Ranskill Fire, Officer Misconduct Hearing, Worksop Priory Gatehouse Re-Opens & More

Happy Tuesday everyone and a massive welcome to all our new subscribers - I really hope you enjoy the daily read. Today's edition covers all things Bassetlaw and of course - your daily puzzle fix.

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 - current subscribers will be entered automatically.

Todays thought for the day ... “The person who has confidence in themselves gains the confidence of others.” – Hasidic Proverb

Enjoy the read, please email us if you have a story for us and have a great day wherever you are in Bassetlaw.

Justin Doddy, Editor

P.S. Don't forget to subscribe to our newsletter if you haven't already and remember to send us your pictures from around Bassetlaw, we may feature it on our newsletter.

Nottinghamshire: Former officer would have been dismissed following careless driving conviction

A former police officer would have been dismissed had he not resigned from the force following a conviction for causing death by careless driving.

An accelerated gross misconduct hearing was held for former Police Constable Steven Allcock at Force HQ at Sherwood Lodge on Friday (June 5, 2026).

He was driving a marked police van along Derby Road, Beeston, on 19 December 2023 when it collided with and caused the death of a pedestrian.

The former officer pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving when he appeared at Derby Magistrates' Court on 29 January 2026 following an IOPC investigation.

On 12 February, at the same court, he was sentenced to a one-year community order with a  requirement to complete 180 hours of unpaid work.

The hearing was told the death of a member of the public and the ensuing criminal conviction would undermine public confidence in policing. 

Friday's gross misconduct hearing found that he had breached the standards of professional behaviour relating to discreditable conduct.

He would have been dismissed from the force had he not already resigned and will be placed on the police barred list.

Chief Constable Steve Cooper, who chaired the hearing, said:

"The panel took into account former PC Allcock's previous good service, and the very genuine remorse he has shown, in reaching its verdict.

"However, his actions that day had deeply tragic consequences and led to a conviction for causing death by careless driving.

"Any criminal conviction of a serving police officer is likely to amount to gross misconduct as it undermines the public's trust and confidence in policing."

Landmark restoration brings Gatehouse back to life

A landmark restoration project at the Worksop Priory Gatehouse has been celebrated with the Grade I listed building opening its doors again for the first time in 25 years.

The project has transformed the interior of the historic building, with new flooring, lime plaster repairs to the ceiling in the main hall, and upgraded electrics and plumbing. A new kitchen has also been installed just off the main hall, along with additional rooms to support storage and future use.

The works, which took around five months to complete, marks only the second major restoration in the building’s history and will see it brought back into use for the first time in 25 years.

The project was funded through Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Capital Fund, in partnership with Bassetlaw District Council’s Conservation Team.

The grand opening of the refurbishment project took place with members of Heritage Lincolnshire, councillors and Bassetlaw District Council’s Conservation Team in attendance.

Fran Walker, Chair of Worksop Priory and Gatehouse Community Trust, said:

“We are delighted to announce the grand opening of the Worksop Priory Gatehouse. Long recognised locally, regionally, nationally and even internationally, this remarkable building holds a special place in our shared heritage.

“The refurbishment marks a significant milestone, providing a unique opportunity to secure the Gatehouse’s future for generations to come. After centuries of history, it is wonderful to see the building enter a new chapter, with a much brighter future ahead for the next 700 years.

“I would also like to thank everyone who has worked so hard to bring this project to life. Their dedication, expertise and commitment have made this transformation possible.”

The building dates back to the 14th century, having served a range of purposes including a medieval walkthrough shrine and a school, and it survived the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century.

In 1998 it was added to the Heritage at Risk register, and in 2009 the Worksop Priory and Gatehouse Community Trust (WPGCT) was established to help preserve the site. More recently, the building has been used as an art gallery and a Citizens Advice Bureau.

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

“The refurbishment of Worksop Priory Gatehouse is a real milestone for our district. It’s about honouring our heritage while creating a space that the whole community can be proud of and enjoy for generations to come.

“I would particularly like to thank those people who gave their time to make sure that the restoration is first class. Projects like this bring people together, strengthen our sense of place, and show what we can achieve when we invest in the things that matter to many of our local residents.” 

The Worksop Priory and Gatehouse Community Trust consists of 10 voluntary directors dedicated to conserving and protecting local heritage. Its mission is to preserve, for the benefit of the people of Worksop, the nation and the Church, the natural, architectural and historic significance of the Priory and Gatehouse, together with its surrounding buildings and land.

To find out how to contribute, share stories or images, or get involved in future plans for the Gatehouse, contact info@wpgct.org.uk

Spiking scheme extended to cover World Cup

A project aimed at improving the response to spiking reports by increasing victims' accessibility to testing kits has been extended to cover the World Cup football tournament. 

Nottinghamshire Police are one of three forces taking part in a pilot project, named Project Alliance, which is being led by the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP).  

Police have stated that they are aware that spiking is underreported to the authorities, but still want victims to come forward for testing, even if they don’t want a criminal justice outcome.  

As part of this initiative, spiking victims can now access multi-drug urine testing kits which are available from specific local hospitals and health centres, not just from the police, giving them more options for support.  

The test will detect and identify known substances people may have been spiked with.  

To get one of these tests, victims must first report a spiking incident to Nottinghamshire Police online, using this link ocrnpf   

When an incident has been reported you will be given a crime reference number which you will need to provide in order to access a kit from one of our partner providers.  

Potential victims can find the closest venues stocking the new kits, and details of their opening hours, by clicking here Spiking | Nottinghamshire Police  

There is also information provided on how to use these testing kits which will be available during the pilot which was initially launched in March and has since been extended until 31 July 2026. 

Nottinghamshire Police have received 42 reports of spiking since the pilot project was launched. 

DCI Chris Berryman, Nottinghamshire Police’s spiking lead, said:

“The pilot has gone well from a police perspective. We want to make testing more accessible and remove some of the stigma of reporting crime. 

"We want victims to feel they are able to report incidents to us as well as making them more aware of spiking and the support available to them. 

“If you believe you have been spiked, please come forward and report it to us. The sooner it is reported, the better the chance we have of identifying offenders and stopping them from harming others. 

“You will be listened to and taken seriously. We’re here to support you and help you get the answers you need.” 

To help raise awareness of spiking, including how people can access tests during the pilot, Nottinghamshire Police engaged with members of the public in Nottingham with the aid of a digivan featuring video content as well as some key facts and advice.  

For more advice on spiking, including how to report incidents and where you can get medical help, support and advice, click on this link Report spiking | Nottinghamshire Police  

You should always call 999 in an emergency.  

Otherwise, potential spiking victims can report an incident by calling us on 101 or report online here ocrnpf

Our three interesting facts for today ....

Puma and Adidas were founded by two brothers who fell out and went into competition with each other

Alaska has 1000 earthquakes a month

The Porgs in Star Wars were devised to cover up the vast numbers of puffins that kept walking into shot

Win tickets to see Beyond Van Gogh or Beyond Monet

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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/ .

Ranskill Fire Update

Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service attended a large fire in #Ranskill where scrap cars and a crusher were alight from late afternoon / early evening on June 8, 2026.

Local residents were advised to keep their doors and windows shut, and asked that people avoid the area.

The Fire and Rescue Service advised that firefighting operations at the incident in Ranskill had concluded in the late evening of Monday June 8, 2026.

Crews remained on site throughout the evening and overnight to carry out regular re-inspections. Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have thanked the local community for their patience and support while they dealt with the incident.

£298m transport package promises better buses and safer streets across region

Nearly £300m of funding for transport improvements has been approved by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) Board today.  

The funding will transform travel across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire with new electric buses, upgraded bus stations and shelters, safer walking and cycling routes, and improved real-time travel information. 

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said: 

“I am committing a further £298m from my Mayoral Transport Fund to create the reliable, safe, and accessible transport network that our region needs. By improving key bus routes, upgrading bus stops and stations, and enhancing active travel networks, we’re helping communities to be better connected to jobs, training opportunities, and each other. 

“Transport is a key part of everyone’s daily lives, and for too long, our communities and businesses have had to contend with a transport network that was holding them back. By working with our partners across the region, we are building a network that works well as one system and supports the East Midlands to thrive.” 

Improving transport across the region 

The projects earmarked for funding include: 

Nottingham City 

• A new segregated cycle track along Wigman Road linking to Harvey Hadden Sports Village; 
• Improvements to bus services including new electric buses for Nottingham City Transport and Trent Barton, new bus shelters, and accessibility and safety upgrades; 
• Reducing passenger delays by improving busy bus routes including the A6002, Thane Road, and Meadows Way; 
• Pedestrian improvements to improve access to jobs, leisure, and transport hubs across the city. 

Nottinghamshire

• Upgrades to walking and cycling routes at the Lady Bay / Cyril Road and Mabel Grove junctions; 
• Improving key bus routes and junctions in Hucknall, Sutton, and the A60 at Baum’s Lane; 
• New transport hubs at Radcliffe-on-Trent, Cotgrave, Easte Leake, and Ollerton, as well as a new bus station in Sutton-in-Ashfield to improve waiting areas and active travel connections; 
• Installing 900 new real time displays, solar powered lighting at 500 shelters, and living roof installations to support local wildlife. 

Derby City

• Early design work for new walking and cycling routes, including the MickMack cycle route, Ashbourne Road / Prince Charles Avenue, the A38, and Station Road, Mickleover; 
• Upgrading 120 bus stops with new shelters, improving stops, and installing real-time information displays; 
• Improvements to Derby Bus Station to deliver a safer and more modern passenger experience. 

Derbyshire 

• Better connecting Derbyshire’s market towns; 
• Delivering five new transport hubs, including at Glossop, Clowne, and Ilkeston with improved waiting areas, accessibility enhancements, CCTV, and lighting upgrades; 
• Transforming active travel across the region by creating a high-quality route for walking, cycling, and wheeling as part of the Mayor’s Active Travel Loop; 
• A new active travel link from Balborough to Clowne Greenway; 
• Rolling out 700 new real-time information displays at bus stops, transport hubs, and key destinations, with a particular focus on Bolsover, Derbyshire Dales, High Peak, and South Derbyshire. 

Region-wide improvements will also include upgrades to bus stops and measures to tackle pinch points that slow down services. 

All the proposed investments will now be assessed further through EMCCA’s due diligence process. EMCCA will continue to develop the projects in partnership with local councils across the region to support long-term transport planning and inclusive growth. 

Building on previous funding commitments 

The funding agreed builds on £470m of investment into transport which was approved by Board members in March 2026 to deliver better buses, road repairs and safer cycle routes.  

The investment – the largest funding settlement ever secured for the region – aims to modernise the region’s transport network, support economic growth, and improve environmental sustainability, delivering lasting improvements across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire 

The settlement saw EMCCA board members recognise the “backlog of maintenance issues across our highways”, with a minimum of £120.9m approved for road maintenance and repairs across the region for each of the next three years – a 140 per cent uplift on maintenance investment in 2024/25.  

The funding, shared between the four local highways authorities across Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, will ensure smoother journeys, safer roads and more reliable travel for residents and businesses alike. Regular repairs and upgrades will also make the region’s transport network more resilient to heavy use, extreme weather and future demand. 

The East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA for short), is chaired by the Mayor of the East Midlands and brings together local council leaders, businesses and communities with one shared mission: To unlock opportunity, improve lives, and build a stronger, greener, and fairer East Midlands.

Cyber Security Training for parents, carers and school staff 

Nottinghamshire Police are inviting everyone to join them for a FREE online Cyber Security Webinar, delivered in partnership with the East Midlands Special Operations Unit.

This session is designed to give parents, carers and school staff the knowledge and confidence to better protect children online.

The session will cover simple but effective steps you can take, including online and device security, privacy settings, parental controls and understanding current cyber threats.

Hosted alongside Nottinghamshire County Council and Nottingham City Council, this free session is open to anyone supporting young people using devices.Join the next session this evening (Tuesday June 9, 2026) at 6pm

Sign up here: https://orlo.uk/vsBup .

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 V.

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

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Have a great day and I look forward to seeing you read our next newsletter.

Justin Doddy, Editor

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