Ambitious vision to create 'world class' school in Ashfield
Plus: Continued support for homeless scheme
Good morning readers and welcome to your Thursday briefing from Ashfield News. Today, major plans to transform a secondary school, new heat health alert issued, an ongoing police crackdown and much more.
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‘World class’ plans for secondary school
Plans to turn a Nottinghamshire school into a "world-class, state-of-the-art" education campus have been revealed.
After years of behind-the-scenes talks between leaders At Ashfield School, the Department for Education, the Two Counties Trust, planners, the vision for the school’s future is finally ready to be shared — and the public is being urged to get involved.
The school in Sutton Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, one of the largest in the county, has confirmed a public consultation event will take place on Tuesday 15 July, from 5pm to 7pm in the main hall.
At the event, residents can see the proposed designs, grill the project team and give feedback before plans are finalised.
Construction firm BAM has been lined up to carry out the rebuild, which promises to bring cutting-edge facilities and a major facelift to the current site.
Those unable to make it on the day can still take part — the full plans will go live on the school’s website at 5pm on the 15th, and feedback can be submitted online until the end of July.
Headteacher John Maher says the rebuild is a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the area.
He added: “We are tremendously excited to be able to share the proposals for the next century of education at Ashfield School with the people of Ashfield.
“We have a great history as a school and this development will renew and transform Ashfield School into a world class, state of the art educational campus and stand as a shining beacon of ambition and investment in the young people of Ashfield.”
All feedback received will be reviewed ahead of a formal planning application being submitted to Ashfield District Council later this summer.
Residents, parents, former pupils and community leaders are all being encouraged to come along and help shape the future of Ashfield School.
Ashfield braced for scorching weekend as yellow heat alert issued
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow Heat Health Alert for the East Midlands, including Ashfield, as temperatures are forecast to reach 31C this weekend.
The warning runs from 10am on 9 July to 10am on 15 July and signals a medium impact risk to health and social care services.
The UKHSA says the heat could increase deaths among the over-65s and those with health conditions, with a likely spike in demand for health services.
Ashfield is set to swelter on Saturday and Sunday, before cooler, unsettled weather arrives on Monday.
Residents are urged to stay hydrated, avoid excessive physical activity, and check on vulnerable neighbours.
Care homes and hospitals are advised to monitor indoor temperatures and ensure rooms are well ventilated to reduce overheating.
Continued support for homeless scheme
Ashfield District Council has agreed to continue using two temporary accommodation schemes in Sutton-in-Ashfield to house homeless individuals and couples.
The council will work with Framework Housing to operate 22 self-contained flats in Penn Street and Welbeck Street, with £219,000 in support costs funded through homelessness grant income.
Rising homelessness and demand for emergency housing prompted the decision, which also includes a review of temporary accommodation provision in 2025/26.
Ending the partnership was ruled out due to a lack of suitable alternatives and the risk of increased use of costly, inappropriate bed and breakfast accommodation.
Illegal and untaxed vehicles seized in crackdown
Police in Hucknall have stepped up their crackdown on illegal and untaxed vehicles, with officers seizing four cars and a KTM motorbike over the weekend.
The latest operation by the Hucknall Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) is part of an ongoing effort to tackle antisocial behaviour and drug-related crime linked to nuisance vehicles in the area.
PC Liam Taylor, who has been at the forefront of the operation, said:
“We are continually responding to public complaints about illegal and nuisance motorbikes and untaxed vehicles being left on the street. In recent days, we’ve removed four vehicles and seized a KTM motorbike from Dorey Way, near the Rolls-Royce factory.
“We’re fully aware that these bikes are being used not only to cause harassment to residents, but also to transport and deal drugs. In recent weeks, we’ve taken several motorbikes and Surron electric bikes off the streets for good.”
PC Taylor praised the local community for their support, noting that many of the seizures were made possible thanks to information from the public.
“We’ve been able to use our resources strategically and get to these bikes and riders before they know what’s hit them,” he added.
Officers have also noticed an increase in untaxed vehicles being abandoned in Hucknall. PC Taylor said these vehicles are not just unsightly, but can also become magnets for antisocial behaviour.
“We have very straightforward powers to seize these vehicles,” he explained. “We’re actively looking for them ourselves, but we also rely on residents. If you see an untaxed car on your street, let us know – and we’ll come and take it away.”
Residents are encouraged to report any suspicious or nuisance vehicles to Nottinghamshire Police through the usual non-emergency channels.
Crowds flock to Hucknall Fest for a day of music and fun
Thousands of festival-goers gathered in Hucknall’s Titchfield Park on Saturday 5 July as Hucknall Fest made its much-anticipated return.
Organised by Out of the Box Events on behalf of Ashfield District Council, the free family event featured a packed programme of entertainment including tribute performances to Coldplay, Green Day, Olivia Rodrigo, Avril Lavigne and Sabrina Carpenter. Local talents Ant Green and Izzye also took to the stage, helping to set the tone for a lively day of music.
Beyond the music, visitors enjoyed a large traditional fairground complete with rides such as Midnight Express, Freak Out, Dodgems, Twister and the ever-popular Ferris Wheel. The event also featured a dog show and a bustling market village.
John Bennett, Executive Director for Place at Ashfield District Council, said: “What a brilliant day. Thank you to everyone who came along – the performers were phenomenal, and thankfully the weather stayed on our side. I look forward to doing it all again next year.”
The council is now gearing up for its next major event – The Ashfield Show, set to take place at Sutton Lawn on 8–10 August. That will be followed by the August Food and Drink Festival on Hucknall High Street, happening Sunday 17 August.