Plans announced for new hospital building
Plus: Police officer sacked after letting domestic abuse suspect leave scene
Good morning everyone and welcome to your Thursday briefing from Ashfield News. Our main story today is on plans for a major new building at King’s Mill Hospital.
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New building plan for King’s Mill Hospital
Plans have been announced to create a new MRI facility at King’s Mill Hospital.
The new building will be set over two storeys, with the main facilities being based around the ground floor and the first floor to include plant and IT rooms.
Documents submitted to Ashfield District Council show the new unit at the hospital, run by Sherwood Forest Hospitals, will include three MRI scanner rooms, three MRI control rooms and three MRI tech rooms.
The centre will be connected to the hospital through a corridor link, with access for patients and staff.
Architects CPMG said in their design and access statement: “These spaces are complemented by support spaces that include waiting areas, receptions, WC and changing facilities, administration, staff offices, utilities and storage spaces.”
A decision is due on the proposal by January 29.
Burglar jailed after breaking into man’s home
A man returned home to discover a burglar sitting in his living room.
Emma Crowder has now been jailed after forcing her way into the property in Ashwood Avenue, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, by breaking a kitchen window with a brick.
The 41-year-old then went on to steal money and a microwave – which was later found nearby – on the morning of April 13.
Crowder, who was known to the victim, denied an offence of burglary and insisted she was staying at the home with the owner’s consent.
She claimed she pretended to be asleep when an unknown offender broke in, but she had been recorded on a security camera making reference to a brick being thrown through the window.
Crowder, of Wrexham Road in Rhostyllen, went on to admit the offence before trial and was jailed for 13 months when she appeared at Nottingham Crown Court.
PC Danny O’Kane, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was an upsetting incident for the victim who returned home to find a burglar in his living room.
“I know this has had a considerable impact on him and has left him feeling unsafe in his own home.
“I am pleased Crowder has now accepted responsibility for this crime and has now been punished for it.”
Residents invited to share views
People living in Huthwaite will be able to raise their concerns with police and community officials during a day of action.
Residents are invited to Huthwaite Library on Saturday, November 23, from 10.30am-12noon.
Community Protection Officers, police and PCSOs will be on hand to talk about crime, anti-social behaviour and community issues in the area.
Renewed partnerships for community projects
Nottinghamshire County Council has renewed its partnership with Arc Partnership, allowing the initiative to continue delivering vital community projects until 2031.
Since its launch in 2016, the joint venture between the council and procurement specialist SCAPE has completed 3,511 projects, generating £394 million in investment, with £344 million spent locally.
Councillor Keith Girling praised Arc Partnership for its "integrated customer-focused services" and commitment to regeneration and economic growth, especially during challenging times such as the Covid-19 pandemic.
He highlighted the importance of local employment, noting that 95% of the Arc team live in Nottinghamshire.
Arc Partnership has overseen numerous multi-million-pound projects, including state-of-the-art schools, library modernisations, and the development of Oak House, a new low-carbon county council office near Hucknall, which aims for 86% of its spend to be local.
Managing Director Daniel Maher emphasised the partnership's dedication to social value and collaboration, stating that the extension reflects the council's trust.
He also noted strong ties with Nottingham Trent University and the University of Nottingham, enhancing local talent development.
Police officer sacked after letting suspect leave scene
A Nottinghamshire police officer has been dismissed for misconduct after allowing a domestic violence suspect to leave the scene and falsifying evidence.
An accelerated misconduct hearing was held on 30 October at Nottinghamshire Police HQ, chaired by Chief Constable Kate Meynell.
The incident occurred on 13 December 2023 when a woman reported being assaulted and held against her will by her ex-partner.
PC James Shekelton was deployed and activated his body-worn camera.
After speaking with the victim, he entered another room to converse with the suspect, who claimed innocence and wished to leave.
Shekelton then turned off his camera and allowed the suspect to depart.
During the hearing, it was revealed that Shekelton failed to mark the footage as evidence, effectively concealing his actions.
He later misled investigators, falsely stating that the suspect was not present when he arrived.
The hearing concluded that Shekelton's actions breached multiple standards of professional conduct, including honesty and integrity.
Dismissing him from the force, Chief Constable Meynell emphasised the importance of trust and integrity in policing, stating that his repeated dishonesty undermined public confidence.
Shekelton is now on the police barred list.