New lease of life for shop closed for 30 years
Plus: Arrest made after boulder thrown from bridge
Good morning and welcome to your Monday briefing from Ashfield News. Today, plans have been approved for a derelict shop, a police update after a boulder was thrown on a van and more.
The full version of today’s newsletter is currently exclusive to our paid subscribers. Our first birthday deal is still running and you can upgrade today with 25% off by clicking the link below.
Derelict shop set to be turned into takeaway
A derelict shop which closed more than 30 years ago is set to be brought back to life as a takeaway.
A proposal to change the use of the former Wine Cellar in Church Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, to a hot food takeaway has been approved by Ashfield District Council.
Documents submitted to the authority state there has been a “noticeable decline” in the appearance of the building, with the walls chipping and cracking and the back of the building becoming “dangerously overgrown”.
The rear of the site has now been cleared and work has already taken place inside the property to enable the building to operate as a takeaway.
According to the plans, the takeaway would be
an online order only establishment, utilising delivery services such as Deliveroo and JustEat.
The proposal had been recommended for refusal as it was feared a flue proposed as part of the development would have a detrimental impact on the surrounding area.
There were also concerns over the smell that may be generated.
But planners gave it the go-ahead on December 4.
Police update as arrest made into boulder incident
A 17-year-old boy has been arrested after a man was seriously injured when a boulder was dropped from a footbridge on to his van on the Rainworth Bypass.
The incident, which occurred at about 10pm on Friday 29 November, saw the large rock smash through the van's window as the 26-year-old driver was travelling on the A617 towards Mansfield.
The impact knocked the man unconscious, causing him to crash through the central reservation and come to a halt on the opposite carriageway.
He is now recovering in hospital from head and face injuries.
Detectives from Nottinghamshire Police have been working to uncover the motive behind the act, which they described as "stupid and dangerous."
They have combed through extensive CCTV footage and spoken to witnesses in an effort to piece together the events.
The arrested teenager has been released on police bail as investigations continue.
Detective Constable Sarah Kirk expressed relief that the victim survived the ordeal, adding: "The victim is extremely lucky to be alive."
She urged anyone with information to come forward, saying: "We are working hard to track down those responsible, and now that the victim is recovering, I hope others will help us secure justice for him."
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously.
New county council leader confirmed
Sam Smith has been elected as the new leader of Nottinghamshire County Council, following a vote at a full council meeting last week.
Representing Newark East, Cllr Smith succeeds former Mansfield MP Ben Bradley, who stepped down for personal reasons.
In his new role, Cllr Smith outlined his priorities, including balancing the budget in February 2025 and continuing the council's strong record of delivering services, such as maintaining libraries and expanding rural bus services.
He also highlighted his commitment to improving education standards and lobbying the government on SEND issues.
Cllr Smith thanked Cllr Bradley for his leadership and pledged to build on his legacy.
Hospital issues abuse message
Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust has sent out a warning to patients and visitors that hospital staff should be treated with respect.
The message has come as winter pressures begin to mount on its emergency department, particular at King’s Mill Hospital.
With demand rising, the Trust is emphasising that any form of abuse—whether verbal or physical—will not be tolerated.
Recent data revealed twice as many patients have been treated in the Trust's emergency department than it was designed to handle.
To combat this, the Trust has launched an 'Expect Respect, Not Abuse' campaign, encouraging staff to report incidents of abuse.
The Trust is committed to taking appropriate action, including refusing treatment or pursuing legal steps, while offering support to affected staff members.
Weekly reports show that, on average, 22 staff members fall victim to abuse.
This includes verbal threats, racial slurs, and even physical attacks.
Rob Simcox, Director of People, emphasised that while most patients treat staff well, no healthcare worker should face abuse while providing care.
The Trust is focused on improving staff safety through its Violence and Aggression Action Plan and dedicated training.
As winter demand grows, the Trust calls for patience and understanding from the public.