Eyesore land 'finally' set to be transformed - and residents are delighted
Plus: New toy shop to open in town centre
Good morning and welcome to your Thursday briefing from Ashfield News. This week, two teenagers are sentenced for killing a Kirkby man, plans for an eyesore piece of land are approved, and a toy shop will be allowed to open in a town centre.
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‘Eyesore’ land to be turned into homes
Derelict land next to a Nottinghamshire pub is set to be turned into homes after a development was given the green light.
A block of six apartments and two shops would be created on the site in South Road, Hucknall, next to the Half Moon pub.
The apartment complex would be based over three storeys and Ashfield District Council planners approved the project last week.
The development was widely welcomed by residents, with one saying: “Finally, something is being done with that piece of land.”
Another added in support of the development: “Be nice to see the ground get used for something, it’s been an eyesore for years on that corner.”
Teenagers sentenced for killing man in skate park attack
Two teenagers who murdered a man by throwing a brick at his head have been jailed.
Jack Edwards, of Kirkby-in-Ashfield, pictured below, suffered catastrophic injuries during the attack by Kai Howitt and an unnamed 13-year-old boy at Nottingham’s Sussex Street skate park.
Jack, 24, had got into an argument with a group of young people on the park on the evening of December 5, 2023.
The group included Howitt, 19, of Trent Boulevard, West Bridgford, and his 13-year-old accomplice.
Members of the group started to throw objects at Jack before the younger boy, who cannot be named for legal reasons, picked up two pieces of masonry from the ground and threw them at close range.
One of the pieces of masonry hit him in the face and his attackers then fled the scene. He died in hospital two days later.
Both teenagers denied murdering Jack but they were found guilty following a two-week trial at Nottingham Crown Court.
They were sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court on Monday, July 15, with Howitt, pictured below, being jailed for a minimum of 14 years before he will be considered for release.
The younger boy will serve a minimum term of five years and six months in a young offender institution and both will remain on licence for the rest of their lives.
Jack’s mum, Zoe Edwards, said: “You will always be our loving son, loveable rogue. They have taken away our happiness, but they can never take away our love for you, dear son.
“We will always carry this sadness and aching in our hearts until we meet again.”
His brother, Reece, added: “Everyday, I question what’s the point of achievements in life if I haven’t got my brother. We were supposed to smash life together.
“Every day, I dread night times because that is when it becomes quiet, and I see your face all lifeless.
“I’ll never be the same person without you. I’ll never laugh and smile the same. I will try and make you proud, big brother.”
Detective Inspector Clare Gibson, of the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, said: “While no punishment handed out will ever make up for the ordeal they’ve suffered, I hope the sentence passed today will provide Jack’s loved ones with some small degree of comfort.”
New toy shop to open in town centre
A new toy shop is set to open in a town centre after plans for the project were given the green light.
Crazie Maisie Models recently left its store in Outram Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, where it sold model railway items, modelling supplies and toys.
It submitted plans to Ashfield District Council to open in a former taxi booking office in Station Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, in June.
The proposals were given the go ahead on Monday, July 15.
Work has been taking place inside the store over recent weeks amid plans to open to the public as soon as possible.
The planning permission states the shop can open from 9am-5pm Monday to Friday and 9am-5pm on Saturdays.
Free swimming as leisure centre marks birthday
Free swimming sessions will form part of a celebration at Kirkby Leisure Centre next month.
The site in Hodgkinson Road will also host free roller skating, bouncy castle, soft play and face painting to mark two years since it opened.
Councillor Chris Huskinson, executive lead for leisure, health and wellbeing at Ashfield District Council, said: “Kirkby Leisure Centre was a huge project for the District and is something we are very proud of.
“It’s used by more than 2,500 members from across the District and its visitor numbers are continuing to rise. This party is a great way to mark a huge milestone and have some fun.
“If you have not yet been to the centre, this is the perfect opportunity to find out more about what it has to offer.”
The event on Saturday, August 3, will run from 1-4pm.
To book, call 01623 457101 or call in at reception.
Big step for observatory work
The “final” layer is being laid at the top of the Sherwood Observatory.
Multi-million pound works on the site in Coxmoor Road, Sutton, have progressed rapidly in recent weeks.
New images taken above the structure, released by the organisation earlier this month, show the majority of the dome is now in place.
A spokesperson said the image showed what appeared to be the final black layer starting to be laid on the dome.