Wednesday Edition - Police Update on Skeletal Remains, Rural Crime Showcase, Trent Sports District & More
Good morning readers, its Wednesday already. I'm not sure where the year is going as we hurtle towards the end of May already - here is today's edition covering all things Bassetlaw including of course, your daily puzzle fix.
Todays thought for the day ... "One must always be careful of books, and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us." — Cassandra Clare
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
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Investigations continue following the discovery of human skeletal remains
Police are continuing to investigate following the discovery of human skeletal remains near Mansfield.
Members of the public found the remains in a wooded area next to the A617 Rainworth Bypass around 2.45pm on Saturday (23 May 2026).
An investigation was launched following the report and officers believe the remains are that of one person.
A team of detectives have been working hard over the bank holiday weekend to establish the circumstances of how the bones came to be there.
Specialist archaeologists are on the scene today (Tuesday 26 May) to gather crucial evidence. Officers are also pursuing a number of lines of enquiry to formally identify the person.
A cordon next to the scene is expected to remain in place for some time while this work continues.
Detective Inspector Stuart Barson, of Nottinghamshire Police, said:
"This discovery of human remains is being treated with the upmost seriousness, and a thorough investigation is being carried out.
"After the initial discovery on Saturday, officers have been working round the clock to establish the circumstances of who the remains belong to, and how they came to be at this location.
"I can confirm that we are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry, and there is no wider risk to the public.
"Whilst the identity of this person is yet to be formally established, the public can be assured that a dedicated team are working to confirm this as soon as possible.
"I would like to stress, though, that this process may take us some time yet and a scene will remain in place for a number of days while our work continues.
"Whilst the investigation progresses, I'd like to thank the members of the public for their patience and assistance.
"We hope to be in a position to provide further information as the inquiry progresses and in the meantime, I'd ask the public not to speculate.
“We will continue to provide updates when we have them.”
Councillors strengthen understanding of SEND services to better support residents
A group of Nottinghamshire county councillors have taken part in a workshop to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
The session was designed to equip councillors and senior staff with the information and tools needed to effectively support residents, families and schools raising SEND-related concerns.
It also outlined how the council delivers SEND services and the support available to those who need it.
The presentation covered areas including an overview of the SEND system, Nottinghamshire children’s range of SEND needs, the council’s legal responsibilities and ways councillors can support the public.
Attendees also had the opportunity to share their own experiences and insights, followed by a question-and-answer session to explore topics in greater detail.
Dr. Órlaith Green, Temporary Director for Education, Learning and Inclusion, said:
“The briefing session was a chance to help our councillors to learn about our children and young people with SEND in Nottinghamshire, what their needs are and how we can help them'.
“Families and schools rely on local SEND support services every day, so building confidence and understanding among councillors will help ensure they can clearly communicate the support and services available to their constituents.”
Councillor Simon Wright, Cabinet Member for Education and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, said:
“Raising awareness and understanding around SEND services in the county is vital and will support how we deliver these services.
“Members of the public can feel confident that those serving them have the knowledge, tools and appropriate contacts to help with SEND-related matters.
“Having a child with additional needs can present challenges for families, so it’s important they feel reassured that we understand those challenges and can help them access the right support when it’s needed.”
The session concluded with a personal contribution from Councillor Wright, who shared a short home-made video featuring his two children, one of whom has additional needs.
The video illustrated how families can overcome barriers and feel included, reinforcing the importance of inclusive support and understanding.
The council remains committed to improving SEND services and ensuring families and schools across Nottinghamshire receive the support they need.
Our three interesting facts for today ....
Prawn crackers in Italian are ' nuvole di drago, 'dragon clouds'
The German for 'contraceptive pill' is Antibabypille
The existence of Antarctica was completely unknown until 1820
Trent Sports District set to drive growth across the East Midlands
The Trent Sports District is set to become a major driver of growth for Nottingham and the wider East Midlands – forming a key part of the Trent Arc plan led by the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
Built around one of the UK’s strongest clusters of sports, leisure and waterfront assets, the District will bring these strengths together to support regeneration, attract investment and create a better-connected place for residents, visitors and businesses.
Property and construction consultancy Gleeds has today been announced as the consultancy team who will work on the development of a Regeneration Framework for the Trent Sports District. The framework will set out a clear long-term vision and delivery plan for sport-led regeneration across the area.
The area already benefits from internationally recognised sports venues, such as Nottingham Forest Football Club‘s City Ground Stadium, Trent Bridge Cricket Ground and the National Water Sports Centre, strong transport links and a unique riverside setting.
By building on these existing strengths, the District aims to unlock new jobs, support the development of new homes and local businesses, improve public spaces and increase tourism and year-round activity.
The vision will also include improved connectivity and transport, and place also includes improving walking, cycling and public transport connections between the District, Nottingham Station, the city centre and surrounding neighbourhoods.
Over time, the District is expected to attract new investment, increase visitor spending and create more opportunities for local people. Plans will include support for sport at every level, from elite competition to community participation, alongside new opportunities for events, hospitality, leisure, health and wellbeing.
A strong focus will also be placed on inclusive growth, helping nearby communities benefit through skills, employment and improved local opportunities.
‘True city of sport’
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said:
“Nottingham is a true city of sport: football, cricket, rowing, ice hockey, it is all here. We have global teams, loyal fans, and assets to be proud of: but we can do so much more. The Trent Sports District is how we will turn that aspiration for more into reality: a set of investments that help the city embrace its sporting culture, increase access for residents and visitors, and improve quality of life for all.
“Anchored by the redevelopment of City Ground, the District will be an exemplar of sports-led regeneration, and is one of the key propositions we will be discussing with partners and investors at UKREiiF. Team East Midlands is on the pitch.”
The Trent Sports District is identified as a key growth area within EMCCA’s Vision for Growth and the Trent Arc. It brings together nationally significant sports venues, with the redevelopment of City Ground by Nottingham Forest F.C. acting as a major catalyst for investment and regeneration. The public engagement consultation process marked an important step towards securing the necessary planning approvals, with an overwhelmingly positive response to these exciting proposals.
As plans progress, the Trent Sports District will help shape a stronger, better connected and more attractive future for the East Midlands, using sport as a catalyst for growth, regeneration and community benefit.
James Naish, Rushcliffe MP, said:
“I’m delighted to be working with Mayor Claire and the East Midlands Combined County Authority on the Trent Sports District. I’ve already been contacted by lots of sports clubs – big and small – who are excited at the prospect of sports and events venues working together to elevate Rushcliffe, Nottingham and the wider region.
“Working together on this scale provides opportunities to secure strategic investment into iconic venues like the National Water Sports Centre, and to resolve some of the operational challenges like event day parking, so I’m really pleased that Mayor Claire is taking a lead on this matter. I share her vision for world-class sports and event venues driving our local economy.
“We have a unique opportunity over the next couple of years to take sport in Rushcliffe and Nottingham to the next level. I’m confident that this can happen, and will be playing my part in lobbying the government for appropriate support and investment where required.”
Nottinghamshire Police are heading to Rufford Abbey Country Park, Nottinghamshire
On the day you can get a behind-the-scenes look at all the equipment Nottinghamshire Police use to keep our rural communities safe.
They will also be joined by partners from RSPCA (England & Wales), Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, Via East Midlands, Bransby Horses - Rescue and Welfare , Leash and Release and plenty more.
Wildlife and rural officers will be on hand to offer tips and guidance on a range of issues, or just for a chat.
Rufford Abbey Country Park, Newark
Saturday 27 June
10am-4pm
Worksop and Retford decarbonsation project moves closer
Plans for the largest decarbonisation project ever undertaken by Bassetlaw District Council have moved a step closer.
Cabinet Members have approved the additional investment needed to complete the work at Worksop and Retford Leisure Centres, two of the council’s biggest carbon emitters.
The decarbonisation work will deliver long-term environmental gains and future-proof the centres, with forecast annual energy savings of upto £74k/year.
Cllr Darrell Pulk, Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods said:
“This project would represent the largest decarbonsation we have ever undertaken and would help safeguard the leisure facilities operations by reducing energy costs.
“It also supports our Vision 2040 by bringing modern energy efficiency measures to essential community infrastructure.”
The council was previously successful in securing funding from the government’s Public Sector Decarbonation Scheme, which is contributing to the UK’s ambition to be net zero by 2050.
This has funded the equipment for the project but delays, due to complexities and timing of legal negotiations, mean up to £2million funding is needed for the work to be carried out post grant deadlines.
The project is due to begin this summer and, when complete, gas consumption will be reduced by almost 4 million KWh per year, the equivalent to 30 percent of all the Council’s building-related emissions.
Michael Hirst, BPL’s CEO said:
“We welcome this significant investment by Bassetlaw District Council in enhancing the sustainability of its leisure centres.
“While these essential improvements may lead to some temporary disruption, our on-site teams are working diligently to minimise any inconvenience for customers"
The Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme funding has previously been used to support work at 17b in 2025, Queens Buildings in 2023 and Kilton Forest Golf Course Clubhouse in 2021.
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 S.
Our last panagram was ULTIMATUM. Read our next newsletter for the solution to today's puzzle.
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Justin Doddy, Editor
Bassetlaw Today
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