Children's indoor play centre bid gets the green light
Plus: Drug dealer jailed after chase through town
Good morning, readers, and welcome to your Thursday briefing from Ashfield News. Today, plans for a new children’s play centre are approved, a step forward in a bid to improve an Ashfield village and more. Please note there will be no Monday briefing next week.
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Green light for children’s play centre plans
A former dance school is set to be converted into a children’s play centre, after plans for the project were given the green light.
The Morven Rooms in Sutton-in-Ashfield was built as a church hall in the early 20th century and was most recently used as a dance school.
However, the site in Morven Avenue has been left unused since the previous owners retired, documents submitted to Ashfield District Council showed.
Plans were lodged in December to change the use of the building into a children’s indoor play area, alongside an upgrade of the cladding outside the venue and the installation of a ramp to improve access for disabled people.
The building’s new owner was told the change of use for the building was not needed, as it fell within the same use class as the dance school, which had operated for 50 years.
Plans to make the alterations to the building have been approved by Ashfield District Council, it has been confirmed.
In making the decision, a planning officer said: “The proposal will bring the building up to an accessible standard for all users whilst also enabling the continued use of an established commercial building within Sutton town centre.”
Drug dealer jailed after chase through town
A drug dealer has been jailed for 12 years after being caught with a loaded gun, drugs, and a knife during a police chase in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Hamid Ramzan, 26, was already under investigation by the authorities when he was spotted driving his Ford Fiesta through the town in the early hours of 2 October 2023.
When officers attempted to stop him, Ramzan, of Hicot Drive, Aspley, sped off and crashed into a lamppost in Carsic Road. He was arrested at the scene.
While searching the car, police found a stash of cannabis, cash, weighing scales, and two burner-style phones.
Ramzan had also tried to conceal a converted pistol inside the gearstick housing.
However, an officer noticed the housing was not secured properly, uncovering the weapon, along with additional drugs and cash.
This was not Ramzan’s first run-in with the law. In September 2021, he was stopped in Valley Road, Nottingham, where officers found an imitation firearm in his boot and a knife on his person.
In August 2023, he was caught again, this time with a large knife hidden under his driver’s seat in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
A detailed investigation of Ramzan’s mobile devices revealed significant evidence of large-scale drug dealing.
Ramzan pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including possessing a firearm, ammunition, and knives, as well as possessing heroin, crack cocaine, cocaine, and cannabis with intent to supply.
Appearing at Nottingham Crown Court on 13 March 2025, Ramzan was sentenced to 12 years in prison.
Detective Sergeant Rachel Mayfield of Nottinghamshire Police said, “Ramzan had two previous chances to abandon his criminality but continued to deal drugs and carry weapons. This jail sentence is the inevitable result of such behaviour.”
Step forward for village improvement bid
Proposals to improve life in an Ashfield village have taken a major step forward.
Ashfield District Council says it wants to boost accessibility, cleanliness and skills for residents and businesses in Stanton Hill.
At a recent cabinet meeting, council members agreed on a 10-year programme designed in collaboration with the Teversal, Skegby, and Stanton Hill Neighbourhood Forum.
The plan has been shaped with input from residents, focusing on their key priorities for the area.
The programme outlines five key objectives: building a stronger community spirit, revitalising the High Street to attract investment and support businesses, tackling issues such as litter, crime, and health, improving accessibility for residents and visitors, and empowering locals with skills for better job opportunities.
Helen-Ann Smith, deputy leader of Ashfield District Council and ward councillor for Stanton Hill and Teversal, said: “Stanton Hill has a real sense of community, and we want to support the people living there as much as we possibly can.”
Andrew Jenkins, chair of the Stanton Hill Neighbourhood Forum, expressed strong support for the initiative, highlighting positive engagement with the council and the importance of resident participation in the long-term plan.
The project is still in its early stages, but residents have been told they can expect further developments in the coming months.
£9m investment confirmed for bus services
Nottinghamshire County Council has announced a £9 million investment over the next year to support 70 bus services across the county to ensure essential routes remain operational and accessible.
The funding, part of the Bus Service Improvement Plan (BSIP), will maintain or improve services on routes in areas including Sutton, Hucknall and Mansfield.
The initiative aims to prevent reductions or withdrawals of these services.
The plan includes a mix of full or joint funding for various bus routes, enhancing frequency and modifying routes to better serve residents.
Dozens of services will benefit including the 417 Sutton Town Centre, ALS 101 Huthwaite and Sutton, 34 Hucknall to Eastwood and the 28 Mansfield to Newark.
Sam Smith, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Nottinghamshire is ranked as the best county area for buses, and this investment ensures that every community has a reliable service.”