Fresh application in controversial McDonald's plan
Plus: A care home has been moved out of special measures
Good morning, readers, and welcome to your Thursday briefing from Ashfield News. This week, a new proposal for a McDonald’s restaurant, a care home is moved out of special measures and more.
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New application as part of McDonald’s plans
A new proposal has been put forward as part of a controversial McDonald’s restaurant for a Nottinghamshire town.
Concerns were previously raised over the impact on schoolchildren and roads as the fast food giant outlined a bid to create a takeaway at the Broad Centre in Sutton in Ashfield.
The plans were approved in May last year and proposals for a “Golden Arch” and McDonald’s signs were given the green light in January.
Now, a licensing application has been submitted for the restaurant to provide “late night refreshment” from 11pm to 5am.
The application, submitted by Shoosmiths LLP on behalf of McDonald’s, would be to carry out the activities from Monday to Sunday.
People have until April 25 to have their say to Ashfield District Council.
Following the signage proposal, opponents questioned the impact on children at Croft Primary School, located opposite the site.
One resident said: “I object to having a fast food restaurant directly opposite a primary school in an area where childhood obesity is already a significant concern.
“It is irresponsible of the council to consider this and I do not feel the decision to give this planning permission is in the best interests of the local community.”
However, planners dismissed the concerns as the application for the restaurant had previously been approved.
Criticised care home out of special measures
A care home which was rated inadequate after CQC inspectors were called in over concerns by a whistleblower has been lifted out of special measures.
Stoneyford Care Home was rated inadequate by the Care Quality Commission last year when inspectors found residents had to bang on tables for attention and deal with the smell of urine in their rooms.
Inspectors said residents were at risk of harm during their inspection and that there were fears over repercussions if they raised concerns.
During a follow-up inspection in February, the home was caring for 20 people.
The CQC said at the previous inspection, the home was in breach of its regulations for consent, safe care and treatment and governance.
“At this assessment the service was no longer in breach of regulations for consent and safe care and treatment,” a spokesperson said.
“However, the service had a continued breach of regulation for governance and record keeping.”
The service is now rated as good for caring but is requires improvement in all other areas, giving it an overall rating of requires improvement.
The spokesperson added: “We found improvements had been made in keeping people safe.
“Staff were knowledgeable of safeguarding incidents and how to support keeping people safe. Manual handling techniques had improved, people were supported appropriately to mobilise and transfer using equipment such as hoists and wheelchairs.
“Improvements were seen in relation to the mealtime experience, correct use of personal protective equipment and reduction of risk to people in relation to risks of infection and cross contamination.”
Motorcyclist seriously injured in crash
Police are appealing for witnesses and anyone with dashcam footage to come forward following a crash in Ravenshead last week.
The incident happened outside the Sainsbury's Local store on the A60 Mansfield Road at about 9.55am on Thursday, 3 April.
Officers responded to a crash involving a black motorbike and a black Mercedes, Nottinghamshire Police said.
The motorbike rider sustained serious injuries and was taken to hospital for treatment.
PC Greg Trease-Somers, who is leading the investigation, said: "This was a serious incident, and we are working diligently to piece together the events surrounding the collision.
“We are particularly keen to speak with anyone who was in the area, or on the A60, before or after the incident. Any dashcam footage would be especially helpful."
He added: "It was a busy time of day, so we are hopeful that someone may have witnessed something that could assist with our enquiries. If you have any information, please come forward."
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant footage is asked to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 172 of 3 April 2025.
‘Area of natural beauty’ damaged in arson
Fire crews spent five hours in a Nottinghamshire beauty spot after a suspected arson incident.
A crew from Hucknall fire station was among those called to Bestwood Country Park on Sunday afternoon.
The fire affected a “large area” of the park and a spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service said it’s “highly likely” it was caused by arson following witness reports.
The spokesperson added: “A large area of natural beauty has been damaged and a lot of fire service resources were tied up for some considerable time.
“This is the damage that one match can do in a dry wooded area.
“Please impress upon your children the dangers of arson to themselves and the local area.”
Thank you to shoppers after Easter egg campaign
Shoppers in Mansfield and Kirkby-in-Ashfield have donated hundreds of Easter eggs for children in need.
Close to 300 eggs were donated by people shopping at Morrisons stores in the two towns.
A spokesperson for Ashfield Fire Station said the treats would go to “worthy causes”.
The spokesperson added: “Thank you Morrisons Kirkby and Mansfield stores and all their customers who helped put smiles on children’s faces.”