NHS plea to public ahead of doctors strike
Plus: Major step forward for sports hub project
Welcome to Thursday’s edition of Ashfield News, where we bring you the latest on a doctor’s strike, a major construction project and much more.
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Plea to public ahead of NHS strike
Residents across Nottinghamshire are being urged to choose the most appropriate NHS service as significant disruption is expected due to industrial action by resident doctors, beginning this Friday.
The strike, which runs from 7am on Friday 25 July to 7am on Wednesday 30 July 2025, involves resident doctors (previously known as junior doctors), who make up around half of the medical workforce in England.
NHS leaders are warning of longer waits in A&E and potential disruption to routine care.
Amanda Sullivan, chief executive of NHS Nottingham and Nottinghamshire, said: “Resident doctors do a vital job, so losing this huge part of our workforce will have a big impact.
“There are a range of NHS services for different needs — if you're unsure, please use NHS 111 online or call 111 to get directed to the right place.”
Patients are being advised to attend NHS appointments as planned unless contacted directly.
Dr Manjeet Shehmar, Medical Director at Nottingham University Hospitals, added: “We apologise for any disruption. If you haven’t heard from us, please attend your appointment. Patient safety remains our top priority, and we have plans in place to maintain urgent and emergency care.”
People are reminded that services such as pharmacies, urgent treatment centres, NHS 111, and mental health crisis support remain available. Pharmacies can now treat a range of minor conditions under the Pharmacy First scheme, including earache, sore throat, sinusitis, and urinary tract infections.
Mental health support is also available through NHS 111 (option 2) or by visiting local Crisis Sanctuaries across Nottinghamshire.
For urgent medical needs, the NHS encourages residents to continue coming forward as normal, especially in life-threatening situations. Full service details are available at 111.nhs.uk or the Nottingham and Nottinghamshire ICB website.
Major step for new sports hub
Ashfield District Council has confirmed a construction contract has been awarded to Seddon Construction Ltd to deliver the new £3.2m Kingsway Park Sports Hub in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
The decision marks a major milestone in the Towns Fund programme.
The project will see Seddon deliver the final design and build phase (RIBA Stage 5) of the hub, with completion expected by 2027.
Key features of the scheme include new Sport England-compliant changing facilities, a community-use bowls pavilion, new and enhanced football pitches, an extended car park with EV charging, and LED floodlight upgrades for the hockey and football pitches.
The development is supported by more than £3.2 million in funding, including £250,000 from the Football Foundation—subject to final agreement.
Delegated powers have been granted to council officers to accept the grant and, if required, enter into a legal charge or Deed of Dedication to secure the funds.
project is designed to boost physical activity, improve sports access, and future-proof the park’s facilities for generations to come.
Appeal as motorcyclist dies in crash
Police are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage following a fatal crash in Underwood.
Emergency services were called to Alfreton Road at around 8pm on Sunday 20 July after a crash involving a Harley Davidson motorcycle, a Volvo V90, and a Bentley Brooklands.
The rider of the motorcycle, a 38-year-old man, was taken to hospital with serious injuries but died shortly afterwards.
The road was closed overnight to allow for investigation work but has since reopened.
Officers from Nottinghamshire Police’s Serious Collision Investigation Unit are urging anyone who saw the vehicles in the moments leading up to the crash to come forward.
Detective Sergeant Charlotte Henson said: “This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with the motorcyclist’s family at this very difficult time.
“They are being supported by specially trained officers while we carry out a full investigation into what happened.
“The collision took place during daylight hours and we believe there were a number of people in the area who may have seen or captured something that could assist us.
“We are particularly keen to hear from any motorists who may have dashcam footage showing the Harley Davidson, Volvo V90, or Bentley Brooklands shortly before the crash.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101, quoting incident number 609 of 20 July 2025. Information can also be reported anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Elderly man seriously injured in daylight robbery
Detectives are appealing for information after a 76-year-old man was found seriously injured following a suspected robbery in Mansfield.
The victim was discovered lying on the ground in a service area opposite Tansley Heath at around 12.30pm on Tuesday 18 June.
A passer-by found the man and alerted the emergency services
He was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
It is believed the pensioner was assaulted and had his car, a black Vauxhall Mokka, stolen during the incident.
The vehicle was later recovered around half a mile away from where the man was found.
Officers from Nottinghamshire Police are treating the incident as a robbery and have been following multiple lines of inquiry since it occurred.
As part of a public appeal, police have released an image of the stolen car taken during the incident in the hope it may jog the memory of potential witnesses.
Detectives are particularly keen to speak to anyone who was in the area around midday on 18 June and may have witnessed the incident or captured dash-cam footage.
Detective Sergeant Gemma Patterson said: “A man in his seventies was found lying in the road with very serious injuries and his car missing, so it’s clear something happened.
“We’re determined to discover who or what was responsible for him being left in this state, so that we can get some justice for the victim and his family.
“While his vehicle was ultimately discovered around half a mile away sometime after, we’re currently working to the theory that it was taken during a robbery.
“That is clearly a very serious offence, so we’re asking for anyone who saw what happened or has any information to please share it with us, so that we can take action.
“This took place in the middle of the day, so it may well have been witnessed by someone or even caught on dash-cam. If you were in the area at the time, please check your footage and get in touch.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Nottinghamshire Police on 101, quoting incident number 262 of 18 June 2025. Alternatively, details can be passed anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.