Police make arrest after pursuit in town
Plus: Gas leak prompted major evacuation
Good morning and welcome to your Thursday briefing from Ashfield News. In today’s edition, a police pursuit through Kirkby, a free offer for traders and the latest following a gas leak in Sutton.
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Arrest after pursuit through town
Police seized an off-road electric bike following a late-night pursuit through a town.
Officers from Nottinghamshire Police’s Kirkby beat team were patrolling in response to community concerns when they spotted a rider racing from a side street without lights or a helmet.
The pursuit continued to Sutton Road, where the rider mounted the pavement in an attempt to evade police.
He was stopped and detained.
The electric bike, identified as a Surron, was seized under Section 165 of the Road Traffic Act 1988.
It was not registered with the DVLA or insured, and is now set to be crushed.
The rider is under investigation for dangerous driving and driving while over the legal limit for drink and drugs.
Gas leak prompted evacuation
A number of homes in Sutton-in-Ashfield were evacuated following a gas leak.
Emergency services were called to the incident in Stoneyford Road at 11.38am on Tuesday, May 13.
Homes in Fisher Close, Carsic Road, Stoneyford Road, and The Sycamores were also evacuated as a precaution.
Chief Inspector Jon Hewitt confirmed that the leak resulted in a “large amount of potentially explosive gas”.
“These are decisions that are not taken lightly,” he said. “But public safety must always be our number one priority.
“I am grateful to local residents for their cooperation and understanding, and to the many emergency services personnel who have been in attendance all afternoon.”
Authorities thanked residents for their patience during “challenging circumstances” and reassured the public that the situation was under control.
A spokesperson for Ashfield District Council added: “Thank you to everyone for your patience and understanding while we worked alongside the emergency services to rectify this incident.
“Your support and cooperation are greatly appreciated.”
Market offer for entrepreneurs
Aspiring entrepreneurs in Ashfield are being offered the chance to test their business ideas at local markets through a new initiative launched by Ashfield District Council.
The Test Trading Programme gives individuals four days of free trading at one of three local markets — Sutton (indoor and outdoor), Kirkby, or Hucknall — as part of efforts to support start-ups and revitalise town centres.
Funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), the scheme aims to increase market occupancy, encourage entrepreneurship, and potentially support traders to progress into permanent retail units.
In addition to free trading days, participants will receive free indemnity insurance and access to a small grant of up to £500 to help develop their business. The funding can be used for market research, skill development, equipment for setting up a stall or to test the demand for their product or service.
Lee Waters, ward councillor for Hucknall Central, said: “This new programme is a fantastic opportunity for anyone thinking of starting a business or expanding beyond online sales.
“It removes financial barriers and showcases the vibrancy of our local markets.”
Interested individuals can apply by contacting the Council’s Markets or Business Support Teams on markets@ashfield.gov.uk or request or business.support@ashfield.gov.uk
Plans to reintroduce bison and elk to Notts
Plans to reintroduce species such as European elk, bison and beavers to Britain have been given a boost, with new funding awarded to rewilding projects across the UK.
Charity Rewilding Britain has granted up to £15,000 each to 13 initiatives through its Rewilding Innovation Fund. Among them is a joint Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust project exploring the return of elk—also known as moose—to two existing beaver enclosures. If successful, this would mark the first time in 3,000 years both species share a habitat in the UK.
Wildwood Trust in Kent has received funding to develop a plan for a new bison reintroduction, building on its successful Wilder Blean project.
In Scotland, Trees for Life is working to reintroduce beavers to the northern Highlands, with funding supporting site identification and community engagement.
Further projects include tree diversity in the Highlands and seagrass restoration in Cornwall.
Free event at half term
Looking for something to do this May half-term? Head down to Morven Park, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, on Tuesday 27 May for the next Ashfield Family Wellbeing Roadshow.
Running from 10am to 2pm, the free event promises a fun-filled day for all ages, with live music, face painting, giant games and much more.
State-of-the-art health unit on the road
A new state-of-the-art mobile research unit is set to bring cutting-edge clinical research directly to communities across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.
Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has partnered with the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) Research Delivery Network East Midlands and Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust to launch the fully accessible mobile research unit (MRU), which aims to make it easier for people to take part in vital health research and clinical trials.
The van is fitted with treatment and waiting areas and will visit local events and community spaces to promote health awareness and research.
It will remove the need for patients to travel to traditional research sites, such as King’s Mill Hospital or GP surgeries.
Alison Steel, Head of Research and Innovation at Sherwood Forest Hospitals, said: “The mobile research unit will help us make research more visible and accessible, especially for people who might find it difficult to access healthcare. Research plays a vital role in improving treatments and outcomes.”