A 27-year-old man has been charged after police uncovered a cannabis grow.
Officers attended Knaton Road, Worksop on Wednesday (23) at around 2pm as they searched for a wanted individual.
After entering the property, officers discovered 140 cannabis plants growing across four rooms.
Alfred Jashari, of no fixed address, has been charged with the production of the Class B drug cannabis and possession with the intent to supply the drug.
Jashari appeared in Nottingham Magistrates’ Court today (25 April) and has been remanded in custody.
He will next appear in Nottingham Crown Court on 23 May.
Detective Sergeant Clint Gloyn, of Nottinghamshire Police’s county prison handling team, said: “The production of cannabis isn’t a victimless crime bringing anti-social behaviour and serious violence to communities, which is why we work so hard to dismantle these types of grows.
“We would always urge anyone with any information about drug activity in their area to call the police on 101, or report it anonymously by calling Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.”
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch has declined to rule out any potential local coalition with Reform following the May 1 local elections in Nottinghamshire.
Nottinghamshire County Council is holding an election Next Thursday, May 1, when county residents will have the chance to decide who they want representing them across divisions returning a total of 66 county councillors.
Mrs Badenoch paid a visited Excel Technology Group in Mansfield on Thursday (April 24) ahead of the vote.
The Conservative leader has previously ruled out any future national coalition between the Tories and Reform UK – the party seen as responsible for chipping away their support among right-leaning voters. Nationwide opinion polls currently place Reform ahead of the Conservatives in popularity.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, Ms Badenoch declined to rule out the possibility of the party forming any coalition with Reform in order to retain power at the council.
Instead she said local Conservative leaders need to do “what is right for their area” – not just what they think is needed to run a council.
Mrs Badenoch was joined by Nottinghamshire County Council Leader Sam Smith (Con) during the visit
She has previously ruled out any such power sharing deal for the national party.
Mrs Badenoch told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Party councillors need to do what is right for their area.
“Reform have fielded candidates all across the country.
“Most of them are paper candidates, they don’t necessarily come from the area.
“We take candidate selection very seriously.
“We make sure that they are people who are very skilled at what they’re going to be doing, because that is how we deliver better services for lower taxes.
“I’ve been talking to Sam [Smith], the leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, about how hard they work to keep taxes down without cutting any services.
“Reform has no experience of running any single council, and this is why I’m reminding people that this is not an opinion poll.
“This is about who’s going to be running Adult Social Care, fixing your roads and so on and so forth.
“But as you would have seen historically, Conservatives have gone into coalition with Labour, for example.
“They’ve gone into coalition with Liberal Democrats because you don’t get to re-run a local government election.
“But Conservative councils will do what is right for their area, not just what they need to do in order to run a council.
“They will only support or be supported by people who want to help deliver a Conservative agenda.”
Mrs Badenoch said she is focused on delivering results to residents – but if the Conservatives don’t win, they will look into “alternative options”.
She also rejected a hardline stance against coalitions on a local level – indicating that they have happened in previous years.
The Tory leader said during today’s visit: “We are running to win the council.
“Talking about going into coalitions shows that it’s not really about the people, it’s just about who can win.
“This is not just about winning for us, it’s about the people who live here. It’s really important that they get the very best.
“Whenever you hear people talking about coalitions before an election, what they’re really talking about is stitch-ups.
“We’re not interested in stitch-ups – we’re interested in winning and running the council.
“If that doesn’t happen then we’ll look at alternative offers. We’ve gone in to coalitions with other parties before – with Independents, with Liberal Democrats, with Labour.
“We cannot be in a situation where bins aren’t being collected and services aren’t being delivered because no party has overall control.
“That is what happens at local government.
“What I’ve told our councillors is they need to look at who is going to deliver a Conservative agenda if they have not got one outright.
“And I trust them to make the best decisions for their local areas.
“But telling people to not go into a coalition if that’s the only option available to deliver services – that will not be right.
“We should stop playing politics with people’s lives, stop talking about stitch-ups and talk about how we’re going to make their lives better.”
Last December, the Labour Government announced an initiative to restructure local councils to promote a more efficient delivery of public services.
All nine Nottinghamshire councils have now developed three potential options, which have since been submitted to the Government for review.
That includes removing the current two-tier structure of local authorities in Nottinghamshire – which sees services split between lower and upper-tier councils.
Mrs Badenoch said local Government reorganisation is not a solution to improving services – but rather a “process”.
The key to a well-run council is having capable councillors in charge of delivering services, she said.
She told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “Local government reorganisation is not necessarily a solution – it’s just a process.
“It is always about the people. You can reorganise, but if you have bad people running a council, it will not make a difference.
“And that’s why it’s really important to look at who is standing.
“You only need to look at Birmingham, where rubbish is piling up in the streets and rats are running around – that’s what you get when you don’t pay attention to who’s going to be running local services.
“So the reorganisation is a side issue to the people and the quality of candidates that you have standing.”
A full list of all candidates standing in the May 2025 county council elections – including the names of people representing other political parties – can be found online.
A group of travellers who set up an illegal caravan site over the bank holiday weekend near Tuxford have been told by council officers to leave the land.
On Friday, April 18, the group worked through the night to construct the unlawful development with tarmacadam roads, fences, and pitches created on land near the A1 without planning permission.
A large number of caravans and mobile homes have also been parked up on the site.
Legal action has now been taken, with Newark and Sherwood District Council serving an enforcement notice on the landowners and occupiers yesterday(April 24).
The notice means the site must be vacated and returned to its original state by May 30.
The enforcement notice means the occupiers must ‘Cease the use of the land as a caravan site and remove all caravans and mobile homes from the land’, and, in line with the minimum period legally required, will take effect 28 days after it was served.
In the case of failure to comply with an enforcement notice, the council can take direct action to enter the land in order to remedy the breach of planning control — and it is a criminal offence to contravene the notice.
Police in Worksop had a busy day yesterday (23), making multiple arrests for thefts and drug offences.
Officers managed to successfully located two men wanted on recall to prison.
Another man was also located after failing to appear at court.
All three were transported to Mansfield Custody. Two will now be returned to prison, while the third will face the next available court date.
Police on the beat had a successful day making multiple arrests
Officers also uncovered a cannabis grow in Carlton in Lindrick, where a male was found hiding. He was arrested on suspicion of cultivating cannabis. Policed said investigations remain ongoing.
A known shoplifter was spotted on Priorswell Road by officers. Attempting to flee, the suspect was swiftly detained a short distance away with stolen goods still in hand.
He has been arrested for six shop thefts and is currently being held at Mansfield Custody.
A police spokesman said: “If you know of anyone actively committing crime or handling stolen property, please contact us on 101. Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”
Fourteen households are still unable to return home after a fatal explosion in Worksop.
John Street in the town was closed and dozens of homes evacuated following the blast inside a terraced house on the evening of April 12.
The body of a man, later identified as 53-year-old David Howard, was discovered in the debris.
Another man was subsequently arrested on suspicion of murder and bailed.
David Armiger, chief executive of Bassetlaw District Council, told Notts TV three homes – including the one involved in the explosion and the two neighbouring properties – must now be demolished.
Due to an ongoing police cordon and structural surveys, there are also still 14 households unable to return home and no timescale has yet been given for when the all-clear will be given.
“The situation has moved on quite a lot but there is still significant impact on a number of residents,” Mr Armiger said in an interview on Wednesday (April 23).
“As things stand at the moment there are approximately 14 households unable to return to their properties because they are within the cordon.
“In the first instance we made arrangements for up to 50 residents to seek accommodation on the Saturday and Sunday nights just after the explosion. That has reduced over time as most people have been able to return to their households.
“We have had support in place both for the 14 households that are still unable to return, but also for other residents who want to seek support, working with agencies like Nottinghamshire County Council, British Red Cross, and health services, to really try to see what needs people have and to make sure we can support them in any way they do need.
“Some residents need access to food and clothing because they can’t get back into their properties, others just want to talk to somebody or need to be able to get new medication, so there has been a range of support packages put in place.”
Mr Armiger said the cost of the support to the council is not yet known, but said he expects it to be limited.
“One of the key things now is in most cases the accommodation is being provided by the insurance companies or by landlords, because a number of the properties are rented, so the direct impact on the council is fairly limited.
“The three properties are clearly going to be demolished and there is some significant damage to one or two of the other properties as well, so it may well take some time for those to be repaired.
“They may well be looking at long-term alternative accommodation. I do know quite a number of landlords have already done that for a number of the impacted residents.”
An investigation is ongoing to establish the exact cause of the explosion.
Detective Chief Inspector Ruby Burrow, who is leading the investigation, added: “Our thoughts remain with David’s loved ones at this extremely difficult time.
“Whilst we have made an arrest, I want to be really clear that our investigation remains at a very early stage and we are doing everything possible to establish what caused this deeply tragic incident.
“It remains too early to say whether there is a criminal element to this case and would ask that people avoid speculation.
“Our inquiries are continuing and I would further ask anyone with information who is yet to come forward to please contact us as soon as possible.”
“Illegal street racing and antisocial driving will not be tolerated”
That’s the message from Nottinghamshire Police as a targeted operation continues to crackdown on dangerous motorists in Worksop.
The force launched Operation Wheelspin in October 2024 as part of a co-ordinated county-wide response to car cruising, which can involve drivers meeting to race at high speeds, performing reckless stunts, or other antisocial behaviour, such as setting off flares and fireworks.
New data reveals that offences have decreased across Notts by 20 per cent since the operation was launched.
Hotspots for unlicensed car meets, which cause road safety, antisocial behaviour, and noise concerns, include the A57 in Worksop.
Officers from the force’s neighbourhoods and roads policing unit are out each week patrolling these areas and the wider road network across Nottinghamshire.
Positive action has so far been taken against 181 drivers, which can include seizing vehicles, reporting motorists for court summons, or issuing traffic offence reports and Section 59 notices.
Traffic offence reports cover a wide range of motoring offences such as driving without a seatbelt or with worn tyres and can result in a fine or driving licence points.
A Section 59 notice places Police National Computer markers on vehicles and individuals, meaning that any similar behaviour in the next 12 months can lead to prosecution and vehicles being seized.
In total, the licence plates of 1,401 motorists seen racing or at car meets have been recorded by officers to improve the force’s intelligence picture and identify drivers who participate in future antisocial driving.
They risk prosecution and having their vehicles seized if their behaviour continues.
PC Abigail Green, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “Nottinghamshire is not a personal racetrack and we have a zero-tolerance approach to antisocial driving.
“Stunts, collisions, and excessive speed by often young and inexperienced drivers can result in life-changing injuries and fatalities on our roads.
“Our robust response sends a clear message that motorists from across the county and wider region who travel here to race will be prosecuted.
“Innocent members of the public are on occasion left to pick up pieces from collisions and costly insurance claims. We will continue proactively patrolling our neighbourhoods and road network to keep communities safe.
“Our county-wide response removes nuisance drivers from the roads and makes Nottinghamshire a hostile and undesirable racing location.
“I would encourage car enthusiasts who enjoy driving to ensure they do this safely and legally at approved sites.”
A train firm has recovered more than £1.9 million from fare dodgers in 12 months.
East Midlands Railway (EMR) said the figure was recovered from those travelling between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025.
During this period, the firm’s revenue protection officers and onboard staff issued 11,798 notices, returning a combined total of £1,912,887.
The notices were issued to those travelling without a valid ticket, travelling with a child ticket as an adult, travelling without a valid railcard and travelling beyond the destination printed on a ticket.
Customer Experience Director at East Midlands Railway, Philippa Cresswell said: “The vast majority of customers do the right thing and pay for their travel – they understand that a fair and sustainable railway relies on everyone contributing.
“Unfortunately, a small number continue to try and travel without paying. The impact of fare evasion is felt by our law-abiding, fare-paying customers and, ultimately, the taxpayer. It’s indefensible for certain individuals to believe they’re exempt from paying for our services.
“Put simply, fare evasion is a criminal offence, and we’re committed to taking action against those who deliberately avoid paying.
“Indeed, our revenue protection, fraud and security teams work both in uniform and plain clothes in order to monitor and catch fare evaders – whether they are travelling without a ticket, have a ticket for part of their journey, or are fraudulently travelling on a child’s ticket.”
Customers are being warned they should buy their ticket from the ticket office, a ticket machine, or online. If they are using pay-as-you-go or a smartcard ticket, they should ensure they touch in to start their journey as required.
If the ticket office is closed, customers will be able to buy a ticket from a machine or online before they board a train.
Customers who travel on East Midlands Railway (EMR) without a valid ticket can be fined £100, in addition to the price of a single ticket.
Bassetlaw District Council’s chief executive David Armiger has provided an update on the situation at John Street in Worksop following a fatal house explosion where a local man sadly lost his life.
Emergency services were called to John Street at 7.39pm on April 12 following an explosion inside a house and a major incident was declared.
Despite the best efforts of the responding emergency services, 53-year-old David Howard died at the scene.
Mr Armiger said: “On Saturday evening, one of our communities experienced a tragic and traumatic event, an explosion at a house in Worksop.
“I’d like to thank the emergency services, specialist recovery teams and the wide number of agencies who were quick to respond, and for the work they have done in the days since to support the people who have been directly affected, and the wider community.
“Our thoughts are with the family and friends of David Howard who sadly lost his life.
“I would also like to thank residents and the local community for their patience and compassion during this time. We understand how difficult it is live through this experience, and I would like to reassure you that support is available should you need it.”
He also offered an update around people returning to their homes following the blast.
“The majority of people living on or around John Street were able to return to their homes on Sunday evening and Monday morning,” he said.
“This incident now directly affects 14 households who are not currently able to return to their homes, all of whom continue to be supported with emergency accommodation either by ourselves, their insurers or their landlords.
“We are also co-ordinating support from local charities and agencies who are providing these residents with food, clothing and other items. We will continue to work with local agencies to ensure that these people receive the support and advice they need during this difficult time.
“There are currently three properties that have significant structural damage and will need to be demolished. There are also a number of other homes that have also been impacted by the explosion and Bassetlaw District Council’s Building Surveyors will continue to assess the safety of these buildings.
“Due to the ongoing investigation by Nottinghamshire Police, and the challenging process to make the impacted buildings safe, we are not able to provide a definitive timescale on how long residents may be out of their homes.
“We have spoken to these residents to update them on the latest situation and will be providing them with an opportunity to briefly and safely return to their homes to collect some essential items and belongings in the near future.
“The ongoing response to this incident is constantly evolving, and again, I would like to thank residents and the wider community for their patience and understanding during this difficult time.”
Survivors of childhood sexual abuse are being reminded that it is never too late to come forward – after a former teacher was jailed for offences committed in the early 1980s at a school near Retford.
Alun Thomas, a former teacher at Bramcote School in Gamston, was interviewed by Nottinghamshire Police in June 2024 after one of his victims came forward to report what had happened to her.
A second victim then came forward to recount very similar experiences inside Thomas’ home on the school grounds, and at other locations.
During his police interview, Thomas, now aged 66, became emotional and apologised for what he had done, but also stressed that he didn’t think of himself as a paedophile.
He later pleaded guilty to six counts of indecent assault on a girl under 14 – two on one of the girls and four on another.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on Friday, April 11, Thomas, of Great Houghton, Northampton, was jailed for eight years.
Detective Constable Ryan Coupe, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This case provides yet another reminder to survivors of childhood sexual abuse that it really is never too late to come forward and tell the police what happened.
“Some of Thomas’s offences were committed more than 40 years ago but were treated every bit as seriously as if they were committed last week.
“Both victims in this case were taken advantage of in the most appalling way by a man they admired, respected and trusted.
“Unsurprisingly both have struggled to come to terms with that betrayal, which has adversely affected them throughout their adult lives.
“It is thanks to them – and the great courage both displayed in coming forward – that Thomas was finally held to account and exposed for what he had done.
“I know nothing can erase the memory of Thomas’s abuse, but I do hope this very significant jail sentence will provide both women with some form of closure.”
“I hope also that it will encourage other survivors of non-recent sexual abuse to come forward and tell us what happened.”
Operation Tramlines caught 145 driving offenders in a week of action using unmarked HGV cabs on the A1 – including many Bassetlaw.
Operation Tramline is a police road safety initiative where officers detect and deal with traffic offences as they happen to educate motorists and subsequently reduce the number of incidents caused by unsafe driver behaviour.
To do this, police work closely with National Highways who loaned them an unmarked lorry for the week of action. The elevated height of the lorry allows officers to see into other lorry cabs and cars to detect offences being committed.
Over a seven-day period officers stopped:
21 drivers for using their mobile phones while driving
47 drivers for not wearing seatbelts
9 drivers for having an insecure load
12 drivers for construction and use offences do to with vehicle conditions
3 drivers for not being in proper control
5 drivers for driver’s hours
1 driver for not having insurance
10 drivers for driving without due care
Drivers were either given a Traffic Offence Report (TOR) or dealt with by way of summons or given a Fixed Penalty Notice (FPN).
A number of vehicles were also cabled during the operation. This essentially means that if a car or lorry has been classed as dangerous, a chain is put around the wheels of the vehicle to stop it from moving.
The chain can only be removed after the driver has had sufficient rest if they were stopped for driver’s hours, or until they have sorted the issue preventing them from carrying on with their journey i.e. vehicle conditions.
Inspector Jase Baxter from the Specialist Operations Unit said: “Operation Tramline is a tactic which allows us a platform to detect offences we may not normally be in a position to do so.
“Sadly, even after 10 years of Operation Tramline, we are still detecting numerous offences of poor driving behaviours which the vast majority of our road using community also find completely unacceptable. We will continue to run these operations to detect and deter those who choose to drive in this manner, that can have devastating consequences for themselves and others.”
National Highways Assistant Regional Safety Co-Ordinator Marie Biddulph said: “This year marks the 10th anniversary of Operation Tramline and these results from the A1 show just how valuable our HGV cabs continue to be in helping to spot unsafe driving behaviours.
“We know that driver distraction, such as using a mobile phone, and not wearing a seatbelt are key factors in collisions which result in people being harmed on our roads. So, it is disappointing that we still have a minority of people who are prepared to put themselves and others at risk in this way.
“Our goal through Operation Tramline has always been to remind motorists to think carefully about their driving behaviours behind the wheel and we will continue working with our police partners through Operation Tramline and other campaigns to make that happen and make our roads safer.”
