Bassetlaw Today

Author: Bassetlaw Today

  • Nottinghamshire County Council now predicting reduced budget shortfall over next three years

    Nottinghamshire County Council now predicting reduced budget shortfall over next three years

    Nottinghamshire County Council is currently predicting a reduced budget shortfall over the next three years, new figures show. 

    The Reform-led authority’s cabinet is set to meet next Thursday (November 6) to discuss its updated budget report. 

    In February this year, the previous Conservative administration approved a funding shortfall of £18.5 million over the next three years to the end of the 2028/29 financial year. 

    These figures are contained in the council’s Medium-Term Financial Strategy, which assesses what areas of financial pressures the authority faces and helps the council set a balanced budget each year. 

    In next week’s cabinet documents, updated figures show this figure brought down to £15.9 million – a £2.6 million decrease. 

    Documents also state there is currently a forecast overspend of £3.1 million in the current 2025/26 financial year, stemming from overspends in adult social care and transport and environment services which are “partially offset” by an underspend in another area due to the Business Rates relief grant. 

    Adult social care continues to be one of the largest pressures on a council’s finances. Budget papers show service demand pressures has increased by £7.28 million in the 2026/27 financial year, mainly caused by a projected increase of £4.5 million in adult social care which “reflects extensive growth in care package demand”. 

    The authority says “particular headwinds” are being felt within this department, including pressures from increased complex needs of people who currently have care and support, increasing cost pressures from providers – including the national living wage – and from partners. 

    Documents say the senior leadership team within this department is currently developing a recovery and redesign plan to make sure they can “deliver an effective service” despite challenges. 

    Following the government’s autumn statement in November 2025, which will detail areas such as council funding and national living wage increases,  the council will update its budget projections in line with this. 

    The previous Conservative council hiked council tax by 4.84 per cent which is just under the maximum allowed limit. 

    Reform council leader, Mick Barton, previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the amount of council tax residents will pay next year will not be discussed until January. 

    He said the authority would wait until it knew how much money the Labour Government would give it in its financial settlement, which are awarded each year to councils, with the amount itself revealed in December. 

    He said: “Council tax, until we know what we are going to get off the Government, then we can’t talk about council tax until January. 

    “We’ve not heard about the multi-year settlement. It’ll either give us some relief or some more head-scratching to do. I don’t think we will get much relief.” 

    The Reform-led authority is expected to complete its own efficiency review by the end of 2025 to try cut costs. 

  • Police launch probe and hunt two men after ‘armed’ robbery at address in Worksop

    Police launch probe and hunt two men after ‘armed’ robbery at address in Worksop

    COPS in Worksop are appealing for witnesses following an armed robbery in at a property in the town.

    A mobile phone and approximately £2,000 worth of cash were taken from an address on Gladstone Street at about 3pm on Tuesday, October 21.

    After exiting the property, it’s believed two men – described as being black and wearing dark clothing – headed to Creswell Road on foot, before getting in a car and heading to Sandy Lane.

    Officers investigating the incident are now appealing for anyone who was in the surrounding area and saw what happened, and who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage, to get in touch with them immediately.

    PC William White, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “We’re committed to getting to the bottom of what happened here, so we would like to hear from any witnesses who were in the surrounding area during the incident, as well as those who may have dash-cam or CCTV footage.

    “We believe that this area would have been busy at the time of this incident, so would urge any members of the public who have any information to call 101 quoting incident number 25*618817 and Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

  • PICTURED: ‘Beloved grandad’, 70, who died when helicopter crashed after taking off from Retford airfield

    PICTURED: ‘Beloved grandad’, 70, who died when helicopter crashed after taking off from Retford airfield

    A ‘beloved grandad’ who died after a helicopter crashed after taking off from a Retford airfield has been named as Peter Smith, aged 70.

    The family have today paid tribute to him in a statement released by police.

    The aircraft had taken off from Retford Gamston Airport shortly before it crashed in the Doncaster suburb of Bentley, off Ings Lane, just after 10:00 GMT on Thursday (October 30).

    Peter Smith, aged 70, suffered serious injuries in the crash and despite the best efforts of medical staff, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

    The pilot, a 41-year-old man, and two other passengers, a 58-year-old woman and a 10-year-old boy, received minor injuries.

    PICTURED: Peter Smith, 70

    Peter’s family have shared the following tribute: “We as a family sadly lost Peter in the most tragic of circumstances when he was involved in a helicopter crash in Bentley, Doncaster.

    “Peter was a beloved husband, father and grandfather and we are all devastated by this sudden loss.

    “Peter was one of the smartest men who liked to spend his time making and fixing things. He had a real passion for aviation, and this was something he shared with his family.

    “He particularly liked to spend time with his grandchildren doing crafts and playing. He was a proud family man who spent a lot of his time with his son both working with and socially. Peter loved to have meals out with his wife and had a particularly sweet tooth.

    “We understand that a parallel investigation is currently underway between The Air Accidents Investigation Branch and South Yorkshire Police which we are supporting, and we ask members of the public to not speculate on the circumstances surrounding the accident.

    “We would like to ask for privacy during this incredibly difficult time to allow us to come to terms with what has occurred and grieve for the loss of Peter.”

    Police are asking for anyone with information to get in touch. They are particularly keen to hear from those with footage of the helicopter leading up to the crash.

  • HARWORTH: Man faces life behind bars after beating vulnerable woman in her home causing life-altering facial injuries

    HARWORTH: Man faces life behind bars after beating vulnerable woman in her home causing life-altering facial injuries

    A homeless man who left a vulnerable woman with life-altering facial injuries after repeatedly punching her now faces a life behind bars.

    Jason Dyer had been allowed by the victim to stay at her home in Harworth.

    He responded to this kindness by carrying out the violent attack inside her home on October 18, 2024.

    The victim, aged in her 70s, was left with multiple facial fractures and a bleed on the brain.

    Dyer, aged 54, of no fixed abode, changed his plea to guilty as he was about to stand trial.

    He has now been told he must serve a minimum of nine years and 241 days in jail before he can apply for parole during his sentencing at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday (October 23).

    Jason Dyer was sentenced at Nottingham Crown Court on Thursday

    The victim’s daughter became concerned about her mother’s welfare during a phone call.

    She asked the woman’s carer to check on her and she found the victim suffering from significant injuries inside her home.

    Dyer was in the same room and admitted he had ‘hit her’.

    The offender’s hands and knuckles were covered in blood and when officers arrived a short time later he was arrested.

    Detective Constable Ryan Lambert, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Dyer was given a roof over his head by the victim and he responded with this despicable attack.

    “She suffered some deeply unpleasant and lasting injuries and is still suffering from the after-effects.

    “I hope she is able to take some comfort from the news Dyer is now behind bars.”

  • Worksop golfer claims world record run to bring raise awareness of bowel cancer

    Worksop golfer claims world record run to bring raise awareness of bowel cancer

    An avid golfer from Worksop has claimed a Guinness World Record by running a half marathon with a full set of 13 golf clubs on her back to raise vital funds for Bowel Cancer UK, the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity. 

    Sophie Godley is a member of Worksop Golf Club, took on the 13.1-mile Manchester Half Marathon race on Sunday, October 12, setting a new Guinness World Record for the Fastest Half Marathon Carrying Golf Clubs (Female). 

    Sophie – who finished the race in 02:21:57, achieving her target of under 2 hours and 30 minutes – took part in the race in honour of her cousin Jake, who has a rare genetic condition that makes him more likely to develop bowel cancer. 

    All funds raised by Sophie will go towards supporting Bowel Cancer UK’s work to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.        

    At the time of writing, Sophie has raised over £2,115 for the charity, with donations still streaming in.  

    “Golf has been a passion of mine since I was 8 years old, and one of the biggest reasons I got into the sport was because of my cousin Jake,” Sophie explained. 

    “Jake has carried my golf bag through countless rounds, including one unforgettable trip to Spain where I made my first ever hole-in-one at the age of 14.  

    “That moment is etched in my memory—not just for the shot, but because he was right there beside me.” 

    In January 2021, at just 32 years old, Jake was diagnosed with a rare genetic condition called Gardner’s Syndrome. This leaves him prone to developing small growths in his bowel which are likely to turn into bowel cancer. 

    Jake had his colon removed as a precaution after hundreds of these small growths –known as polyps – were found in his bowel, small intestine and stomach. 

    Sophie’s ran last week’s race to show her support for Jake, raise awareness for Gardner’s Syndrome, and support research and treatment for bowel cancer. 

    “Jake underwent a major surgery, a proctocolectomy, to remove his colon in hopes of staying ahead of the cancer. But this condition has no cure,” Sophie explained. 

    “Jake’s strength, humour, and resilience through all of this have inspired me, so it was my turn to carry something for him. 

    “I was so overwhelmed by the amount of support whilst doing the half marathon and I’m proud to say that I have raised over £2,000 for Bowel Cancer UK. I’d love for Jake to get his voice heard and to share his story with many more people.” 

    Karina Norton-Amor, Events Fundraising Manager for Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Sophie for selecting Bowel Cancer UK as her chosen charity as she broke a world record at this year’s Manchester Half Marathon.     

    “Every 12 minutes, someone like Jake is diagnosed with bowel cancer, making it the UK’s fourth most common cancer. The money Sophie raises will help us continue to raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, fund vital research, and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.    

    “We hope that Sophie knows the difference that her support will make, and that many other people will be inspired by her efforts.”     

    You can support Sophie and Jake and donate to Bowel Cancer UK by visiting Sophie’s fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/page/godleygolf 

  • Four arrested over Worksop robbery after incident is spotted on CCTV

    Four arrested over Worksop robbery after incident is spotted on CCTV

    Officers investigating reports of a Worksop robbery have arrested four suspects.

    CCTV operators from Bassetlaw District Council alerted police to an assault taking place in Bridge Place at 6am on Tuesday (14).

    The victim, aged 33, was approached by four men who attempted to extort money from him.

    After taking his mobile phone he was assaulted twice and suffered serious injuries.  

    By 6.10am, Worksop response officers were on the scene and detained two suspects.

    Two men, aged 31 and 36, were arrested on suspicion of robbery, committing grievous bodily harm with intent and assaulting a person causing actual bodily harm.  

    A man, 45, was located a few hours later and arrested on suspicion of committing grievous bodily harm with intent and robbery.

    In the early hours of Wednesday (15), a 36-year-old man was also arrested on suspicion of robbery.

    The victim was taken to hospital with the serious injuries.

    Detective Sergeant Andrew Sansom, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a serious assault that left the victim in hospital.

    “The officers involved did a great job reacting to the information available to locate two people suspected of being involved in a robbery just a few minutes earlier.

    “Robbery is an extremely serious offence that can leave a lasting impact on people’s lives, which is why it is so important that we always respond quickly to every report that we receive.

    “I’d also like to thank the CCTV operatives at Bassetlaw District Council for informing us of this incident.”

  • Worksop man jailed over child sex assaults and ‘sexting’ young teens across the world

    Worksop man jailed over child sex assaults and ‘sexting’ young teens across the world

    A self-proclaimed “dangerous” man who sexually assaulted a young boy and exchanged explicit chats with children across the world has been jailed.

    Reece Green, aged 22, sexually assaulted the boy on at least three occasions before taking photographs of him in a state of undress.

    He was arrested after Nottinghamshire Police received intelligence that an indecent video of a child had been uploaded to the internet from an address in Worksop.

    Detectives seized four mobile phones belonging to Green and discovered thousands of indecent images of children stored across the devices.

    As well as taking some indecent photos himself, the investigation found Green had mostly downloaded and viewed indecent images of children, before sending tens of thousands of sexualised messages to ten young teenagers – aged 13 to 16 – who he’d met on social media.

    These victims lived in countries including America, Canada, Argentina, Northern Ireland and Wales and in some cases Green successfully incited them to engage in sexual activity.

    Nottinghamshire Police’s Public Protection unit coordinated with multiple law enforcement agencies to safeguard victims and bring Green to justice.

    At his sentencing hearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday (15 July), Green was handed an extended 10-year sentence that comprises six years and eight months in prison, followed by a four-year extended licence period.

    The court heard Green, of Newcastle Avenue, Worksop, was aged 20 when he was first arrested in November 2022. Detectives seized four mobile phones and discovered indecent images of children falling within categories A, B and C – with A depicting the most severe types of sexual abuse – along with images classed as extreme pornography.

    Further examination of the devices found Green had been engaging in sexual communication with teenage boys via platforms such as Instagram, WhatsApp, Snapchat and Discord – and that he’d paid some of the boys to send him explicit images.

    In one conversation, Green described himself as “dangerous” while in another he admitted sexually abusing a young boy.

    Green was subsequently charged with multiple offences and was on crown court bail, awaiting his next hearing, when police received further intelligence that suggested he was continuing to commit offences.

    Offices acted upon that intelligence and arrested him again, on 28 August last year. This time detectives seized an iPhone and discovered further indecent images of children and sexualised chats with a 13-year-old boy in America, resulting in Green being remanded into custody and facing further charges.

    In total, Green went on to plead guilty to:

    • Sexual assault of a child under 13 – one count
    • Taking indecent photographs of a child – two counts
    • Causing / inciting a child to engage in sexual activity – five counts
    • Causing / inciting a child to engage in penetrative sexual activity – two counts
    • Sexual communication with a child – five counts
    • Attempting to engage in sexual communication with a child – one count
    • Attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity – four counts
    • Making indecent images of children (category A) – two counts
    • Making indecent images of children (category B) – two counts
    • Making indecent images of children (category C) – two counts
    • Distributing indecent images and video of children (category A) – two counts
    • Distributing indecent images and video of children (category B) – two counts
    • Distributing indecent images and video of children (category C) – two counts
    • Possession of prohibited images of children – one count
    • Possession of extreme pornographic images – one count

    The sentencing judge told Green he presented a high risk of serious harm to children, as he had committed “calculated and deliberate acts” and that his offending had been “persistent and prolonged”.

    In addition to the prison sentence and extended licence period, Green was made subject of a Sexual Harm Prevention Order which places a number of restrictions on him.

    Following the sentencing, Detective Constable Sarah Clarke, who led the investigation, said:

    “By his own admission, Green is a dangerous individual who sexually assaulted a young boy before plying many others with sexualised messages and indecent images in order to fulfil his own sexual desires.

    “Through the use of social media, Green specifically targeted young boys living overseas and I would like to thank law enforcement agencies in various countries for working alongside us to safeguard victims and bring Green to justice.

    “He was well aware that his victims were underage and that what he was doing was wrong, but despite this he continued with his appalling offending.

    “Following a vigorous investigation, he was left with no choice but to plead guilty to these charges as a result of the sickening messages and images that we discovered on his devices.

    “Thankfully, as a result of the evidence we gathered, he has now been held accountable for his actions and is facing a significant time behind bars where he can reflect upon his actions.

    “Finally, I’d like to remind the public that we treat all reports of sexual offences extremely seriously and, with the wishes and needs of victims as our main priority, any allegations will be thoroughly investigated.”

    If you have been a victim of sexual abuse, or know of someone who has, please call us on 101 or visit our website.

    Information can also be reported anonymously, via Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

  • Man charged with string of offences after Bircotes disturbance

    Man charged with string of offences after Bircotes disturbance

    A man has been charged with a series of offences following a disturbance in Bircotes.

    Police safely resolved a stand-off after a man climbed onto a number of roofs in the village on July 3, 2025.

    Officers were initially called at 2.30pm after an offender entered a property in East Street and made threats to the occupants with a knife.

    A number of properties, three marked police vehicles and a member of the public’s car were damaged after tiles were then thrown from roofs in nearby Arundel Walk.

    One police officer was also struck to the chest by one of the projectiles.

    James Rylance, of no fixed abode, has been charged with aggravated burglary, assault on an emergency worker, damaging property and five counts of criminal damage in relation to the incident.

    Detectives have also charged the 30-year-old with two previous aggravated burglaries in which residents were threatened with a knife in Bircotes and Harworth.

    He is also charged with robbery and blackmail following an incident on 6 June 2025 when a man was confronted in the street and threatened before handing over cash.

    The victim later received a number of messages demanding more money.

    Rylance was remanded in custody during a hearing held in his absence at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday (16).

    He is next expected to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on August 13 2025.

    Inspector Rob Harrison, neighbourhood policing inspector for Bassetlaw, said: “The incident in Bircotes caused considerable disruption to residents and required a large number of emergency services personnel to bring to a safe conclusion.

    “It is thanks to their skill and professionalism that no one was seriously hurt.

    “I’m pleased a suspect has now been charged with a number of serious offences following a very thorough and robust investigation by a team of detectives.

    “The victims of the burglaries have been informed about this development and I hope they and the wider community welcome our firm response.”

  • Police crackdown on Worksop shoplifters continues

    Police crackdown on Worksop shoplifters continues

    The West Bassetlaw policing team have continued to clamp down on shoplifting in Worksop town centre as two offenders faced the courts on the same day.

    Once she was recognised by the local council through CCTV walking across the centre on Wednesday (9 July), Emma Caterer was stopped by Worksop response officers and arrested.

    Between 13 June and 9 July, Caterer, 41, was responsible for stealing a mixture of clothes, make-up and home products during five shop thefts in Worksop.

    Later in the week on Friday (11 July), officers had more success when they arrested Tony Matkin while out on patrol, who was on their radar after being caught on shop CCTV stealing plants from Asda, Memorial Avenue, on 25 June.

    Both Matkin, and Caterer, of Gateford Road, Worksop, were put before Nottingham Magistrates’ Court last Friday (11 July).

    Caterer pleaded guilty and was handed a conditional discharge for a year, with orders to pay back the cost of items stolen.

    Matkin, of Lowtown Street, Worksop, also pleaded guilty to one count of theft.

    This incident added onto Matkin’s previous shoplifting offences, where the 36-year-old was found guilty of four prior shoplifting offences, and one count of vagrancy across Worksop town centre.

    In total, he was jailed for six months – four from his previous suspended sentence, and another two for this further offence.

    Inspector Robert Harrison, of the Bassetlaw neighbourhood policing team, said:

    “Tackling retail crime in Worksop town centre remains a top priority for us, and we are determined to track down and arrest anyone who is involved in these offences.

    “Shoplifting can be a serious blight on communities and will never be tolerated by Nottinghamshire Police.

    “We work hard with our partners and local businesses to prevent this type of offending in the first place and crack down on the small number of individuals who are responsible for a disproportionate number of shop thefts.

    “I hope this action reassures local businesses and members of the public that we will continue to do everything we can to protect them from persistent offenders.”

  • Prolific shoplifter jailed as Worksop’s theft crackdown continues

    Prolific shoplifter jailed as Worksop’s theft crackdown continues

    A prolific offender in Worksop has been locked up following a string of shop thefts.

    Jade Arkwright, 34, originally appeared in Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, June 19 after pleading guilty to five counts of shop theft and one count of attempted shop theft.

    These crimes took place from May 7 to June 3, as the Worksop neighbourhood policing team pieced together CCTV evidence and witness accounts to identify the offender.

    She was handed an eight-week jail sentence – suspended for twelve months provided she complied with requirements set by the court and did not reoffend.

    But, just a few weeks later on 5 July, Arkwright was, again, arrested by officers after stealing £63 worth of clothes from Boyes in Worksop the previous Thursday.

    After being put before the courts on Monday 7 July, Arkwright, of Gateford Road, Worksop, was jailed for a total of 12 weeks after pleading guilty to one count of theft – eight weeks from her former sentencing, and an additional four weeks added for this further offence.

    She was also ordered to pay back the cost of items stolen.

    Sergeant Mark Talbot, of the Worksop North neighbourhood policing team, said: “Shoplifting is a blight on local businesses and shop staff, and remains a key local priority for my officers.

    “A majority of shop thefts are committed by a select group of offenders who we actively monitor and target.

    “We’re working with shop employees and the local council to clamp down on such behaviour, and we hope the Worksop community will see that reflected through recent sentencings.

    “I’m pleased to see Arkwright handed a custodial sentence for her actions and it is good news for us all that she won’t be causing any disruption in Worksop in the near future.”