and Dyfed-Powys.
They join West Midlands, Northamptonshire, Bedfordshire, Humberside and Northumbria, where the scheme has been running since its launch a year ago.
The Government has committed to rolling out Raneem’s Law to every force in England and Wales by 2029. The scheme forms part of a broader package of measures targeting violence against women and girls, including domestic abuse protection orders and over £1 billion in funding over the next three years for safe accommodation, counselling and specialist therapeutic support.
An estimated 3.8 million people experienced domestic abuse in England and Wales last year.
Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council 26th June 2026
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.
What a start to the new season for Notts County Football Club as Leicester are up first at Meadow Lane
Mansfield Town start the season with a home tie against Doncaster Rovers
Lincoln City Football Club start the new season with a trip to Middlesbrough.
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
