Unhappy Politicians, Happy Bus Team, The Great Cheese Riot & More
Good morning readers, its Wednesday already and we have another full newsletter for you today, it's that time again - grab a cuppa and dig out the rich tea.
Our Wednesday newsletter includes content from an unhappy East Midlands Mayor and an equally unhappy Head of Nottinghamshire Council on Nottinghamshire's roads paying for PM Starmer's defence spending.
Todays thought for the day ... "Don’t cry because it is over. Smile because it happened." –Dr. Suess
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 our newsletter to anyone that you think may be interested in 100% FREE local news without an advert to be seen.
Mayor calls proposed cancellation of A46 and A38 investment "completely unacceptable"
The Mayor of the East Midlands has issued the following statement today, following the announcement by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer that some roads and energy capital projects will "no longer go ahead as planned", to fund the Defence Investment Plan.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said:
“The proposal to remove investment from two road schemes in the East Midlands – into the A46 and A38 – is completely unacceptable to me.“I was informed of this decision as the Prime Minister was delivering his speech on the Defence Investment Plan. If Mayors and their regions are to be seen as respected partners of government, we need to be treated like grown-ups and involved in trade-offs which affect our regions.“The trade-offs here are ones I understand. I understand that increasing investment into defence means removing it from other things. I understand that everywhere will need to contribute so that we can be safe in a less certain world.
What I cannot understand is why the only region being asked to lose £900 million of investment into its roads is the East Midlands – that is not equitable and fails to recognise the decades of underinvestment that have preceded today’s decision.“The East Midlands will play its part in delivering a safer world – we have strengths in defence and will be investing into those alongside the government.
But people working in defence need good roads so that their staff can get to work, access their supply chains, and trade.
We will not serve our defence sector well if we underinvest into its enabling infrastructure.“The Government must seek contributions from regions other than ours and from spending areas other than roads. This is what I am asking Ministers for today.”
Its on Sunday ... Its at Farnsfield ... Worksop Cricket Club are in The Mallen T20 Final
Worksop CC has made it to their second t20 cup final in 4 years - after winning the competition in 2023.
This Sunday's final (July 5, 2026) will take place at Farnsfield CC at 14:30 - get behind the team.
Hotspot Patrols Pay Off as Police Recover Nuisance Motorbike
Officers from Bassetlaw South have been carrying out targeted patrols in hotspot areas to address reports of anti-social behaviour linked to off-road motorbikes.
Over the weekend d, Nottinghamshire Officers successfully recovered a motorbike being used to cause disruption in one of these areas. A 22-year-old male has been reported for driving offences.Police have said that they understand the impact that nuisance motorbikes can have on our communities and want to reassure residents that are continuing to patrol areas experiencing high levels of ASB.
Nottinghamshire Police priority is to identify those responsible and remove vehicles being used to cause harm and disruption.
Police are also encouraging members of the public to report where these vehicles are being stored, as many are often registered but not displaying correct number plates.
Please continue to report concerns to the Police – your information helps them take action.Content and image courtesy of Nottinghamshire Police
Top of the Stops! Stagecoach East Midlands Crowned UK's Best Performing Bus Operator
It's good news for bus passengers across Bassetlaw, with Stagecoach East Midlands – which serves communities including Worksop, Retford and surrounding villages – celebrating being named the best performing operating company across the entire Stagecoach UK network.
The achievement saw members of the team enjoy a special open-top bus celebration, recognising an outstanding year of improvements in performance, reliability and safety.
Stagecoach East Midlands came out on top from 18 operating companies nationwide, while Grimsby Depot was also recognised as the highest-performing depot among Stagecoach's 115 depots.
📈 Over the past year, the operator has delivered significant improvements, including:
✅ A 4% improvement in punctuality
✅ A 29% reduction in non-operated journeys
✅ An 8% reduction in avoidable accidents
✅ A 25% reduction in employee injuries
✅ Lower staff turnover and sickness levels, while continuing to grow services.
Matt Cranwell, Managing Director of Stagecoach East Midlands, said:
"In such a large, national business, there is clearly a lot of competition around the regions to give the best performance for our customers. So, coming out on top is only possible because of the huge efforts put in by the team, to give the region a bus service to be proud of. The team are locally based so they will always go that extra mile to help to keep our local communities connected. Of course, this result only inspires us to want to do even better next year – as we intend to stay at the top!"
The award is welcome news for passengers in Bassetlaw who rely on Stagecoach services every day, highlighting the dedication of local staff committed to keeping communities connected.
Content and Images courtesy of Stagecoach
SEND drop-in session for parents and carers to be held in Ollerton
Are you a parent or carer of a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)?
Join us for a relaxed and welcoming drop-in session where you can get support, ask questions, and connect with professionals.
Ollerton Family Hub, Dukeries Academy, Whinney Lane, NG22 9TH
Monday, 6 July 2026 - 10:00am to 11:30am
This informal session is a great opportunity to meet professionals and ask questions
Seek advice and guidance about SEND support.
We’re inviting a range of professionals to attend, including, SEND Inclusion Service, Educational Psychology, District and Family SENCo, Early Help.
No booking required – just drop in! We look forward to seeing you there
Our three interesting facts for today ....
The worst pollutant of all household cleaning products is air freshener
'Moose Murders', generally agreed to be the worst-ever bBroadway play, lasted one night in 1983
There is a Belgian hotel that will rent you a goldfish to keep you company
Grassroots Focus: SJR Worksop FC – A Club Built on Community, Opportunity and Ambition
Our push for people to get out, experience and support non-league football in Bassetlaw moves on to Step 7 SJR Worksop FC, a club in the heart of Worksop, that continues to make a remarkable impact both on and off the pitch.
SJR Worksop FC has grown into one of the largest and most progressive grassroots football clubs in the Sheffield & Hallamshire region, providing opportunities for players of all ages, abilities and backgrounds to enjoy the beautiful game in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
The club's story stretches back decades, evolving through several chapters before becoming the SJR we know today. From its early successes as St Joseph's FC, league titles and cup victories, to its transition into semi-professional football in 2019, SJR has continued to go from strength to strength while remaining firmly rooted in the local community.
Today, the club boasts over 40 junior teams, five senior teams and a thriving Saturday Soccer School, welcoming more than 100 young children each week from as young as 18 months old. Their Academy provides talented young footballers with expert coaching and the opportunity to compete in some of the region's leading youth leagues, while maintaining an ethos that football should be accessible to everyone.
One of the club's biggest success stories has been the rapid rise of its Ladies First Team, who captured the East Midlands Women's Regional Football League title and earned promotion, helping establish SJR as one of the area's leading clubs for women's football. Their success continues to inspire girls and women across Bassetlaw to get involved in the sport.
Away from matchdays, SJR has also strengthened its commitment to the local area through the launch of SJR Worksop CIC - a not-for-profit Community Interest Company delivering projects that promote health, wellbeing, inclusion, education and opportunity across Worksop and the surrounding communities. Working alongside schools, local organisations and partners, the club is using football as a force for positive change.
Whether it's introducing a toddler to football for the very first time, helping young players develop through the academy, supporting women and girls to achieve their ambitions, or providing a pathway into senior football, SJR continues to demonstrate what a modern community football club can achieve.
More than just a football club, SJR Worksop FC is helping to build confidence, friendships and community spirit, proving that football really can change lives.If you're looking to play, coach, volunteer, sponsor or simply support local football, SJR Worksop FC offers something for everyone.
A club with proud roots. A thriving present. And an exciting future.
Bassetlaw Yesterday brings Bassetlaw’s past back to life — one memory, one photo, one forgotten tale at a time
The Great Cheese Riot of 1766!
On 2 October 1766, during Goose Fair, Nottingham became the scene of one of the city's most unusual protests – the Great Cheese Riot. Farmers were demanding between 28 shillings and 30 shillings per cwt, a price many people considered highly excessive, and frustration quickly boiled over into a mob.
“The people were so exasperated that their violence broke loose like a torrent; and seized the cheese and began wheeling or carrying the cheeses away down Wheeler gate and Pecks Lane. When the Mayor attempted to restore order, he was knocked down by a cheese in the open fair (presumably still within the Market Square).”
Two or three people from the crowd were arrested, prompting the mob to attack the building housing them until they were released. The 15th Light Dragoons were then sent for, but rioting and expropriations continued and were only put down the day after that.
In the melee, William Eggleston, from Car Colston, who was guarding a cheese, was shot accidentally by the Dragoons and subsequently died from his injuries.
The Great Cheese Riot wasn't really about cheese—it was about hardship, inequality and the growing frustration of ordinary people during a time of economic uncertainty. It remains one of Nottingham's most fascinating and colourful moments in history, reminding us that food security and the cost of living have sparked public protest for centuries.
Based on content from Dr Denise Amos, Notts Heritage Gateway.
If you love nostalgia, local history, and celebrating the district we call home, this one’s for you. Following lots of positive feedback we have created a Bassetlaw Yesterday Facebook Group - please share your memories, whether it be an old pub long gone, a tale from the pits or a funny tale from history.
Struggling with Council Tax? You're Not Alone – Help Is Available
New research by GMB Union has revealed that at least 1.5 million people across Britain were taken to court over unpaid council tax during 2024/25, with the true figure likely to be even higher.
The investigation also found that more than 4.5 million council tax accounts are in arrears, while councils are owed at least £4.6 billion in unpaid council tax.
For many households across Bassetlaw, rising living costs continue to put pressure on family finances. If you're worried about paying your council tax, it's important to remember that help and support may be available. Speaking to your local council as early as possible can often lead to affordable repayment arrangements or advice on financial support.
Rachel Harrison, GMB National Secretary, said:
"These horrifying figures show our council tax system is completely broken."
She added:
"Not only is the banding system woefully out of date, but forcing cash-strapped councils to pursue one and a half million people through the courts just to make ends meet can’t be the right way to do business."
If you or someone you know is struggling, don't ignore council tax letters. Seeking advice early could make a real difference and help avoid further action.
Bassetlaw District Council can advise you if you are claiming all of the benefits you should be or give general advice if you have debts : money.advice@bassetlaw.gov.uk
Content credit: GMB Union.
NOTTINGHAMSHIRE: Newark bypass: How project became yet another ‘betrayal’ in just two days
By: Joe Locker, LDRS
A plan to scrap one of Nottinghamshire’s largest infrastructure projects has become yet another betrayal for the East Midlands region, local politicians say.
Improvements to Newark’s heavily congested A46 bypass have been in the running for years, but in a matter of days the entire project now looks unlikely.
In 2022, National Highways announced it had selected Swedish construction and development company Skanska to design and build the new bypass.
By October 2025, the Government had approved the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the scheme, meaning planning permission had been secured for the contractor to move forward with the construction works.
Then, at the end of April, officials told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) they had hoped work on the long-awaited improvements to the regularly congested A46 bypass in Newark could begin within the next five years – with completion by 2031 at the latest.
However, over a period of just two days, National Highways cancelled its £297 million contract with Skanska; and the reason – while not immediately obvious – has now been made clear.
On Tuesday (June 30), outgoing Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer announced a £15 billion boost to defence spending amid continued conflicts spanning the globe – but he said this would come at the expense of some infrastructure projects deemed “not immediately vital”.
The Newark bypass scheme, in the East Midlands, is one of them.
“I think it’s a betrayal to the residents we all represent, especially here in Nottinghamshire,” said Cllr Mick Barton, Reform leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, which is in charge of highways.
“We needed this investment and regeneration in the highways in these areas.
It’s shocking just to cancel them.
“Starmer has resigned and he’s trying to make an impression on something before he goes. Very disappointing and poor decision making.
“The defence spending announcements he has made today are a total panic. It is still nowhere near enough on the defence spending that is required.
“That’s something he should have done when he got elected and he should have kept his promises and manifesto pledges.
“He turned his back on our defence, and today’s announcement is a panic policy to try and rectify his mistakes. It’s too late.
“To cancel these projects in our county just shows what a mess the Labour Government are in. If he thinks this will cut it with the public, he’s wrong.
“Now it looks like [Andy] Burnham is taking over. Just because Labour has changed the driver on the bus, it doesn’t mean he knows what he’s doing or where he is going.
“Burnham has made three speeches, and they all have Manchester in them. He should be talking about what’s best for the country. Mind boggling.
“It’s time for a change and a general election before its too late and Reform do not have a country to run.”
East Midlands Mayor, Claire Ward (Lab), says she was informed the Government’s proposals included removing investment from the Newark bypass scheme.
She has called the decision “completely unacceptable” and said she was asking the Government to pull investment from elsewhere.
The Government will be considering scrapping the scheme, but there will be a consultation before any final decision is made.
The scheme is one of nine nationally significant infrastructure projects in the county, and its proposed cancellation comes just years after the former Conservative Government axed High Speed 2 (HS2) in the region.
The high speed rail connection had been planned for Toton, before Boris Johnson scaled it back in favour of trains running on existing lines to a new hub at East Midlands Parkway.
Then, in 2023, under Rishi Sunak, the entire leg was scrapped – prompting critics to say it left the East Midlands “bottom of the pile” for transport infrastructure.
The East Midlands had already been ranking bottom of all regions for transport investment at the time.
Conservative county councillor for Newark East, Sam Smith, told the LDRS it was yet another betrayal, and branded the decision “outrageous and unfair”.
He said businesses in the area have been unable to expand and invest due to limits on the local road network, which is a notorious bottleneck.
“Hopefully Burnham U-turns and commits to funding outside of London,” he added.
“Cutting infrastructure spending cuts job opportunities, cuts growth, cuts investment into communities and increases congestion. It is bonkers to scrap spending on infrastructure.
“They should be reducing the welfare budget instead.”
Cllr Jack Kellas, leader of the Conservative opposition on Newark and Sherwood District Council, added:
“Our town and our region are being shafted once again, and this will have an obvious long term impact on our economy and employment for local people.
“Defence is a priority for the people of Newark, but infrastructure to future proof our region should not be the cost – this is an ill thought through political choice by this Labour Government.”
National Highways, with Skanska, were proposing to improve congestion on the by widening 6.5km of what is currently a single carriageway.
It carries on average 15,000 vehicles every day.
Under the plans, it would have become a dual carriageway, providing two lanes in each direction between Farndon and Winthorpe roundabouts near Newark-on-Trent.
A new flyover would have been built at the Cattle Market roundabout for the A46 to pass over the junction, with a new bridge constructed over the A1.
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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
