Arrest as dog stolen during burglary
Plus: Vertical farming project to benefit district
Good morning, readers, and welcome to your Thursday briefing from Ashfield News. In today’s edition, an arrest is made after a dog was stolen from a house, firefighters work through the night after flooding and much more.
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Arrest made after dog stolen from house
A woman was arrested after a dog and personal belongings were reported stolen during a burglary in Hucknall.
Police were called to a home in Nottingham Road on December 18, while the owner was away.
Police were alerted to the break-in after receiving reports of a door being forcibly opened.
Among the items taken were bank cards, a month’s supply of prescription medication, chocolates, and the pet dog.
The animal was later found safe following the incident, Nottinghamshire Police said.
Officers from the Hucknall neighbourhood policing team were on patrol when they spotted a woman matching the description of a suspect on January 6.
After detaining her, a search uncovered multiple bank cards bearing different individuals' names, which were seized by authorities.
Further investigation revealed the woman was also wanted in connection with two shop thefts at Morrisons on Portland Road.
The thefts took place on New Year’s Day and January 2, with stolen items including beer, chocolates, and cakes.
A 32-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of burglary, shop theft, and theft.
PC Ryan Shiel said: "Nobody has the right to break into another person’s home and take things that don’t belong to them, so we’re pleased to have now arrested a suspect in connection with this incident."
The investigation is ongoing, and police continue to urge anyone with further information to come forward.
Vertical farming project to benefit district
Ashfield District Council has entered into a grant funding agreement with Academy Transformation Trust Further Education (ATTFE College) for a community vertical farm project.
The project, which has a total value of £173,326, aims to establish a vertical farming facility to promote sustainable food production and engage local communities.
The funding, which includes £108,026 for capital costs and £65,300 for revenue costs, will support the delivery of the project from 15 July 2024 to 31 March 2025.
The initiative is a collaboration with Mansfield District Council, which is contributing £86,026.
The project will take place at Sutton Community Academy, where students and local volunteers will be involved in growing crops in a vertical farming setup.
The initiative aims to promote healthier food choices, sustainability, and community engagement, with food produced being distributed to local food banks.
Open days will also be held to showcase the vertical farming process.
Additionally, ATTFE College is providing training in vertical farming techniques, including growing microgreens, and has developed promotional materials to encourage community participation.
Firefighters support flood work
Firefighters from Ashfield Fire Station joined an operation to remove flood water in Retford.
The area had faced significant flooding following heavy snow fall, which caused flood issues across the East Midlands.
The station joined other emergency services to alleviate the situation late on Monday, January 6.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid entering flood water as it could conceal potentially fatal hidden dangers.
There are currently a number of flood warnings in place for areas across Nottinghamshire, including West Bridgford, Nottingham and Newark.
A flood warning is a step higher than a flood alert. It means flooding is expected and you should take action to protect loved ones and property.
Project to support high street shops
An initiative aimed at revitalising Ashfield’s high streets is set to benefit more local businesses following the success of a pilot project in Hucknall last year.
The pilot, which connected five businesses with high street experts, provided tailored guidance and support to improve trade.
One of the success stories was Guilt Free Pleasures bakery, which saw a significant boost in sales and a growing customer base.
Owner Lauren Watson praised the programme, saying: “I’d highly recommend it to any local business. The results have been fantastic and I’m really pleased I took part.”
The Ashfield High Street and Market Support Programme is now being expanded across the district, thanks to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
The programme is a partnership between Ashfield District Council and SaveTheHighStreet.org, a collective of business and high street experts.
Over an eight-week period, local businesses will receive expert advice on how to increase footfall, boost trade, and rejuvenate their high street presence.
Participants will gain access to a digital platform offering a range of tools and resources designed to help businesses enhance their operations, marketing, and customer engagement.
SaveTheHighStreet.org experts will also conduct in-depth consultations with each business, identifying specific areas for support.
Additionally, an online event will provide businesses with valuable insights from retail leaders across the UK and success stories from other regions.
Cllr Matthew Relf, Executive Lead for Growth, Regeneration, and Local Planning, said: “We’re thrilled to roll out this scheme to the wider business community across Ashfield.”
Julie Holden, Community Director at SaveTheHighStreet.org, added: “We are excited to continue our work with Ashfield District Council and build on the success of the Hucknall pilot.
“Our digital tool helps businesses unlock their potential and develop strategies to drive footfall and increase trade. We’ve seen great results in other areas, and we’re eager to see similar success in Ashfield.”
Ashfield businesses interested in participating or learning more about the programme can contact SaveTheHighStreet.org at Ashfield@SaveTheHighStreet.org.
For further details on Ashfield District Council’s business support services, visit: www.ashfield.gov.uk/business-licensing/business-support.
Rec changing rooms could be demolished
Changing rooms in a Nottinghamshire recreation ground could be demolished, new plans show.
Proposals have been submitted to Ashfield District Council to determine if prior approval will be needed to bring down the site at the recreation ground in Stamper Crescent, Sutton-in-Ashfield.
No further details have yet been released but it comes as the authority looks to make improvements to a number of green areas, which includes new changing facilities and increased car parking at Sutton Lawn.
A decision is expected by February 4.
Deadline to apply for school places
Parents in Nottinghamshire are being reminded to submit their applications for their child’s reception or junior (year 3) school place by Wednesday, 15 January 2025, with the deadline fast approaching.
To improve the chances of securing a preferred place, the council advises parents to list four schools on their application and include schools where their child meets higher eligibility criteria.
It’s essential to apply on time, as late applications significantly reduce the chances of being allocated a preferred school, the authority said.
Ben Bradley, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, emphasised the importance of the decision, noting that 99% of families who applied on time last year were offered one of their preferred schools.
Applications must be submitted to Nottinghamshire County Council, even for schools in neighbouring areas. For full details and guidance, parents can visit Nottinghamshire County Council’s website.