Sadie the Police Sniffer Dog, Independent Living Makeover, From Homelessness to Hope & More.
Happy Friday readers, the weekend is in sight !
I hope you have something nice planned for the weekend but until then .... grab a brew and a bourbon and have a read of today's newsletter covering all things Bassetlaw and surrounding areas.
Today's Quote of the Day -“It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.” ― Andre Gide
Enjoy the read and have a great weekend wherever you are reading this.
Justin Doddy, Editor
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Appeal for witnesses after A1 crash
Officers investigating a serious crash on the A1 are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Police were called to the A1 southbound at the junction with the Great North Road near Fernwood shortly after 5pm on Sunday, 16 August after a crash involving two cars and a van.
Two people who were initially trapped in a car were taken to hospital with serious injuries.
Four other people, two of whom were in the van and two who were in another car, walked away from the collision uninjured. Another person in this car, a pregnant woman, was also taken to hospital as a precaution.
Officers investigating the crash are now appealing for anyone who may have seen what happened, or who may have dash-cam or mobile phone footage, to come forward without delay.
No arrests have been made at this stage and the road later reopened around 11.15pm.
Inspector Matt Ward, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
"This incident happened in the late afternoon on a busy road, and it is likely to have been witnessed by several people.
"If you have not already done so, please come forward with any information or footage of crash, no matter how insignificant you may think it is.
"I would also like to express my thanks to the public for their patience during this incident.
"We understand that being stuck at standstill for almost six hours is a significant inconvenience.
"Officers were working as quickly as possible to treat the injured, carry out investigation work and to clear the carriageway, including a large oil spill, before we could get everyone moving again on their journey."
Anyone with information or footage should call 101 quoting incident number 441 of 16 August.
Fancy Driving a Bus for a Living?
Nottinghamshire job seekers have the chance to get behind the wheel and experience bus driving for themselves at Stagecoach East Midlands' upcoming Recruitment Day! 🚍
On Saturday 29th August, Stagecoach East Midlands will be welcoming local people aged 18+ with a full driving licence to its Mansfield depot at Millennium Business Park.
Attendees can:
✅ Test their skills on a state-of-the-art Bus Simulator
✅ Explore a training bus
✅ Take part in a supervised driving exercise in a real bus
✅ Meet the team and learn more about becoming a Bus Driver
✅ Find out about opportunities in Driving, Engineering, Cleaning and Support roles
Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said:
“We know that a lot of people are interested into getting into driving a bus, and the simulator and experience will give them the opportunity to understand what it feels like to drive a bus on the road.
“If you are someone who takes pride in offering outstanding service to customers, then you could certainly be the right person for us. If you have an ethic of working hard to get the job done, then we want to hear from you.
“We thoroughly believe that we are one team – we are stronger together – so we offer training and support in a welcoming environment. We put a real emphasis on the mental health of our colleagues and have Health & Wellbeing Champions throughout our operations – as we say, ‘we’ve got you’. If this sounds like your kind of place to work, then come to our Recruitment Day or find out more at Stagecoach Careers.”
To attend, please bring:
📋 Driving licence check code
📋 Proof of National Insurance number
📋 Passport or full birth certificate
📋 Right to work check code (if applicable)
Content courtesy of Stagecoach Group
Experienced sniffer dog now operational with new handler
Officers searching for vital evidence will have an experienced nose at their disposal – a freshly qualified Labrador.
PD Sadie first joined Nottinghamshire Police in 2021 and has now completed her five weeks of specialist search training with a new handler.
The six-year-old fox red Labrador has been trained to sniff out drugs, cash, firearms, and ammunition at crime scenes.
She will be the first specialist search animal for experienced handler PC Sam Hawker, alongside his general-purpose dog PD Tuco.
The energetic Labrador was put through her paces in a series of search scenarios on 13 August, overseen by an external examiner.
PD Sadie successfully detected samples in dense woodland, inside buildings, and in and around a parked car.
The force utilises two types of police dogs: general-purpose animals adept at chasing and searching, and specialist search dogs, who can sniff out concealed drugs and other forensic evidence.
PC Dean Allen, an expert police dog trainer at Nottinghamshire Police, said:
"A dog's sense of smell is thousands of times more sensitive than our own and can be trained to detect a remarkable range of items.
"Everyday objects such as cash and prescription drugs each carry their own distinct scent, even when it is undetectable to people.
"PD Sadie has been an exemplary sniffer dog throughout her years of service, helping to uncover vital evidence at crime scenes and supporting countless policing operations.
"As she begins this next chapter with a new handler, she still has many valuable years ahead of her.
"Police dogs are a fundamental part of policing, providing a unique skill set that simply cannot be replicated by people or technology.
"Their contribution continues to play a crucial role in helping us protect communities and bring offenders to justice."
Content courtesy of Nottinghamshire Police.
Retford’s Independent Living Centre getting a makeover
Work to transform Conway Gardens, an Independent Living Centre in Retford owned by Bassetlaw District Council, is getting underway.
Contractors, the Gelder Group, are modernising the building inside and out, creating 36 bright, modern and welcoming apartments.
Tenants will benefit from new bathrooms, kitchens and communal areas whilst energy efficiency measures such as solar panels and external wall insulation will also be installed.
Cllr Lynne Schuller, Cabinet Member for Housing and Estates, said:
“I am pleased work is starting at Conway Gardens as we continue to invest in our Independent Living Centres.
“These improvements will help residents live independently in a safe, welcoming community, while giving them modern homes that better meet their needs. I look forward to seeing them return once the work is complete.”
Bassetlaw council’s Independent Living Centres are a collection of self-contained apartments and flats that specifically cater for older residents who wish to live in a community setting.
CEO Steve Gelder, MBE FCGI said
"We are delighted to be working with Bassetlaw District Council on the Conway Gardens development, delivering 36 new assisted-living apartments that will provide much-needed, high-quality homes for the local community.
“Projects of this nature require not only construction expertise, but a real understanding of the people and community around the development. Our Site Manager, Craig Elston, brings a huge amount of experience in delivering this type of scheme and understands the importance of managing the build with consideration and sensitivity for residents and neighbours.
“We are looking forward to getting started and working closely with Bassetlaw District Council to deliver a development that everyone involved can be proud of.”
Conway Gardens is the latest of the Council’s Independent Living Centres to undergo refurbishment across the district. Work has already been completed at Westmorland House in Harworth and Bircotes and Larwood House in Worksop and future plans to complete Swallow Court in Misterton.
For further information or support, residents can contact the Housing Registration Team at housing.registration@bassetlaw.gov.uk.
Content courtesy of Bassetlaw District Council.
Appeal after overnight Newark shop break-in
An investigation is underway after a Newark shop was broken into overnight.
Police attended Morrisons, in King's Road, after hearing a burglary had just taken place.
This happened around 1.30am today (20 August), with intruders smashing a glass window with a drain cover.
A charity tin, fragrances, vapes and cleaning products were all reportedly then taken from the store during the incident.
Police at this stage believe two men may have been involved in the break-in and are now launching an appeal to the public for any further information.
Inspector Dale Smith, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
"Due to the time when this took place, there may not have been too many witnesses, but if you did see anything, it's important you share this with us.
"Likewise, we want to hear from anyone who may have inadvertently recorded footage – whether through CCTV, doorbell, dash-cam, or mobile – that could assist our investigation."
The police can be contacted directly on 101, quoting incident 28 of 20 August 2026, while information can be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
PCC helps fund Notts man’s journey from homelessness to hope
A Nottingham man who spent more than a decade trapped in a cycle of homelessness, substance use and prison says he has finally found hope thanks to a pioneering recovery programme predominantly funded by Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden.
PCC Godden recently met Duik, who is 38 and from Nottingham, at the Nottingham Wellbeing Hub to hear first-hand how Open2Recovery, alongside the Clean Slate programme, has helped him begin breaking a cycle of substance use and offending that had dominated much of his adult life.
The PCC’s Office provides a large amount of funding for Open2Recovery, alongside donations from a wide range of retailers, suppliers and other agencies which are vital to support the delivery of the scheme. The investment supports the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan commitment to prevent crime and reduce reoffending by addressing underlying issues such as substance use, homelessness and poor mental health.
For more than a decade, Duik experienced homelessness, chronic substance use and repeated prison sentences. More than thirty treatment episodes were recorded, but a familiar pattern would emerge: Duik would engage with services following his release from custody before returning to substance use, disengaging from treatment and ultimately finding himself back in the criminal justice system.
A significant change came after his referral to Open2Recovery, a partnership pathway which helps people experiencing repeated cycles of substance use and offending access support that meets their individual needs. Whether residential rehabilitation or community treatment, Open2Recovery creates bespoke pathways that support longer-term recovery.
PCC Godden said:
“When people think about tackling crime, they often think about arrests, investigations and prosecutions. Those things are absolutely vital, but preventing crime is just as important.
“One of my key priorities is reducing reoffending by addressing the issues that so often sit behind criminal behaviour. Addiction, homelessness, poor mental health and trauma can all play a part in bringing people into contact with the criminal justice system, and unless we tackle those root causes, the cycle simply continues.
“That’s why I’m proud that my office provides the majority of funding for Open2Recovery, alongside support from businesses that recognise the impact repeat offending can have on their staff, customers and communities.
“Duik’s story demonstrates exactly why that investment matters. Recovery isn’t always a straight line, but helping somebody move away from addiction and offending can mean fewer crimes, fewer victims and less pressure on our criminal justice system.”
Duik, who previously worked in a local Pizza Factory, said:
“Open2Recovery have never given up on me. They’ve always been there when I need support, do what they say they’ll do, and keep me informed every step of the way.
"When I was released from prison, they met me at the gates and took me straight to rehabilitation, making sure I had everything I needed to get started. Even when I've faced setbacks and relapsed, they never turned their backs on me.
"Thanks to their support, I’ve rebuilt relationships with my family, become involved in helping others, and have a much more positive future ahead of me."
Police Constable Joanna Baxter, Business Crime Officer at Nottinghamshire Police added:
"Open2Recovery uniquely brings together policing and partner agencies to provide a wrap-around support pathway for people trapped in a cycle of offending and substance use.
"By tackling the root causes of crime, it reduces reoffending, improves community safety and helps individuals start thriving rather than simply surviving."
The impact extended beyond his recovery from drugs. Duik began rebuilding his relationship with his daughter and wider family, volunteered during rehabilitation and used his own experiences to support others preparing to begin their recovery journeys. He went on to receive two awards recognising his positive contribution to Open2Recovery services.
Since his latest release, Duik has again made significant progress. He is engaging with probation, Clean Slate, mental health services and Open2Recovery, proactively asking for help when experiencing cravings and preparing for another residential rehabilitation placement.
Open2Recovery works alongside Clean Slate team at Nottingham Recovery Network, which supports people whose substance use is connected to their involvement with the criminal justice system. Clean Slate provides treatment and recovery planning alongside support with health, housing, mental wellbeing, education and employment, recognising that these issues are often closely interconnected with offending.
Both form part of a wider partnership approach which brings policing, probation, health, treatment providers and other organisations together to tackle the causes of repeat offending rather than simply dealing with its consequences.
Funding from the PCC supports targeted criminal justice pathways designed to get people into treatment, reduce reoffending and improve community safety. For retailers supporting Open2Recovery, it also provides an opportunity to invest directly in tackling some of the underlying causes of crimes which can significantly affect businesses and their employees.
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
