Bassetlaw Today

Author: Bassetlaw Today

  • Pair arrested after Worksop brewery break-in

    Pair arrested after Worksop brewery break-in

    Police investigating a break-in at a Worksop brewery have arrested two suspects.

    Thousands of pounds worth of items were stolen during the overnight burglary at the business in Newcastle Avenue.

    Intruders forced open the doors and ransacked the premises during the break-in, which took place between 5pm on 29 May and 6.45am on 30 May.

    The items taken included cash, alcohol and sweets.

    Two men, aged 34 and 37, have now been arrested on suspicion of burglary.

    Sergeant Sarah Hagland, of the Bassetlaw neighbourhood policing team, said: “The business owner has gone into work to find his property has been broken into.

    “We understand how upsetting and disappointing this must be.

    “People don’t want to discover their place of work, or somewhere they enjoy visiting, has been damaged by intruders and items stolen.

    “Neighbourhood officers have been working hard on the investigation and I’m pleased these suspects have been arrested.

    “While it’s an important step, we still want to hear from anyone with any information which could assist.”

    Anyone with information, or relevant CCTV, dashcam, doorbell or mobile phone footage, should call police on 101, quoting incident number 80 of 30 May 2025.

  • Creswell man sentenced for using AI to generate hundreds of indecent images of children

    Creswell man sentenced for using AI to generate hundreds of indecent images of children

    A Creswell man who used artificial intelligence (AI) to generate hundreds of indecent still images of children has been handed a suspended sentence.

    Officers found more than 1,900 images on Thomas Rowley’s computer. Of those, 882 were graded as category A – depicting the most severe kinds of abuse.

    In addition, 532 category B and 557 category C images were discovered on his devices.

    The images recovered from Rowley’s two devices – his phone and computer – were a mix of images generated by AI based on Rowley’s prompts, and indecent images downloaded from the internet.

    Rowley went on to plead guilty to three counts of making indecent pseudo-photographs of children between 9 January 2021 and 9 January 2024.

    He also pleaded guilty to possessing 21 prohibited images of children when he was arrested on 9 January 2024.

    Rowley, of Old School Lane, Creswell, was handed a two-year suspended sentence when he appeared at Nottingham Crown Court on Tuesday (27 May).

    The 43-year-old was made the subject of a five-year sexual harm prevention order that will tightly restrict his online activities and require the offender to register any devices he uses with the police. Rowley was also placed on the sex offender’s register for the next ten years.

    PC Summer Smith, of Nottinghamshire Police’s public protection team, said: “We take these types of crimes very seriously and will always do everything we can to protect vulnerable young people and ensure that individuals involved in this sort of criminality are brought to justice.

    “This depraved act involving the use of AI is treated just as severely as using actual photographs. Offenders who are thinking of engaging with this type of activity will be caught and face the full consequences of their actions.”

  • Nottinghamshire Police say public now wait less than a minute to reach control room and report non-emergency incidents

    Nottinghamshire Police say public now wait less than a minute to reach control room and report non-emergency incidents

    Members of the public will wait less than a minute to reach Nottinghamshire Police’s control room to report non-emergency incidents.

    The 101 number is used by the public for any non-emergency calls which can include passing on information about a current investigation or to report something suspicious in their area which might need police attendance.

    At the end of May, all police forces will be publishing their 101 call wait times and Nottinghamshire Police has one of the best records.

    When a member of the public in Nottinghamshire calls 101, they will be asked which police force they wish to be connected to.

    Once they choose the Nottinghamshire Police option to report new incidents or to update an incident, the average wait time is zero.

    Last year, the police service relaunched its non-emergency 101 service to ensure the public are immediately directed to the department who can answer their inquiry.

    By reducing the number of options for a caller to choose from when calling 101, callers can now spend less time waiting.

    The police service receives more than 400,000 calls a year through the 101 number.

    Superintendent Simon Allardice, responsible for Nottinghamshire Police’s contact management, said: “We have worked extremely hard as a police service to ensure that the public can reach us as quickly as possible.

    “Last year we made subtle but significant changes to improve people’s first impression when calling our non-emergency number.

    “The whole experience is much more user-friendly and ensures the public can speak to the right person who can answer their questions. It also offers a more personalised service.

    “The average wait time to reach our control room once dialling 101 is 58 seconds. Once you have chosen the option of Nottinghamshire Police, the average wait time is zero.

    “Of course, it is not a given that all calls will be answered immediately due to the demand on our control room during major incidents or if we are dealing with a high number of emergency calls.

    “However, we are delighted that overall callers won’t be waiting very long to speak to one of our operators who can help them immediately.”

  • Police pursuit results in recovery of stolen motorbike

    Police pursuit results in recovery of stolen motorbike

    A police pursuit near Worksop has resulted in the recovery of a stolen motorbike.

    Roads Policing officers spotted three motorbikes being ridden at Elkesley on the evening of Thursday, May 22.

    When approached, the riders made off at high speed up the A1 towards Worksop, later exiting at the A57 towards the twon, where they failed to stop for officers.

    One rider was pursued, reaching dangerous speeds of up to 120mph, before colliding with the chevron sign board on the A57 Netherton Road roundabout. After a brief foot chase, officers detained him—later confirming he was just 14 years old.

    Further enquiries have now revealed that the motorbike was stolen, and the investigation into the theft remains ongoing. The rider has since been interviewed and reported for the following offences:

    Driving without due care and attention, driving without a licence, driving with no insurance and failing to stop for police.

    A police spokesman said: “This reckless riding could have had devastating consequences, not just for the rider but for innocent road users. It is deeply concerning to see a young individual engaging in such dangerous behaviour, particularly on a stolen vehicle.

    “We urge parents, guardians, and the wider community to recognise the potentially fatal consequences of actions like this. Riding without experience, at excessive speeds, and evading the police is a recipe for disaster.”

  • Retford dad and daughter died from smoke inhalation, inquest hears

    Retford dad and daughter died from smoke inhalation, inquest hears

    A Retford father and his daughter who died in a fire at a caravan park on the Lincolnshire coast were killed by smoke inhalation, an inquest heard last week.

    Lee Baker, 48, and daughter Esme Baker, 10, from Retford, died at Golden Beach Holiday Park, in Ingoldmells, near Skegness, on April 5.

    In a tribute, their family said last month they had been “excited to be spending the first weekend of the holidays together” .

    Lee Baker, 48
    Esme Baker, 10

    The inquests into their deaths were opened at Lincolnshire Coroner’s Court and adjourned until October 5.

    Mr Smith confirmed post-mortem examinations had been carried out on April 11 and the medical cause of both deaths were “inhalation of the products of combustion”.

    Mr Baker had worked as a self-employed plasterer and was originally from Doncaster but had been living in Retford, the coroner noted.

    Following an investigation into the blaze, Lincolnshire Police said the fire was “accidental”.

  • Nottinghamshire Police removed from special measures as causes for concern have now been ‘addressed and closed’

    Nottinghamshire Police removed from special measures as causes for concern have now been ‘addressed and closed’

    Nottinghamshire Police has today (22) been removed from special measures by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services, who said that the causes for concern it previously raised have now been ‘addressed and closed’.

    The Force was told it had to make improvements in how the force investigates crime, delivers neighbourhood policing and activities to prevent crime and disorder, and to improve how it manages performance.

    The force was placed under enhanced monitoring back in March 2024.

    HM Inspector Roy Wilsher, who has responsibility for Nottinghamshire Police, said: “I am pleased with the good progress that Nottinghamshire Police has made so far. While there is still work to do, I have recommended removing the service from our enhanced level of monitoring, known as Engage, and return it to routine monitoring.

    “We are reassured by the plans the police force has in place to continue making improvements, particularly in relation to crime investigation, leadership, force management and neighbourhood policing. We will continue to assess its progress to make sure the people of Nottinghamshire are getting the service they deserve.”

    Temporary Chief Constable Steve Cooper says: “This represents a significant step in the force’s ongoing improvement journey to better serve communities across Nottinghamshire.

    “We took being placed in ‘engage’ very seriously and through Chief Constable Kate Meynell’s improvement plan, which she implemented and ensured we delivered against, we used this as an opportunity not only to deliver meaningful improvements that are embedded across our force, but to improve in all that we do.

    “The changes we have made have improved the quality of service we provide to communities and victims of crime, and we are committed to maintaining this and identifying any further improvements we can make.

    “We remain grateful to HMICFRS, the College of Policing, the National Police Chiefs’ Council and the Home Office for their guidance and support throughout.”

    Nottinghamshire Police and Crime Commissioner, Gary Godden added: “This is fantastic news for the public of Nottinghamshire. It is recognition that Nottinghamshire Police is successfully improving the service it provides, following the plan put in place by Chief Constable Kate Meynell and the focused delivery by the entire workforce.

    “It is a milestone moment for the service, and we now have a platform to build from to improve even further.

    “The next step is to keep up the pace and work toward Nottinghamshire Police becoming an outstanding force and supporting my Police and Crime Plan priorities –continuing to earn public trust and confidence by putting communities and victims first, strengtheningpartnership working and providing an effective and resilient policing service.”

    Two of the causes for concern, relating to managing performance and governance, and neighbourhood policing and preventing crime, were closed by HMICFRS on 4 April 2025.

    At this time, the inspectorate commended the force for the improvements it had made in these areas, which included ensuring neighbourhood police officers spend more time in their local community.

    HMICFRS also reported being pleased with the progress Nottinghamshire Police had made in improving the management, supervision and effectiveness of its investigations, before closing this final cause for concern on 22 May.

    On closing this, the inspectorate commented that it was pleased with the improvement in Nottinghamshire Police’s management of crime, including supervision of crime and oversight of performance.

    Nottinghamshire Police has introduced several new systems to maintain this level of performance and high-quality investigations. These include the implementation of Quality Assurance Thematic Testing, to improve crime outcomes and victim satisfaction, and PowerBI, to manage performance.  

  • Councillor funding boost for community sports sessions in Harworth and Bircoates

    Councillor funding boost for community sports sessions in Harworth and Bircoates

    Young people in Harworth and Bircotes will be able to access more community sport sessions thanks to a £700 grant from two Bassetlaw District Councillors.

    Active Communities CIC, which is based in the town, has provided inclusive and accessible sport, in addition to youth leadership programmes, across Bassetlaw for over two years.

    Ward councillors for Harworth and Bircotes, Cllr Lynne Schuller and Cllr Joe Horrocks, have used some of their Councillor Grant to support community sport sessions that will help to reduce isolation and support mental wellbeing through structured activities.

    Darren Huart, from Active Communities CIC, said: “We’d like to thank Cllr Schuller and Cllr Horrocks for their donation to Active Communities.

    “This much-needed funding will contribute to ongoing facility hire costs, helping us deliver vital sport and wellbeing sessions for low or no cost in our communities.”

    Throughout the year, Active Communities CIC deliver multi-sport sessions including football, cricket, basketball in addition to youth leadership and engagement programmes. So far, over 30 young people have earned qualifications through these sessions which have helped young people to gain employment.

    Cllr Schuller said: “In providing sporting chances for our children and young people we raise their aspirations and allow them to succeed. The CIC results show the benefits of their work with so many receiving additional qualifications and preparation for work. We thank Active Communities for their investment into our children and young people and will continue to support them to improve the health and lives of those they engage with.”

    For more information about Active Communities CIC visit: activecomms.co.uk

    Each Bassetlaw District Councillor is allocated a small budget and has the discretion to award grants to activities that will benefit the community within their respective electoral ward areas. Councillors will consider grant applications for sports, culture and heritage, environment and sustainability, social welfare and community activities.

  • First UK presence of West Nile virus discovered in mosquitos at River Idle near Retford

    First UK presence of West Nile virus discovered in mosquitos at River Idle near Retford

    West Nile virus has been detected in the UK for the first time after being found in mosquitoes collected from the River Isle near Retford

    The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) identified fragments of the virus’s genetic material in mosquitoes collected from wetlands near Gamston during July 2023. The findings, published today (21) came through the Vector-Borne RADAR programme which tests mosquitoes for emerging threats.

    The virus was detected in two out of 200 pooled mosquito samples, each pool containing ten Aedes vexans mosquitoes. While the remaining 198 pools tested negative, the result marks the first recorded presence of West Nile virus in mosquitoes in the UK.

    West Nile virus is primarily a bird disease transmitted by mosquitoes. It can occasionally be passed to humans or horses through mosquito bites. Most human cases show no symptoms, but in rare cases it can cause serious illness including encephalitis.

    To date, there have been no human cases of locally acquired West Nile Virus in the UK. The main risk of West Nile Virus for UK residents continues to be travel to overseas areas, including parts of Europe, which have already been affected by the disease.

    UKHSA said there is no current evidence of the virus circulating in birds or mosquitoes in the UK, and the public health risk remains very low. But they have issued advice to health professionals to test for the virus in cases of unexplained encephalitis.

    Dr Meera Chand, Deputy Director at UKHSA, said: “While this is the first detection of West Nile Virus in mosquitoes in the UK so far, it is not unexpected as the virus is already widespread in Europe. The risk to the general public is currently assessed as very low.”

    The infected mosquitoes were found near the River Idle, where seasonal flooding and poor drainage encourages a large number of Aedes vexans mosquitoes. This species is native to the UK and is known to cause nuisance biting in areas such as those villages bordering the river.

    Dr Arran Folly, lead of the Vector-Borne RADAR project, commented: “The detection of West Nile virus in the UK is part of a wider changing landscape, where, in the wake of climate change, mosquito-borne diseases are expanding to new areas.

    “Only through continued surveillance can we assess the risk to animal and public health.”

    What is West Nile Virus?

    West Nile Virus is a disease usually found in birds, and typically circulates through bird-biting mosquitoes.

    Occasionally, mosquitoes may bite both birds and humans or birds and horses, and in rare cases can transmit the virus to humans or horses. 

    Most people infected with West Nile Virus show no symptoms or present with mild influenza-like symptoms such as fever, headache or myalgia, swollen lymph nodes and a rash. While most recover from the infection within a few days, a small number of cases (under 1%) can cause more severe illness. 

    West Nile Virus is endemic in various regions across the globe, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, West and Central Asia, and North America, as well as South America, USA and Australia. 

  • Latest planning applications put before Bassetlaw District Council

    Latest planning applications put before Bassetlaw District Council

    These are the latest applications to have been submitted to and validated by Bassetlaw District Council this week.

    This is a round-up of the latest plans that the council’s planning officers have validated.

    These applications will now be decided by the council’s planners.

    More details can be found on the Bassetlaw District Council planning site HERE by using the reference codes published below.

    Proposed Pitched Roof over Existing Garage, First Floor Extension and Single Storey Extension to Front Elevation
    5, St Helen’s Road Retford Nottinghamshire DN22 7HA
    Ref. No: 25/00526/HSE

    EIA Screening Opinion – Proposed Solar Farm,Battery Energy Storage Scheme (BESS)
    Land East Of A1 and South Of Long Brecks Lane, Blyth, Worksop
    Ref. No: 25/00525/SCR

    Discharge of Condition 12 (Archaeological Assessment) P/A 23/00946/OUT – Outline Application with Some Matters Reserved (Access) for Proposed Commercial Development of Existing Agricultural Land
    Land North Of Ollerton Road, Tuxford Nottinghamshire
    Ref. No: 25/00524/COND

    Rear Single Storey Pitched Roof Extension
    21, Allison Avenue, Retford Nottinghamshire DN22 7JS
    Ref. No: 25/00518/HPD

    Erect Dwelling with Detached Garage
    Land At White House Farm, Main Street Styrrup, South Yorkshire
    Ref. No: 25/00512/FUL

    Variation of Condition 2 (Change of Opening Hours to 24hrs) on P/A 15/00036/COU – Change of Use from Class A3 (Public House) to Gymnasium Class
    My Gym Limited, Bridgegate Centre, Bridgegate Retford Nottinghamshire DN22 6AJ
    Ref. No: 25/00513/VOC

    Discharge of Conditions 4 (Management and Security Enhancement Plan), 5 (Southern Boundary Hedgerow) and 6 (Hard Surface Details) of P.A. 22/01493/COU – Application for the Change of Use of a (C3a) Dwelling to a Children’s Home for a Maximum of Four Children, with Two Carers Sleep Overnight, Working on a Rota Basis (C2)
    34A, Dukeries Crescent, Worksop Nottinghamshire S80 2QW
    Ref. No: 25/00516/COND

    Discharge of Condition 4 (Land Levels) 5 (Sewage and Surface Water) 8 (Time table Biodiversity Enhancement) 9(Outdoor Lighting) 10 (Tree Survey) and 11 (Tree Protection) on P/A 23/00007/OUT – Outline Application with Some Matter Reserved (Approval Sought for Access Layout and Scale) for Construction of a Detached Dwelling
    Land Opposite Valley Farm, Middlebridge Road, Gringley On The Hill South Yorkshire
    Ref. No: 25/00511/COND

    Removal of Condition 34 (Safety Management Plan) on P/A 23/00656/FUL Installation of a Solar Farm with an Output of Approximately 45.4MW and Ancillary Works
    Development Site To The North Of Brick Yard Road, Gamston Nottinghamshire
    Ref. No: 25/00508/CONR

    Discharge Condition 4 ( Construction Method Statement )on P.A 25/00054/FUL Proposed Replacement Dwelling.
    Eight Bells, 2 Sunnybank Gardens, Gringley On The Hill South Yorkshire DN10 4SS
    Ref. No: 25/00495/COND

    Change of Use from Vacant Store (Class E) to New Bedroom to Existing Flat 1
    19, Beckett Avenue, Carlton In Lindrick Nottinghamshire S81 9LJ
    Ref. No: 25/00493/COU

    Use for Sale of Food and Drink (Class E(b)) and Local Community Uses (Class F2) with Internal Refurbishment and Minor Elevation Repairs and Alterations
    Retford Town Hall Buttermarket Retford Nottinghamshire DN22 6DU
    Ref. No: 25/00484/FUL

    Removal, Replacement and Repainting of Street Furniture, Installation of Planting Schemes and Erect 14 Fingersign Posts Within Retford Town Centre
    Various Street Furniture Locations In And Around Carolgate, Retford Nottinghamshire
    Ref. No: 25/00462/FUL

    Erection of New Garage Outbuilding
    165A Baulk Lane Worksop Nottinghamshire S81 7JP
    Ref. No: 25/00426/HSE

    Non Material Amendment of P.A. 23/01514/RES to Allow Additional Louvre for Kitchen Intake (Elevation 9) and Extract (Elevation 4) and Change Window to Louvre and Duct to Laundry Facade
    Land To The North Of Gateford Toll Bar, Worksop Nottinghamshire
    Ref. No: 25/00420/NMA

    Works to Trees in a Conservation Area – T1, Beech – 2 to 3 m Reduction all Round, T2, Tibetan Cherry – Crown Clean Removing Crossing Rubbing Dead Branches and Sucker Growth. T3, Weeping Willow – Reduce height by approximately 4 m and laterals 2 to 3m T4, Cricket Bat Willow – Reduce back to growing points (secondary branches only)
    The Old Vicarage Abbey Road, Mattersey, South Yorkshire DN10 5DX
    Ref. No: 25/00379/CAT

    Prior Approval for Extension of Existing Agricultural Building
    Springvale Farm, Springvale Road, Bevercotes Nottinghamshire NG22 0BT
    Ref. No: 25/00343/AGR

    Erect Single Storey Rear Extension
    78 High Road Carlton In Lindrick Nottinghamshire S81 9EB
    Ref. No: 25/00312/HSE

    Two Storey Side and Single Storey Storey Rear Extension to Create Ann New Wider Driveway Access Including Drop Kerb
    1 Thievesdale Lane, Worksop Nottinghamshire S81 0NG
    Ref. No: 25/00268/HSE

    Application to Determine if Prior Approval is Required for a Proposed Change of Use of Hairdresser/ Beauty Salon (Class E) to Two Flats (Class C3)
    9, Eldon Street Tuxford Nottinghamshire NG22 0LB
    Ref. No: 25/00272/PDN

    Change of Use and Extension to Existing Redundant Stables/Outbuilding to Form 1 No. Residential Dwelling Use Class C3
    Red Roofs, Church Street, East Markham Nottinghamshire NG22 0SA
    Ref. No: 25/00261/FUL

    Single Storey Front Extension
    132 High Road, Carlton In Lindrick Nottinghamshire S81 9DT
    Ref. No: 25/00262/HSE

    Prior Approval Application for a Proposed Change of Use From Commercial, Business and Service (Use Class E) into 2 One Bedroom Flats on First Floor (Use Class C3)
    96, Bridge Street, Worksop Nottinghamshire S80 1JA
    Ref. No: 25/00250/PDN

    Single Storey Rear and Side Extension following Demolition of an Existing Garage and Erection of Gates
    33 Blyth Road, Worksop Nottinghamshire S81 0HP
    Ref. No: 25/00239/HSE

    Retrospective Application for New Dwelling and Garage (Not Built in Accordance with P.A. 22/01208/FUL)
    Green Ivy Greenside, Rampton Nottinghamshire DN22 0HY
    Ref. No: 25/00202/FUL

    EIA Screening Opinion Request-Installation of a New 17km Water Main from the Higham to Mosborough Trunk Main System to the Lowtown 21 Inch Main
    Water Main, Castle Farm Lane, Worksop Nottinghamshire
    Ref. No: 25/00211/SCR

    Proposed Demolition of Existing Timber Garage, Construct Brick-Built Garage.
    67, Firbeck Crescent, Langold Nottinghamshire S81 9SA
    Ref. No: 25/00178/HSE

    Installation of Replacement Signs to Include: 1x Internally Illuminated Totem Sign 5x Fascia Signs 1 Externally Illuminated, 1x Post Mounted Corex Sign
    The King & Miller North Road Retford Nottinghamshire DN22 7XW
    Ref. No: 25/00144/ADV

    Proposed Double Garage
    Lyndale Church Lane West Drayton Nottinghamshire DN22 8EB
    Ref. No: 25/00082/HSE

    Erect Side Extension to Existing Factory
    Oranmore Precast Chainbridge Lane, Lound Nottinghamshire
    Ref. No: 24/01482/FUL

    Single Storey Front Porch with Part Single and Two Storey Rear Extension
    5 Millfield Close Retford Nottinghamshire DN22 7TW
    Ref. No: 24/01397/HSE

    Self Storage Unit Facility (Class B8) Consisting of Shipping Containers, Site Office and New Gates
    Plot 10 Vesuvius Way Worksop Nottinghamshire
    Ref. No: 24/01391/FUL

    Construction of Detached Dwelling
    Land West Of Stonegate Farm Bawtry Road Everton South Yorkshire
    Ref. No: 24/01308/FUL

    Demolish the Existing Garage and Conservatory and Construct New Garage, Front Porch and Two Storey Side Extension.
    19, Lea Court, Worksop Nottinghamshire S80 3QP
    Ref. No: 24/01266/HSE

    Retrospective Listed Building Consent for Localised Roof Repair Works Required Along the Western Slope of the North East Wing of Worksop Manor.
    Worksop Manor Dog Kennel Lane Worksop Manor Worksop Nottinghamshire S80 3DG
    Ref. No: 24/01255/LBA

    Erect Ground Floor and First Floor Extensions and Refurbish Existing Disused Farm Building to use in Association with Existing Dwelling
    Owl House Main Street West Markham Nottinghamshire NG22 0GT
    Ref. No: 24/01110/HSE

    Erect Single Storey Rear Extension to Create an Office, Utility Room and Ground Floor Toilet With Shower
    Manor House Main Street Harworth South Yorkshire DN11 8LB
    Ref. No: 24/00154/HSE

    Two Storey Side and Single Storey Rear Extensions to Existing Dwelling, Erection of New Dwelling, Including Two New Detached Garages and Associated Works
    Brickyard Cottage Great North Road Tuxford Newark Nottinghamshire NG22 0NW
    Ref. No: 23/00898/FUL

    Proposed Swimming Pool and Detached 4-Bay Garage
    Clayworth Manor Wiseton Road Clayworth Retford Nottinghamshire DN22 9AB
    Ref. No: 21/00632/HSE

  • ‘Dilapidated’ conditions found at HMP Ranby where one in four inmates develop a drug problem while inside

    ‘Dilapidated’ conditions found at HMP Ranby where one in four inmates develop a drug problem while inside

    Inmates at HMP Ranby prison near Retford are living in ‘dilapidated’ conditions and a quarter have developed a drug problem after going inside.

    The damning findings are in an HM Inspectorate of Prisons report on the conditions of HMP Ranby.

    The report, released yesterday (May 19) follows the watchdog’s inspections at the site, near Retford, between February 10 to February 20 2025.

    HMP Ranby is a category C training and resettlement prison for adult men. It had a population of 1,087 at the time of inspection.

    The results highlight 14 key concerns, with six noted as priorities.

    A sink in house block one. (PHOTO: HM Inspectorate of Prisons)
    Flooring in house block one (PHOTO: HM Inspectorate of Prisons)
    A cell in houseblock two. (PHOTO: HM Inspectorate of prisons)

    Among the six is the fact almost a quarter (24 per cent) of men said they had developed a drug or alcohol problem while in the prison – rising to 38 per cent across three specific blocks –  with 61 per cent of surveyed prisoners saying it was easy to get drugs.

    The report also details “dilapidated and dirty” buildings, with damaged facilities, graffiti and mould.

    Some prisoners were “struggling” to get basic necessities such as bedding, cleaning items and prison clothing, it adds.

    Key concerns at the facility also surround the lack of promotion of positive behaviour, persistent rule breaking going unchallenged by officers and medicine administration taking too long.

    A lack of support for prisoners developing their employability skills and communication about their resettlement arrangements was also observed.

    Cleaner conditions in house block four cell – (PHOTO: HM Inspectorate of Prisons)
    House block 2 at HMP Ranby prison (PHOTO: HM Inspectorate of Prisons)

    The 700 prisoners who live in houseblocks one to three and five “had a pretty bleak existence” according to inspectors.

    The report says: “[They are] living in accommodation that was now badly dilapidated, and with many cells lacking basic furniture and almost no self-cook facilities.

    “By every measure things were worse for these men, the regime was much more limited, cell bells took longer to be answered and there were more drugs available.”

    However, the conditions in houseblocks four, six, seven and eight had cleaner facilities, with more activities for prisoners to do and better workshops and training on offer.

    Around one third of men in the prison (300) were found to not be in purposeful activity and “were lucky if they got out of their cells for two hours a day”.

    The report does note positive practice within the prison, such as the use of drones for insight into prisoner movement and illicit packages, good mental health support and leaders investing in a “proactive resettlement officer”.

    It states since this role has been in place “[the officer] had made over 340 telephone or video calls to local authorities and community housing” since May 2024, with this leading to a reduction in the number of prisoners leaving the prison without any accommodation.

    A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said:  “The Government inherited a prison system in crisis – overcrowded, with drugs and violence rife – and this report once again demonstrates that.

    “We are investing £220 million in prison and probation service maintenance in 2024-2025 and up to £300 million in 2025-26 to improve conditions and keep prisons safe and secure.”