Plans announced to transform former town centre pub
Plus: Mobility scooters recovered after slow-speed chase
Welcome to Thursday’s edition of Ashfield News, where we bring you plans for a former town centre pub, a 4mph mobility scooter chase and more.
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Plans announced for future of former pub
Plans have been submitted to convert the ground floor of a former pub into flats.
The Portland Arms in Annesley Road, Hucknall, dates back to around 1870 and has previously been extended with a two-storey rear addition.
While the upper two floors are currently used as flats, the ground floor remains a former pub space.
The proposed development involves changing the use of the ground floor from a pub to residential accommodation, creating two flats: a two-bedroom, three-person unit measuring 66 square metres, and a one-bedroom, two-person unit of 50 square metres.
This is a revision from an earlier approval which allowed three smaller flats.
No external alterations are planned to the building’s façade or the adjoining parking court, which provides space for around four vehicles.
The building’s exterior currently shows signs of wear, including deteriorating painted stonework, but the conversion plans aim to preserve the structure’s character without impacting the conservation area’s special qualities, documents state.
The developers say the development will be “sensitive” and meet local housing needs while respecting the historic environment.
The planning application is under review by Ashfield District Council.
Man dies in lorry fire as investigation begins
A 54-year-old man has died after a lorry caught fire on Watnall Road in Hucknall on Saturday night (26 July 2025).
Firefighters from Hucknall, Stockhill, Eastwood, and Arnold fire stations were called to the scene just after 11pm following multiple 999 calls from the public.
Group Manager Dan Palmer thanked all the crews who attended, as well as emergency service partners and the joint control room for their professionalism.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing.
Mobility scooter joyriders caught after slow-speed chase
Police recovered two stolen mobility scooters after spotting them being driven unusually fast in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Officers from the Sutton Neighbourhood Policing Team were on patrol when they noticed two mobility scooters travelling at a surprising pace on 26 July — prompting a “low-speed pursuit” reaching a top speed of just 4mph.
One of the scooters was being towed by the other, and the riders didn’t appear to have any valid reason to be out riding them.
The police stopped the scooters and took them into recovery. Officers are now trying to trace the rightful owners.
If you or someone you know is missing a mobility scooter, Nottinghamshire Police ask you to get in touch by calling 101 and quoting reference number 25000438966.
New leader appointed to Sherwood Forest Hospitals
The NHS trust managing King’s Mill, Mansfield Community, and Newark hospitals has named Jon Melbourne as its new chief executive.
Mr Melbourne, currently deputy chief executive and chief operating officer at University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, will take up the post once pre-employment checks are completed.
His appointment comes after a competitive nationwide recruitment process attracting numerous strong candidates.
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, led by the incoming chief executive, has been recognised as the East Midlands’ best NHS organisation to work for in the NHS National Staff Surveys for seven consecutive years.
Graham Ward, chair of Sherwood Forest Hospitals, praised Mr Melbourne’s approachable style, collaborative attitude, and dedication to improving local healthcare.
“Despite our many achievements, we are always striving to do better,” Mr Ward said. “Jon shares this ambition, and we look forward to working with him to begin an exciting new chapter for the trust.”
Jon Melbourne brings a wealth of operational, financial, and strategic experience from senior roles across the NHS, including at University College London Hospitals, Guy’s and St Thomas’, and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trusts.
At University Hospitals of Leicester, he oversaw the largest reduction in long patient waits in England and improved ambulance handover times, alongside leading major service reconfigurations and the introduction of a new patient administration system.
Born and raised in Nottinghamshire, Mr Melbourne said: “Sherwood Forest Hospitals means a great deal to me and my family. I’ve witnessed the compassionate care provided here and I am eager to build on the excellent work already underway.”
The trust also paid tribute to acting chief executive Dr David Selwyn, who has led since May 2024 following the passing of former chief executive Paul Robinson. Dr Selwyn will remain in post until Mr Melbourne assumes the role in the coming months.