State of the Art Drones, A46 Bypass Work Doubts, Engineers of the Future & More

Happy Tuesday everyone and a massive welcome to all our new subscribers. I really hope you enjoy the daily read as subscribers now receive 7 - YES SEVEN FREE newsletters every week.

We have also created some special interest groups as requested and the first one 'Bassetlaw Yesterday', for the history and nostalgia readers, has arrived 👉 https://www.facebook.com/groups/1912785046097884

Its time to grab a brew, open the shortbread, put the phone on silent and kick back for 10.

Todays thought for the day ... "Positive anything is better than negative nothing." –From The Road to Success is Always Under Construction

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: Doubt cast over future of A46 Newark bypass improvements

By: Joe Locker, LDRS

Doubt has been cast over the delivery of a key bypass improvement scheme in Nottinghamshire after the cancellation of a construction contract.

At the end of April, officials said they had hoped work on the long-awaited improvements to the regularly congested A46 bypass in Newark could begin in the next five years.

In October 2025, the Government approved the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the scheme, meaning planning permission had been secured for the contractor to move forward with construction works.

The road is regarded as a crucial trade corridor through the East Midlands and connects the M1 and Leicester to the A1 and central Lincolnshire.

While no official date had been given for the start of works to improve the bypass, a Government document published just weeks ago said it will be completed in its next roads investment period, which runs from 2026 to 2031.

Swedish construction and development company, Skanska, had been working with National Highways on the project through its development stage.

National Highways announced it had selected the company to design – and build – the new bypass back in 2022.

However, in a statement published on Monday (June 29), the firm said:

“Skanska has received a cancellation of the contract from National Highways to deliver the upgrade of a 6.6 kilometre stretch of the A46 Newark bypass in the Midlands region, UK.

“The cancellation, worth GBP 297M, about SEK 3.7 billion, will reduce the European order bookings in the second quarter of 2026.”

Approached by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), a National Highways spokesperson only spoke to say:

“We thank Skanska for their valuable contribution in progressing the project and continue to work with them on other schemes currently in construction.”

It is understood the next step for National Highways is to procure the main construction works, and there has been no mention of the scheme being shelved.

National Highways has been proposing to improve congestion on the A46 Newark Bypass by widening 6.5km of the single carriageway.

Under the plans, it would become a dual carriageway, providing two lanes in each direction between Farndon and Winthorpe roundabouts near Newark-on-Trent.

A new flyover would be built at the Cattle Market roundabout for the A46 to pass over the junction, while a new bridge would also be constructed over the A1.

It is considered one of nine “nationally significant” projects in the county.

Cllr Jack Kellas, the leader of the Conservative Group and of the council’s opposition, told the LDRS: “It is concerning to hear that National Highways have cancelled its contract with Skanska for Newark’s A46 dualling.

“Local Conservatives have driven this project for years and have consistently fought to improve the lives of local people through this most important scheme, despite the out of touch opposition presented by local labour and independent campaigners.”

Councillor Paul Peacock, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council said:

“It’s still an emerging picture and we’ll work with partners accordingly on the basis that the project remains within the National Road Investment Strategy to commence within the period 2026-2031.”

In April 27, a new link road connecting the A46 to the A1 opened amid the continued development of more than 3,000 homes on the Middlebeck estate.

Good news for Bassetlaw's farming community as Tesco extends Future Farmer Programme

There is welcome news for Bassetlaw's rural community after Tesco announced it is extending its Future Farmer Programme for a further three years, continuing its partnership with Harper Adams University's School of Sustainable Food and Farming.

With Bassetlaw spanning approximately 638 square kilometres and around 96% of the district classified as rural, agriculture remains at the heart of the local economy. Initiatives that support the next generation of farmers are therefore especially important for the district's long-term prosperity.

The programme, backed by England's largest supermarket chain, which has a store on Gateford Road in Worksop, has already helped more than 200 young farmers develop the skills needed to build sustainable and resilient farming businesses.

Participants gain hands-on knowledge of every stage of the food supply chain, from farm to supermarket shelf, while learning about sustainability, productivity, innovation and long-term business resilience.

The extension forms part of Tesco's ongoing commitment to strengthening British agriculture and supporting the future of sustainable food production.

The Grocery Gazette has reported that Natalie Smith, Tesco's Head of Sustainable Agriculture and Fisheries, said:

"We are really proud to continue our support for young British farmers through our Future Farmer Programme.

"As British agriculture's biggest customer, we know how important it is to invest in the people who will shape the future of farming.

"Supporting young farmers to build skills in sustainability, innovation and resilience is vital if we are to maintain a strong British food supply chain for generations to come."

Applications for the 2026/27 Future Farmer Programme are now open until 31 July, with farmers aged under 40 encouraged to apply.

For a district like Bassetlaw, where farming and the countryside play such a significant role in local life, the continued investment in developing future agricultural leaders is positive news for rural communities, local businesses and the long-term future of British food production.

E-scooter reminder after drink-drive arrest

Riding an e-scooter whilst under the influence of alcohol is every bit as serious as drinking and driving in a car.

That's the warning from Nottinghamshire Police after a young man was pulled over and breathalysed after he was spotted swerving from side to side on the road.

The rider also had two traffic cones placed on the rental vehicle when he was pulled over shortly after 4.45am on Sunday 21 June.

A 20-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of driving whilst unfit through drink.

Detective Inspector Jamie Moore, head of roads policing at Nottinghamshire Police, said:

"Rental e-scooters are classed as powered transporters by law, which means that riders have to follow the rules of the road.

"As this young man has just found out to his cost, the consequences for drink-driving on an e-scooter are exactly the same as they are when driving a car or riding a motorcycle.

"That means a day in court, a fine and a driving ban.

"We know that these devices are often used by people returning home from a night out, so it is important they are aware of the potential consequences if they are found to be over the limit."

Nottinghamshire Police is currently carrying out heightened drink-drive activity as part of a summer campaign to reduce deaths and serious injuries on the roads.

Rental e-scooters

You can rent e-scooters in some parts of the UK through e-scooter rental trials.

Where a rental trial scheme is running, rental e-scooters can be used on public roads, some cycle lanes, and other public spaces. But you must follow the relevant road traffic laws. If you don’t, you could face prosecution.

To use a rental e-scooter in an approved area you must:

• hold the correct driving licence (find out about driving licence categories)
• have insurance (the rental companies provide this when you hire from them)
• meet the minimum age limit (this can vary depending on the rental company, so please check with them)

When riding an e-scooter, you should always keep to the speed limit. We also always recommend wearing safety protection such as a helmet.

Our three interesting facts for today ....

Robert Louis Stevenson wrote Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in Bournemouth

'Widdershins' is another word for 'anti-clockwise'

Palm trees don't have rings

Mayor of the East Midlands reacts to Andy Burnham's Policy Speech

The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, has released the following statement in response to Andy Burnham's policy speech today, Monday 29 June.

Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said:

“The East Midlands is part of the UK’s future, and it is right that Andy Burnham – who has spent a decade leading one of our most successful regions – is giving us the power, the trust, and the resources to put things right.

“This matters. Too often, people feel that politics happens somewhere else, indifferent to what they want and cutting across the things that matter to them. But as Mayor, I know that the only politics that works is one that is grounded in place, shaped by local people, and delivered by every part of our society and economy.

“This is a moment that has deep roots. The UK has been on a journey, these past 10 years. We have faced some huge challenges – the impact of leaving the EU, the Covid-19 pandemic, and an ongoing cost of living crisis driven by global conflict.

But we have also been on a devolution journey – with successive administrations creating more regional Mayors and giving their regions the space and resources to have a vision for themselves that is greater than receiving handouts from London.

“We are ready to make this work.”

Police Force takes delivery of new and enhanced drones

Two new police drones that can fly for longer and see further than ever before have taken to the skies of Nottinghamshire.

The state-of the-art aircraft, which also feature live mapping overlays, smart AI object detection and enhanced collision avoidance, have been added to the fleet to replace another unit.

Drone operators also have the option of a 400x camera zoom, an enhanced spotlight and a loudspeaker for conveying messages over long distances.

The force's 14 volunteer drone pilots carried out familiarisation training on the devices at Hucknall Airfield last week.

The new units are now operational and have the ability to live stream footage back to the control room from anywhere in the county.

Sergeant Vince Saunders, Chief Drone Pilot at Nottinghamshire Police, said:

"This new units offers significant improvements to all our existing capabilities.

"Taken together these features will make it easier for pilots to deliver the kind of exceptional results they have become known for.

"From saving lives by finding vulnerable missing people to tracking down dangerous criminals on the ground, the cutting-edge capabilities they will help to deliver the kind of results the public expect in all different weathers."

The Drone Team

The drone team, founded in 2020, operates a fleet of drones – consisting of two heavy-duty main drones and several smaller aircraft.

Deployments are either spontaneous or pre-planned to support ongoing operations.

Typical flights are used to track suspects, locate missing people, gather vital evidence, and support officers on the ground during pre-planned operations like drug warrants.

Highlights over the last year include

• The arrest of an 18-year-old man on suspicion of theft offences after a stolen moped was tracked by a drone operator to an address in Netherfield.
• A vulnerable missing man found in the dark near King’s Mill Hospital.
• The arrest of a wanted man who was filmed climbing through windows in a failed bid to escape. Drone operators confirmed he had entered a property and had not come out. He was later found hiding in the loft.
• The recovery of a stolen e-bike after its rider was filmed from the air riding through Hucknall.
• The location of a domestic abuse suspect wanted for a violent assault against a woman.
• The arrest of a dangerous driver who hopped over multiple garden hedges and out of sight of officers on the ground. Sadly for him, he couldn’t avoid the all-seeing eye in the sky.
• Another domestic abuse suspect who was given away by the single foot our operator could see protruding from the bush he was hiding in.

Engineering careers are for everyone – and that's a message that could inspire young people across Bassetlaw.

With Bassetlaw home to a proud engineering and manufacturing heritage, there's never been a better time to encourage more women to consider careers in the transport industry.

To mark International Women in Engineering Day, Stagecoach East Midlands has celebrated three inspiring women who are proving that engineering is no longer a male-dominated profession.

Karen Hubbard, Engineering Administration Clerk, has a simple message for anyone thinking about a career in engineering:

"Go for it! Everyone I have met are unbelievably supportive of each other and there are great working relationships."

She added:"As someone who has worked in retail and marketing, where women are in the majority, there is definitely more of an opportunity to stand out in Engineering, not to mention learning skills that will be much more practical to have for your life outside of work too."

Fellow Engineering Administration Clerk Adele Wilkinson is equally passionate about encouraging others to take the leap.

"My advice for other woman or girls considering a role in Engineering would be to just go for it and do not let anyone tell you that you can't. Be proud to be a woman in Engineering!"

Meanwhile, apprentice Ellie Hunt is developing her skills through Stagecoach's successful Trade-Up scheme.

She said:

"I feel the Trade-Up scheme and apprenticeship, run by Stagecoach, is a brilliant idea. The hands-on experience is fantastic. The level of experience from the other Engineers is amazing - they are all willing to share their knowledge to help me through my apprenticeship. The college side of the apprenticeship works well and is a mixture of theory and practical tasks."

With engineering, manufacturing and transport continuing to play a vital role across Bassetlaw's economy, stories like these highlight the exciting opportunities available for local people looking to build rewarding careers.

Apprenticeship and career opportunities with Stagecoach are available via their careers website.

Morrisons Invests in AI as £940 Million Savings Reinvested into Stores

Shoppers across Bassetlaw, where Morrisons has a strong presence serving communities including Worksop and Retford, could benefit from the supermarket's continued investment after the retailer revealed its use of AI, automation and data technology has helped deliver £940 million in savings over the past three years.

Rather than investing in artificial intelligence for its own sake, Morrisons says it has focused on practical innovations that improve efficiency while maintaining customer service.

Chief Executive Rami Baitiéh said:

"Many businesses are investing heavily in AI but often without a clear, genuine outcome."

He added:

"By empowering our teams with the right directions and knowledge while funding practical, grassroots ideas, we've unlocked massive value."

Mr Baitiéh said the retailer's "tech-driven vision" had "materially contributed to the delivery of £940m over the last three years, all without compromising our customer experience."

The savings are now being reinvested into Morrisons' future, including improvements to its stores and digital services.

He added:

"My goal is to make Morrisons stores as easy to navigate and clear to understand as our digital website."

The retailer says improving stock availability, offering competitive prices and making shopping easier both in-store and online will remain key priorities as it continues its transformation.

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

P.S. Your feedback about this newsletter is important to me. You can email me your feedback to news@bassettlawtoday.co.uk