Bassetlaw Today

Author: Bassetlaw Today

  • Charity’s energy advice helps cut Worksop woman’s energy bills by more than £150

    Charity’s energy advice helps cut Worksop woman’s energy bills by more than £150

    A charity has helped a Worksop woman save more than £150 on her utility bills

    Charity energy experts the Green Doctor, helped local resident Carol save money on her utility bills and also share valuable knowledge to make the most of her energy use, so she can save even more.

    Carol has lived in her home for 17 years. When her landlord Bassetlaw District Council offered her a free visit from the Green Doctor, an energy-efficiency service from charity Groundwork Five Counties, she wasn’t sure what she would need help with, but made the appointment anyway.

    Carol said: “Green Doctor Mike came to my home, he was very helpful. Together we reviewed my utility bills, and he noticed I could save over £150 a year by switching to a different tariff.

    “He also explained how having a smart meter would help me keep track of how much I’m spending, helping me to save even more money. Of course that sounded like a good idea, I’d never even considered that as an option.

    Green Doctor Mike came to Carol’s home to help her save money on utility bills

    “Mike also pointed out that the bills were still in my late husband’s name and said this could cause problems as I’m not the registered account holder. Together we rang my supplier to change the name, put me on the cheaper tariff, and arrange for a smart meter to be installed. They came within days and set it all up without any fuss.

    “Keeping an eye on how much everything costs on the smart meter display has helped me become more mindful not to leave appliances on when they’re not in use. Mike also gave me energy tips, like using the eco-setting on the washing machine, which is 40% more energy efficient.

    “He also checked if I was having any issues with damp or mould. He has a damp-reading gadget that can detect it even if you can’t see it, but luckily my home was clear. I’ve had an issue with this before and the Council sorted it, so I was very glad to have it confirmed that it’s really gone.

    “Having someone so knowledgeable and happy to help has made a huge difference. I’m saving money, have learned a lot about energy efficiency, and I feel more confident I’m doing the right thing looking after my home. Bassetlaw District Council is doing a great thing offering this free service to tenants. I highly recommend getting a Green Doctor visit.”

    The charity’s Green Doctor service is a fully funded service available to households around the East Midlands. Individuals can sign up for this service to get free money and energy advice in their own home.

    Groundwork Five Counties is working with Bassetlaw District Council through its Damp & Disrepair service, helping social housing landlords look after their tenants and homes. A free trial is available to landlords in the East Midlands, visit the website for more information: https://www.groundwork.org.uk/damp-disrepair

  • Car thief jailed after travelling wrong way up A1 near Blyth

    Car thief jailed after travelling wrong way up A1 near Blyth

    A car thief who caused a three-vehicle crash in Bassetlaw after travelling in the wrong direction on the A1 has been jailed.

    A Ford Mondeo was initially spotted by police towing a high-top van in Blyth Road, Worksop, around 6.45pm on 23 February 2025.

    Officers observed the two vehicles turning in the road at excessive speed and followed them.

    The Mondeo, which was later discovered to have been on false plates, and the van stolen, then stopped and the van was detached before the car sped off.

    Emergency services at the scene of the A1 crash
    A Mondeo, with 34-year-old George Buck at the wheel and three other men inside, was driven at speeds of up to 100mph to the A1 near Blyth

    The Mondeo, with 34-year-old George Buck at the wheel and three other men inside, was driven at speeds of up to 100mph to the A1 near Blyth where it then headed southbound on the northbound carriageway.

    It collided with two oncoming vehicles, a Peugeot 208 and a van, a short time later.

    The three passengers in the Mondeo suffered serious injuries.

    The occupant of the van also suffered serious injuries and the Peugeot driver suffered minor injuries.

    The road was closed in both directions overnight while investigations took place.

    Buck, of Stockbridge Lane, Bentley, Doncaster, pleaded guilty to theft of a motor vehicle, four counts of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.

    He was sentenced to four years and four months in jail at Nottingham Crown Court on Monday (12 May).

    Sergeant Mark Baker, of Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit, said:

    “Buck’s decision to drive at speed in a bid to evade arrest was both reckless and dangerous.

    “His desperate attempts led him to drive in the wrong direction up a busy dual-carriageway, showing absolutely no regard for the safety of anyone else on the road that evening.

    “It must have been terrifying for other drivers to see a car hurtling towards them on the wrong side of the carriageway.

    “Three occupants of the Mondeo and the driver of the van suffered extremely serious injuries due to the actions of Buck.”

  • Plan to convert empty shop into 24-hour gambling arcade in Worksop faces opposition

    Plan to convert empty shop into 24-hour gambling arcade in Worksop faces opposition

    An application for a new gambling centre in Worksop has received objections from residents over fears of anti-social behaviour rising in the town.

    Applicant Champion Gaming Ltd has submitted an application to Bassetlaw District Council to convert the former Greenwoods clothing along 13 Bridge Street in Worksop town centre, Bassetlaw into a gambling centre.

    The ground floor of the site will see electronic gaming and amusement machines and the first floor will contain offices and storage spaces.

    The centre will operate for 24-hours a day, employing five full-time staff members and a part-time head office staff member.

    Planning documents supporting the application read: “In addition, the retail market has changed significantly in recent years with the advent of internet shopping, even in primary shopping areas, there has been a move toward a greater variety of operators catering to different needs.

    “The role of the town centre is evolving with a shift away from retail dominated provision to services of all types, including leisure (eg. Bars,
    cafes and entertainment).”

    However, the application received 26 objections from residents.

    They raised concerns over the noise impact on the town centre, and worries over an increase in anti-social behaviour especially at night.

    Others said gambling “should not be encouraged” in a “deprived” area, and will have detrimental effects on “community well-being”.

    Residents were also worried the gambling centre may bring more crime into the town, while others said it would have a negative impact on retailers nearby.

    The applicant said the they will take measures to control the potential for noise disturbances through double-glazing of the property.

    Documents read: “A new double glazed shop front is proposed to replace the existing glazed frontage, however this is not subject of this change of use application and is likely to need planning permission in its own right.

    “There is no anticipated noise disturbance to the adjacent retail premises through party walls and there is assumed no residential unit at first floor level at the application property.”

    Documents say the gambling centre would bring “vitality” and “viability” to the town centre, creating employment opportunies and increasing footfall.

    Documents read: “In conclusion AGC use at ground floor level with associated office use at first floor level is considered in line with policy that aims to regenerate Worksop Town Centre while bringing vacant units back into uses, creating employment opportunities and footfall into the town
    centre which will generate associated trips to other nearby town centre uses and will not harm the vitality and viability of this primary town centre shopping frontage.

    “The use will not generate unacceptable levels of noise or have a detrimental impact on the current levels of amenity to adjacent residential units therefore the application is therefore recommended for approval.”

    The application will be considered at Bassetlaw Council’s next Planning Committee on Wednesday, May 21.

  • £20m revamp project to Worksop shopping centre one step closer after planning delays

    £20m revamp project to Worksop shopping centre one step closer after planning delays

    The multi-million pound revamp project to a Worksop shopping centre is now one step closer to starting after a slight delay in the schemes financial contributions.

    Back in October 2024, Bassetlaw District Council’s planning committee granted planning permission for the redevelopment of the Priory Centre in Worksop.

    The scheme involves a part-demolition and part-new build extension to the centre, which will facilitate new tenpin bowling, crazy golf, a café and an indoor soft play.

    A new indoor market will also be built, along with a separate food court and retail food and drink units.

    Building contractors G F Tomlinson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service in October that they had hoped to commence building works early 2025.

    Artists impression of the redevelopment of Worksop\’s Priory Centre (Credit: Bassetlaw District Council)

    However, a slight delay on the projects Section 106 agreement – which sets out the financial contributions developers make to help enhance local infrastructure – has meant physical progress on site has been limited and the scheme only approved on the council’s planning portal last Friday (May 9).

    As the district council is the developer, it is not able to enter into a Section 106 agreement with itself, so required Nottinghamshire County Council to uphold it.

    In a statement, Craig Taylor, Director of Regeneration and Neighbourhoods at the council, said: “This added an extra layer of complexity above and beyond a traditional Section 106 agreement, which has unfortunately taken longer than it would normally. However, we’re pleased to confirm that the agreement is signed, and the decision has now been issued.

    “There are also a number of conditions attached to the planning approval, which include complex technical details of the development and construction, that must be agreed and discharged before any development on site can begin.

    “While there may not appear to be much physical progress being made on the regeneration of the Priory Centre, we would like to reassure businesses and residents that we are working extremely hard behind the scenes, in collaboration with our contractor G F Tomlinson and other partners, to make a generational change to this part of Worksop Town Centre.”

    The council cannot confirm at this stage when it expects building work to commence.

    The bottom floor of the centre will include leisure units, retail spaces, the food court and the indoor market. The first floor will include bowling lanes.

    Part of the wider redevelopment includes an outline application for up to 44 residential units and a new pedestrian footbridge over Chesterfield Canal to allow better access into the new centre.

    BPL – the council’s leisure partners – will be behind the developments planned family entertainment complex.

    The revamped centre will be paid for with £17.9 million of government funding awarded in January 2023 along with £2 million from the council and its partners.

    The scheme will give just under £30,000 to NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire Integrated Care Board, with nearly £27,000 going towards GPs.

    If 44 properties are built, around nine homes will come under affordable housing.

  • Fake police officer scam call warning to Retford residents

    Fake police officer scam call warning to Retford residents

    Fraud investigators have issued a warning to Retford residents after a series of scam calls from people claiming to be police officers.

    The victims, all of who are elderly and living in the Retford area, have been contacted by a person claiming to be a police officer.

    That person has then engaged the victims in conversation before asking for money or financial details.

    A police investigation is currently ongoing and any additional victims or their relatives are asked to contact officers without delay.

    Detective Sergeant Tara Clapperton said: “This appears to be a brazen and sinister scam committed by an individual or individuals who can expect a visit in the near future from a real police officer.

    “No genuine officer would ever ask for financial details for money over the phone, so anyone receiving such a call from contact us without delay.

    “Our investigation into these incidents is ongoing and we will leave no stone unturned as we seek to identify the person or people responsible.

    “As always our priority is to protect the public from harm, which is why we are now issuing this public warning.”

    Anyone with relevant information should call us on 101 quoting incident 675 of 24 April 2025.

  • Warning issued against unauthorised building near rivers and flood defences in Bassetlaw

    Warning issued against unauthorised building near rivers and flood defences in Bassetlaw

    The Environment Agency has issued an urgent reminder to residents, landowners and developers in Bassetlaw about the law for carrying out work near main rivers and flood defences.

    The warning comes after the Environment Agency has become aware of unauthorised works in the Bassetlaw district in north Nottinghamshire.

    These types of works, known as flood risk activities, may need an environmental permit before they can begin.

    The environment permitting process ensures that proposed works are not going to increase flood risk or cause other environmental harm.

    Officers have visited several sites in the Bassetlaw area where works have been conducted without the right permission.

    A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: “We are encouraging anyone planning work near a river or flood defence to seek advice early.

    “People may need an environmental permit before they can begin the work.

    “It is a criminal offence to undertake unauthorised flood risk activities and offenders could face an unlimited fine and up to 2 years imprisonment.

    “If people have concerns about works being carried out near a river or flood defence they should call our hotline on 0800 807060.”

    To find out more or to apply for a permit, visit: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/flood-risk-activities-environmental-permits

  • Arrest made after Worksop Subway window smashed during break-in

    Arrest made after Worksop Subway window smashed during break-in

    Patrolling police officers detected and arrested a suspect in a burglary where a shop window in Worksop was smashed in with a brick.

    Officers were travelling through the town when they spotted the individual and realised he was a suspect in a break-in.

    The suspected intruder is reported to have helped themselves to the till, cash and food from a fast-food shop after getting inside it by breaking a glass window with a rock.

    This break-in at Subway, in Bridge Place happened around 9.50pm on April 18, with a suspect identified soon after.

    The suspect was finally detained in Queen Street following a short foot chase, around 4.05pm on Monday (28).

    The same man was also identified as a suspect in three shop thefts in Worksop, between April 18 and April 27, where meat products, dog food and washing up liquid were all stolen.

    Police eventually arrested the 37-year-old man on suspicion of burglary and three counts of shop theft.

    Sergeant Karam Kaur, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “The officers involved in this stop did a great job in firstly spotting and then chasing down a known suspect in a commercial break-in.

    “The window of a shop was smashed in and the till was emptied during this burglary, which must’ve been very distressing for staff members to discover when they came in for work the next day.   

    “It really should go without saying but burglary is a very serious offence that can cause lasting harm on victims while impacting the way the wider community feels about where they live too.

    “The same goes for shoplifting, which is unfair on shoppers who follow the rules and spend their hard-earned money.

    “All of this behaviour is completely unacceptable, so we’re pleased to have now arrested a suspect in connection with each of these offences.”

  • OnlyFans star Bonnie Blue shown red card by Nottingham Forest after offering to ‘pleasure’ fans at game

    OnlyFans star Bonnie Blue shown red card by Nottingham Forest after offering to ‘pleasure’ fans at game

    A controversial adult content creator has been shown the red card by Nottingham Forest after trying to enter the stadium of the Premier League club during a recent match.

    Bonnie Blue, whose real name is Tia Emma Billinger, claimed she was prevented from entering the City Ground and was then escorted off the premises by security.

    Blue’s online fame rocketed earlier this year after she claimed to break the world record for sex after allegedly sleeping with 1,057 men in 24 hours.

    Bonnie Blue’s online fame rocketed earlier this year after she claimed to break the world record for sex after allegedly sleeping with 1,057 men in 24 hours CREDIT: Instagram

    The OnlyFans star had tried to pull a viral stunt before the match by offering to “entertain” fans after the match.

    Speaking on the Only Stans podcast, Blue said: “I put on my socials, ‘hey boys, I’m going to be at the game, I’d like to film with you afterwards’.

    “I turn up at the football game and the gate security was like, ‘you are permanently banned from the ground’.

    “I thought when they asked me to go to the side, ‘maybe they’re upgrading my tickets, maybe they want to escort me to my seat, this is quite nice, it’s a good service’.

    “They asked to see my tickets, I showed them and they took them off me, saying, ‘we’re escorting you off the premises’.

    “Apparently they don’t discriminate against sex workers but I was banned because I was a sex worker. 

    “I was going to encourage them (the players), give them a good time. I also think if I’m entertaining the supporters it’s less people drinking so I’m actually doing something good for their health.”

  • Five arrests over weekend as Worksop police beat team continue crackdown on town crime

    Five arrests over weekend as Worksop police beat team continue crackdown on town crime

    Worksop’s police beat team continued with their crackdown on crime across the town over the weekend with five arrests.

    In the early hours of Friday (26) officers detained a 40-year-old man after it was reported that he had tried to commit a burglary. Following a short foot chase, the male was arrested. He has since been charged with burglary, criminal damage, robbery, and three counts of shop theft.

    On the same day, a 51-year-old man, wanted on recall to prison, was arrested. He was promptly transported to Mansfield Custody and returned to prison.

    On Saturday the Worksop North Beat team arrested a 43-year-old man on suspicion of four shop thefts and a common assault. He has been charged and remanded and will appear in court this week.

    On Saturday evening officers arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of shop theft, along with a 48-year-old man at the scene for obstructing a Police Officer. The 46-year-old man was charged the next day and remanded and will appear in court this week, while the 48-year-old man was charged and bailed to appear in court at a later date.

  • Council begin demolition work at site of fatal explosion in Worksop

    Council begin demolition work at site of fatal explosion in Worksop

    Work has begun to demolish properties at the site of a fatal house explosion in Worksop.

    Bassetlaw District Council’s Chief Executive, David Armiger confirmed that work had started on Monday (28) after a Nottinghamshire Police search of the site ended.

    Emergency services were called to John Street at 7.39pm on April 12 after an explosion inside a house.

    The terraced home was destroyed and significant damage was also caused to neighbouring properties.

    The body of David Howard, 53, was later discovered in the wreckage. Despite the best efforts of the responding emergency services, he died at the scene.

    In a statement, Mr Armiger said: “On Friday, Nottinghamshire police concluded their crime scene investigation at the site of the explosion on John Street, Worksop, but the wider investigation continues. It means the site has now been handed over to Bassetlaw District Council’s Building Control Team.

    “The site cordon has now been significantly reduced and will remain in place for the next few days to cover the final demolition and clearance works to the properties at 24, 26 and 28 John Street. Once this work is completed, we will board and secure access to the site, with only the pavement outside these street numbers remaining closed.

    “Our Building Control Team continue to liaise with affected residents and their insurance companies as well, ensuring that it is safe for people to return to their homes. We recommend that all properties undergo gas and electric checks as well as a further structural survey.

    “The weeks following the explosion have been a very difficult and challenging time for the residents of John Street, including those outside the cordon who have all had their lives and daily routines upended. I would like to thank everybody for their patience and understanding during this time. 

    He added: “Finally, our thoughts remain with the friends and family of David Howard who sadly lost his life.”