District gears up for return of Ashfield Show
Plus: Council statement on false asylum seeker claims
Welcome to Thursday’s edition of Ashfield News, where we bring you the latest ahead of the Ashfield Show, survey on local government reorganisation, a statement on false asylum seeker claims and much more.
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Line-up as Ashfield Show to return
Ashfield Show is back from Friday 8 to Sunday 10 August at Sutton Lawn.
The free festival, hosted by Ashfield District Council in partnership with Out of the Box Events, features live music, a huge funfair, over 40 market stalls, street food, community activities, and a packed entertainment schedule across three days.
The main stage will showcase top tribute acts including Chasing Mumford (Mumford & Sons), Show Me Gaga, Beyoncé Fierce, and Faker Maker (Oasis), alongside local performers and community acts.
Family attractions include circus workshops, bubble shows, monster mask making, and the return of the Vets 4 Pets Dog Show.
Cllr Chris Huskinson, Executive Lead for Leisure, Health and Wellbeing, said: “Ashfield Show was a phenomenal success last year, and 2025 will be even bigger and better. We’re proud to offer this free event packed with entertainment and opportunities to make lasting memories.”
The event runs daily from 10am, with an expanded food court, vegan and vegetarian options, three garden bars, and a funfair for all ages.
Visitors are encouraged to walk, cycle, or use public transport where possible. Free parking is available in all Sutton town centre council car parks throughout the event, with limited on-site parking accessible from Albion Road at £5.
Full line-ups and activity schedules are available via Ashfield District Council’s website and social media.
Statement over asylum seeker claims
Mansfield District Council has issued a statement correcting false claims circulating online about the accommodation of asylum seekers in the area.
The clarification follows inaccurate information shared by a group known as Predator Hunters, which the council says has caused unnecessary concern and division within the community.
The council stressed that it plays no role in placing asylum seekers or selecting properties for their accommodation. These responsibilities lie entirely with Serco, a private company contracted by the Home Office.
Each local authority is given a set quota by the Home Office for the number of asylum seekers to be housed, and Serco sources this accommodation solely from the private rented sector.
The council made clear that no social housing is used, and no existing tenants are displaced as part of this process.
A spokesperson for Mansfield District Council said: “Spreading misinformation only creates unnecessary divisions in the community and undermines trust in public institutions. We all have a duty to support a respectful and inclusive community, and that includes ensuring facts are not distorted for personal or political agendas.”
The council’s involvement is limited to ensuring that housing used meets appropriate planning and safety standards where necessary.
The statement ends with a call for residents to work together with the relevant authorities and not to be misled by false claims that risk damaging community cohesion.
Man charged after teenage girl approached
A man has appeared in court following an incident where a teenage girl was approached in the street in Forest Town, Mansfield.
David Harcombe, 41, of Garwick Close, Forest Town, is charged with causing or inciting a girl to engage in sexual activity and breaching a Sexual Harm Prevention Order.
The alleged incident happened on the afternoon of Tuesday 29 July.
Harcombe appeared at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on Monday and was remanded into custody.
Police confirmed increased patrols were deployed in the area following the incident to reassure the community.
Public asked to have say on local government in Notts
Residents across Nottingham and Nottinghamshire are being urged to share their views on the future shape of local government, as a new public consultation opens.
The six-week survey, led jointly by all nine councils in the area, asks local people and organisations what matters most to them. Feedback will help shape proposals for a major local government reorganisation (LGR), launched at the request of central government.
The government is encouraging the creation of new ‘unitary authorities’ – single-tier councils responsible for all local services in their area – to replace the current two-tier system in Nottinghamshire. Under the current structure, Nottinghamshire County Council handles services like education and social care, while district and borough councils oversee local services such as waste collection and leisure.
Nottingham City Council already operates as a unitary authority.
Under the reorganisation, all nine existing councils would be abolished and replaced by two new unitary councils. Two main options are being considered:
Option 1b: One authority for Nottingham, Broxtowe and Gedling; another for the rest of Nottinghamshire.
Option 1e: One authority for Nottingham, Broxtowe and Rushcliffe; another for Mansfield, Ashfield, Newark and Sherwood, Bassetlaw and Gedling.
Additional options, including boundary reviews, are still being explored.
A spokesperson for the councils said: “This is the biggest shake-up of local government in over 50 years. We want to ensure any changes reflect the priorities of our communities.”
The survey is open until 11pm on Sunday 14 September. Final proposals must be submitted to government by 28 November 2025, with a decision expected in summer 2026.
To take part, visit: www.lgrnotts.org
Hospital drop in event
Staff, patients and carers are invited to a special drop-in event on Wednesday 13 August, 10am–2pm, at Mansfield Community Hospital.
Held in the main entrance, the session offers a chance to hear directly from the Community Diagnostic Centre (CDC) team about the latest improvements in local diagnostic services.
Team members will also be visiting wards to share updates and gather feedback.