Bassetlaw Today

Category: News

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.”

May 26, 2025
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”.

May 26, 2025
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.

May 22, 2025
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.

May 22, 2025
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.

May 21, 2025
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

May 21, 2025
‘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.”

May 20, 2025
WORKSOP: Police arrest suspects following spate of fires

Police officers have made several arrests following a series of arson attacks across Worksop.

Officers worked with Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue teams on an investigation into a spate of incidents over the last couple of weeks where public land and property have been targeted.

Yesterday evening (19) at 7.30pm, reports came in that an abandoned building – St Anne’s Veterinary Centre in Newcastle Avenue – was set alight.

Emergency services quickly worked to ensure the area was safe and the help of CCTV footage, four suspects were tracked down and arrested within a matter of hours after the incident took place.

A 13-year-old girl, 15-year-old girl and 44-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life and remain in police custody.

A 10-year-old boy was also arrested on suspicion of arson with the intent to endanger life and has been released on police bail.

Four suspects were tracked down and arrested by police last night

These developments come after a 13-year-old boy was arrested on Friday, May 16 on suspicion of six counts of arson, and another boy, 12, was arrested yesterday afternoon on suspicion of arson.

Grassland and trees on Kilton Forest Golf Course, Blyth Road, were set ablaze on separate occasions across May 7, May 9, May 12 and May 13, alongside playground equipment at Prospect Park, Northwood on the evening of May 12.

The two suspects remain on police bail as the investigation into the series of attacks continues.

Inspector Robert Harrison, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “These incidents were reckless and thankfully no one was injured, but there is always the potential for fire to spiral out of control.

“Understandably they have caused a degree of local concern, and we hope this quick action shows how dedicated we are to keeping Worksop safe.

“Whilst our investigation is ongoing, additional officers have been carrying out extra patrols in the affected area, we’ve been trawling through CCTV footage and have been working closely with our partners.

“We take incidents like this extremely seriously and will continue to dedicate whatever resources are necessary to bring those responsible to justice.”

May 20, 2025
Neighbourhood policing inspector for Bassetlaw updates on crime fighting progress made during April and May
Bassetlaw’s neighbourhood policing team’s Inspector Robert Harrison has provided an update on how they have progressed on tackling crime across the district during and April and what the priorities will over the next three months.

Inspector Harrison said: “This is the first of a series of regular updates to inform residents about what we’re doing, why we’re doing it, and the impact we are having across our communities.

“I’ll also be highlighting some great work by your local officers and informing you about significant local trends and anything else I think you need to be aware of.

PICTURED: Inspector Robert Harrison

Current priorities in Bassetlaw

The inspector said: “I’d like to remind you about our key local policing priorities, which are agreed quarterly after consultation with the public and local partners.”

The current priorities are:
- Drug supply and drug use in Worksop
- antisocial behaviour and crime in Worksop town centre
- Rural crime in East Bassetlaw
Actions on our priorities

ASB and crime in Worksop town centre

Inspector Harrison said: “Over the past few months, I have received numerous complaints about antisocial behaviour and crime in the town centre.

“We’re talking here about things like shop thefts, public drinking and drug use, and the inevitable antisocial behaviour that comes with it.

“We know that many of these offences are being committed by a relatively small group of people living with some very complex needs like substance addiction and mental ill-health.

“Whilst we sympathise with people who are struggling and will continue to work with partners to ensure they are getting the help they need, we absolutely will not tolerate the kind of behaviour we have been seeing in the town centre.”

“I want Worksop to be a pleasant place to live in, work in, and visit, and will not allow a small number of people to damage the town in the way they have been,” he said.

“That’s why we’ve increased the number of local foot patrols over recent weeks and have been very assertive in the way we deal with these individuals.

“To this end we have made multiple arrests, returned prolific offenders to prison, and brought several suspects to court.”

Inspector Harrison said residents and retailers can expect to see an enhanced police presence going over the summer and want them to make contact if they see issues or behaviours of concern.

“I would ask them to contact us without delay,” he said.

“We are also working to secure criminal behaviour orders (CBOs) against some of our most prolific offenders. These orders allow us to prevent people from entering certain areas of the town and from doing certain things – such as entering shops in possession of bags. Any breaches are themselves a criminal offence and will quickly land offenders in prison and off he streets.

“These orders have been used to good effect elsewhere and we expect to see similarly positive results in Worksop.”

Drug supply

Drug dealing and drug related offending are major drivers for the anti-social behaviour issues I have updated on,” the inspector said.

“Many of the anti-social behaviour offenders are both using and selling illegal drugs on our streets. Most of those people are not major players in the drug market, but they are a public nuisance, and they are damaging our town.

“We have been disrupting that behaviour in exactly the same way we’ve been tackling anti social behaviour – with boots on the ground and a concerted effort to get up close and personal with offenders.

“Our council colleagues are also proving a great help with their comprehensive CCTV coverage, which is being shared in real time with officers on the ground. This approach recently led to the jailing of a prolific local offender who was caught in the act of dealing drugs.

“Local intelligence also led us to execute a warrant in Knanton Road on April 23, which uncovered a significant cannabis grow and has led to criminal charges for two suspects. A further warrant was executed at an address on Lincoln Street on April 24 where two suspects were arrested on suspicion of possession with intent to supply.

“For obvious reasons I will not share the details here, but Bassetlaw Today readers can also expect to see a few more doors going in over the next few weeks as we execute more court warrants.”

Rural crime in East Bassetlaw

In his update, The Inspector said: “A huge part of Nottinghamshire’s rural community call Bassetlaw their home, and we have continuously welcomed an open dialogue with our farmers and residents so we can understand what issues they are facing, and what we can do as their local police team to crack down on rural crime.

“Some key problems we are working hard to target include off-road bikes and quads, theft and poaching. We want to reassure you all that we take rural crime extremely seriously, and we are working with other teams across the force – including our road bike team, drone team and roads policing – to run targeted cross border operations. We’ve also helped secure farmer’s sites recently.”

“I also want to take this time to highlight our rural crime and wildlife officers that you will find working hard in each of our neighbourhood policing teams. We are continuing to invest in training for them and we encourage anyone with any concerns or questions to get in touch.”

John Street explosion

“As you will all be aware, Worksop was the scene was a major incident last month when a house exploded in John Street, damaging several neighbouring properties and claiming the life of man who was later recovered from the wreckage.

PICTURED: The house on John Street after the explosion (PHOTO: Notts Police)

“As investigations into what happened continue, I would thank all the members of the neighbourhood policing team who worked so hard in the aftermath of this incident to identify witnesses and maintain the scene. That was very labour-intensive work and had a considerable impact on many of the other things we have wanted to do over the last few weeks.”
May 20, 2025
Reform UK chooses deputy leader and cabinet after winning control of Nottinghamshire County Council
Reform UK has chosen its deputy leader and cabinet members after taking control of Nottinghamshire County Council.

In the May 2 election, Reform secured a sweeping victory, taking control of the authority from the Conservatives with a clear majority, securing an initial 40 out of 66 available seats.

This has since fallen to 39 after Desmond Clarke, who unseated the Conservative Party’s Keith Girling in Newark West, resigned a week after the election. A by-election will now take place for his seat.

The Conservatives previously held the authority with 34 seats, but now sit as the main opposition with 17 councillors.

The new Nottinghamshire Reform group announced Cllr Mick Barton, who represents Mansfield East, as its leader on May 12.

Dr John Doddy, who represents Stapleford and Broxtowe Central, will become the deputy leader of the council.

The new Nottinghamshire Reform group announced Cllr Mick Barton, who represents Mansfield East, as its leader on May 12.

Documents have now been published confirming the deputy leader and cabinet members, ahead of the ruling group’s first Full Council meeting at Oak House on Thursday (May 22).

Dr John Doddy, who represents Stapleford and Broxtowe Central, will become the deputy leader of the council.

He was expelled from the Conservatives after he stood independently against the party for the Broxtowe constituency in the 2024 General Election, before becoming the County Council’s first Reform councillor earlier this year.

A majority of decisions about council services are made by the cabinet, as well as the setting of a budget each year and the council’s policies.

Each member has a designated department, such as transport and environment, finance, social care, or education.

The new cabinet, which will be confirmed on Thursday, is as follows:
- Cllr Martin Wright – Cabinet member for business management.
- Cllr Barry Answer – Cabinet member for adult social care, alongside his deputy Cllr Kelvin Wright
- Cllr Rory Green – Cabinet member for children and families.
- Cllr Dawn Justice – Cabinet member for communities and public health.
- Cllr James Walker-Gurley – Cabinet member for economic development and asset management
- Cllr Hana John – Cabinet member for education and special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)
- Cllr Stuart Matthews – Cabinet member for finance and resources, and he will be deputised by Cllr James Rawson
- Cllr Bert Bingham – Cabinet member for transport and environment.
A further two of the 66 seats, in Mansfield North, are yet to be decided following the death of Trade Union and Socialist Coalition candidate, Karen Seymour, before the election.

A by-election is expected to take place there on June 12.
May 20, 2025