Tuesday Edition - Drones Deployed, Pikachu Fights Back, Cake Shed Review by Council & More
Today's edition covers all things Bassetlaw including the latest on the Cake Shed dispute and of course - your daily puzzle fix.
Todays thought for the day ... “Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.” - Les Brown
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 here if you haven't already and remember to send us your pictures from around Bassetlaw, we may feature it on our newsletter.
Shoezone is having a tough time right now
The retailer has seen sales drop 12% to £62.9m, with both store and online revenue falling. Losses have more than doubled to £5.3m as weak consumer confidence, rising costs and global instability continue to bite.
Shoezone, with a store at Ryton Street, Worksop has closed more stores than it opened this period and has now downgraded its full‑year outlook, expecting a loss instead of the profit it previously hoped for.
Chairman Charles Smith says lower footfall and tighter household budgets are hitting trade hard — and challenges like higher transport costs linked to Middle East conflict are set to continue.
A difficult chapter for one of the UK’s well‑known footwear chains.
Good news as Bassetlaw District Council issue update on Cake Sheds & Cupboards in Bassetlaw
Bassetlaw District Council has reconsidered its current approach to the licensing of ‘Cake Sheds and Cupboards’ following feedback from residents across the district.
The Council has now paused enforcement of its Street Trader Policy where it specifically relates to ‘Cake Sheds and Cupboards’ while the Licensing Committee can consider the wider implications of the policy on potential traders and members of the public.
The Street Trader Licence remains in force for all other forms of Street Trading across the district, for example, businesses who trade from static or multiple locations and market traders.
This means that residents who trade using ‘Cake Sheds and Cupboards’ on their own land will be able to continue to do so without a licence until further notice.
Cllr June Evans, Cabinet Member for Governance, which includes Legal and Licensing, said:
“We have seen the public reaction to the introduction of this policy and the impact that it could potentially have on residents who provide ‘cake sheds or cupboards’. We also recognise the community benefit these enterprises can have in some areas.
“Having considered our current approach, we have decided to pause all enforcement action that relates specifically to ‘cake sheds and cupboards’ while this part of the Street Trader Policy can be reviewed by our Licensing Committee, including any fees and charges.
“The Street Trader Policy still remains in place as it guides and licenses other forms of street trading throughout the district. We will also continue to monitor the situation, especially where we receive complaints from members of the public that relate specifically to ‘cake sheds and cupboards’, and where there could be serious concerns raised around their impact on other members of a community, food safety and hygiene, and issues including electrical, gas or fire risks.
“A report is being prepared for our Licensing Committee to consider at the beginning of June, and we will provide a further update as this matter progresses.”
While councillors review the impacts of the Street Trader Licence, our Licensing Team will still be on hand to provide advice and guidance on the policy, respond to complaints, and act where they are alerted to any serious concerns relating to Food Hygiene and Safety, electrical, gas or fire safety or if there are any complaints made regarding nuisance or safeguarding.
The selling of eggs, vegetables, or cut flowers are not considered to be part of the policy because they could be deemed to be surplus goods that can arise from normal domestic life.
Innovative technology to protect rural communities
Nottinghamshire has become the first county in the UK to enable volunteers to deploy drones as part of efforts to tackle rural crime and protect local communities.
As part of Rural Watch, an initiative which aims to prevent and reduce the fear of crime and promote effective communication, the volunteers are now equipped with the state-of-the-art technology to support their work on the ground.
The significant step forward reflects an ongoing commitment to strengthening community safety and improving how rural areas are monitored and protected.
Designed to detect and deter crimes such as theft, poaching, illegal off-road activity, and fly-tipping, Rural Watch empowers local residents to work alongside police in maintaining safety and reassurance in rural communities.
The community-led scheme also aims to increase feelings of safety by encouraging visibility, vigilance, and a shared sense of responsibility.
The scheme was created in partnership with the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Nottinghamshire, Nottinghamshire Police, Bassetlaw District Council and Newark and Sherwood District Council.
Grants from the OPCC’s Safer4All fund were shared between the two local authorities, with £20,000 used to purchase crime prevention products.
This includes approved video recording tools such as the drones, as well as wildlife cameras or night vision devices.
The resources are available to support volunteers and help communities feel more confident and engaged in local safety efforts, fostering a stronger sense of ownership and resilience.
Any footage collected must be submitted to a Neighbourhood Police Officer and may be used as evidence where appropriate.
Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner Gary Godden, who saw the drones in action recently, said: “This is a new way of policing rural areas which we know can sometimes be difficult to manage.
“The drones are a great asset to have and they enable our local volunteers to add to the knowledge they have of rural areas.
“I’m very committed to making sure that our rural communities feel safe, secure and able to work and enjoy the beauty countryside in Nottinghamshire, and that is why I’m investing money into drone technology to clamp down on the challenges we have.
“This sends a clear message to all of the individuals committing crime in rural communities – we take this extremely seriously and will put resource and technology into making sure they are brought to justice.”
Rural Watch volunteers conduct patrols in groups of at least two, wearing high-visibility jackets that clearly identify them as members of the scheme. While volunteers do not have police powers, their visible presence alone helps to deter criminal and anti-social behaviour and fosters a sense of community spirit and solidarity.
It is open to volunteers aged 18 to 79, who must agree to a Police National Computer (PNC) check, maintain a current Notts Alerts account, complete training, and acknowledge the scheme’s terms of reference.
Clive Collings, Nottinghamshire Police’s Rural and Wildlife Crime Lead, and Chief Inspector for Neighbourhoods in Bassetlaw and Newark and Sherwood, said: “Having the drones available for our rural watch volunteers to use will help tackle not only off-road bikes, but also rural crime more generally.
“The equipment is top of the range and has thermal imaging to track individuals to and from different areas and will help to tackle the scourge we’ve seen recently.
“Two-thirds of Nottinghamshire is rural and that is why we are the first force in the country to provide drones to our volunteers to help them capture footage that we can act on.
“The message is clear to those committing crime in rural areas, we are coming for you, and we will find you.”
A local landowner said: “It’s really reassuring to see these measures being put in place within our communities.
“It is easy to feel isolated when crimes are being committed but schemes like Rural Watch show that the police are taking things seriously and taking strides to support us.
“Hopefully the new technology deters those thinking of coming onto our land and causing issues, and in turn make the rural community feel safer.”
Residents interested in volunteering or learning more about Rural Watch are encouraged to email ruralcrime@notts.police.uk.
Pokemon (Thieves) You Gotta Catch Em All
Newark officers caught a Pokémon card thief and put him before the courts this week.
Benjamin Young admitted to multiple offences on Thursday (7 May) – a day after being arrested.
These included a break-in where Young helped himself to stacks of gaming cards from a restaurant.
He smashed a glass cabinet during the Newark burglary, before taking the Pokémon and Dragon Ball cards inside.
Young also stole electrical products, food and drink from the Paxtons Court-based business, during the 5 April break-in.
His decision to do what he did – breaking a window in the process – left the restaurant owners more than £2,000 out of pocket.
Young’s thieving wasn’t an isolated incident though, with the 47-year-old responsible for 10 shop thefts from March to May too.
All these offences took place across the Newark area, with one of the thefts happening on 5 April – the same day as the burglary.
Seven shops were targeted by Young in total, with the thief stealing a mixture of alcohol, food, washing up products and clothes.
Young had already been charged and bailed for the first five thefts but decided not to attend court as directed back on 10 April.
With his face already known to Newark officers, police then linked Young to his further offences and arrested him again on Wednesday (6 May).
He faced the music this time, attending Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, where he pleaded guilty to the burglary and ten counts of shop theft.
Young, of Barrows Gate, Newark, was duly remanded into custody, where he will remain until he’s sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on 28 May.
Inspector Charlotte Ellam, District Commander for Newark and Sherwood, said:
“This isn’t the first time Benjamin Young has found himself in trouble for stealing in our town.
“He’s a prolific thief, responsible for numerous shop thefts, who clearly thinks the laws don’t apply to him.
“Young targeted seven shops during this spree, while he also left a restaurant more than £2,000 out of pocket, when he decided to burgle the business.
“This type of behaviour will never be acceptable, and we will always look to do everything in our powers to put offenders – like Young – before the courts.”
Our three interesting facts for today ....
Pheasants are more likely to be run over than any other birds
The first advert on Channel 5 was for ..........Chanel No.5
Mosquitos are responsible for half the deaths in human history
UK Terror Threat Level Raised to SEVERE
This means an attack is considered highly likely and Nottinghamshire Police have updated everyone on we all know what to do — just in case.
While there is no specific threat to Nottinghamshire, staying aware (not alarmed) helps keep everyone safe.
In an emergency involving firearms or weapons, remember RUN • HIDE • TELL:
RUN – If it’s safe to do so, get away fast
HIDE – If you can’t run, find cover and stay quiet
TELL – Call 999 when it’s safe
Police local teams continue working to protect our communities.
Please share this with friends and family — awareness saves lives.
Further information available on https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/
Call out for volunteers – ambassadors, fundraising events, café support with Bassetlaw Foodbank
Bassetlaw Foodbank are looking for a team of volunteers to be ambassadors and fundraisers for the Foodbank.
Volunteers will spread the word on what the foodbank does, how it helps locals and how, in turn, people can help the foodbank.
If you’re someone that enjoys engaging with people, sharing impactful stories, connecting people to a cause and having fun then you could be the perfect candidate to fit this role.
In this role you will:
Help at fundraising events such as Retford Charter Day, our annual Family Fun Day and Hive Cafe events
Attend donation drives at supermarkets and encourage shoppers to donate
Give talks to community groups and businesses to raise awareness of what we do and how people can support
This is a great opportunity to support a small charity, meet a variety of people, and use your charisma to make a difference.
And if you’re thinking “What is the time commitment?”… The most important element is that the time you gift must work for you and your lifestyle. So, whether that’s two hours a week or two hours a month, that’s fine by the foodbank.
All we require is honestly regarding how much time you’d like to give and a guaranteed commitment to the events you’ve agreed to attend.
But, if being an ambassador doesn’t take your fancy, then how about becoming a Hive Cafe team member? Over the last few months Hive Cafe has become busier, meaning that a team of friendly and helpful people is being built to give our customers the best experience possible. Volunteers assist the cafe cook by preparing meals, greeting and serving customers, attending cafe events such as afternoon teas and keeping the cafe running smoothly.
This role is a great way to:
Build confidence
Grow your hospitality skills and experience
Meet people from varied walks of life
Help BFB raise funds
If you are interested in either the Ambassador or Cafe Assistant volunteer positions, please email admin@bassetlawfoodbank.org or call 01909 473078 to learn more.
Did you know fire safety rules for high‑rise buildings have changed?
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service have advised that new national regulations are now in place to better protect vulnerable residents living in high‑rise buildings.
They further advise that a key part of these changes is the introduction of Residential Personal Emergency Evacuation Plans (RPEEPs). These plans help ensure people who may find it difficult to evacuate during an emergency have the right support in place
Building owners and managers across Nottinghamshire are encouraged to understand their new responsibilities — and to get in touch if they need advice or support.
Find out more at https://www.notts-fire.gov.uk/.../new-safety-regulations.../
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 I.
Our last panagram was JAILBREAK. 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
Bassetlaw Today
P.S. Your feedback about this newsletter is important to me. You can email me your feedback to news@bassettlawtoday.co.uk
