Police shut down cannabis factory discovered in house
Plus: Key milestone reached in creation of medical site
Good morning and welcome to the Thursday briefing from Ashfield News. In today’s edition, police close down a cannabis factory, a key milestone for a medical centre and much more.
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Police close down cannabis factory
An investigation is under way after police discovered a cannabis farm in a house in Nottinghamshire.
Officers were called to reports of “suspicious activity” at the property in Hall Street, Mansfield, on Monday, April 14.
A number of well-established plants were found inside which have since been destroyed.
A spokesperson for Nottinghamshire Police said officers will now “carry out a thorough investigation to ensure that those responsible are brought to justice”.
The force added in a statement: “Cannabis grows pose an extreme risk due to the bypassed electricity and poor electrical work, this risk is especially exemplified in terraced and semi-detached properties, as should a fire break out it could then spread to the neighbouring properties.
“Hazardous chemicals and fertilisers are also often times stored in the grows which pose a further risk should a fire break out to both the public and fire crews who subsequently attend to fight the blaze.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101.
£1.3m funding to revitalise district
Ashfield District Council has announced it has secured £1.3 million from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), following approval from the newly formed East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).
The funding, approved by the Council’s Cabinet on 17 March, will be used to deliver a series of initiatives aimed at revitalising high streets, supporting local businesses, and helping residents into employment.
Among the first projects to benefit from the funding are:
• £90,000 in grants for community groups to improve health and wellbeing across the district
• £33,000 to fund a support worker helping residents facing financial hardship
• £40,000 for regeneration initiatives in Stanton Hill, building on the recently approved Stanton Hill Investment Plan, which was backed by last year’s UKSPF allocation
A further £200,000 has been earmarked for local business grants. These will support improvements in marketing, especially digital and online sales, as well as energy efficiency and process optimisation.
Applications for business grants will open on Wednesday 23 April.
Council leaders say the investment will play a key role in boosting the district’s economy and improving quality of life for residents.
Two charged after stabbing in town
Two people have been charged after a man was stabbed in a Nottinghamshire town.
Police were called to Downing Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, after a man in his 40s was attacked at about 5.45pm on Thursday, April 10.
The man had suffered two stab wounds to his body and was treated in hospital – he has since been discharged.
Conor McPherson-Fox, 31, of Yorke Drive, Newark, was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, being in possession of a bladed article in a public place and theft.
Brett O’Brien, 36, of no fixed address, was charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
They were due to appear at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court on April 14.
Detective Inspector Ian Smith, who is investigating the incident, said: “As you would expect, we have taken this incident extremely seriously.
“We know the impact this crime will have had on the local community.”
Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 quoting incident 539 of 10 April 2025. Reports can also be made anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
New diagnostics centre hits key milestone
The creation of a new community diagnostic centre has marked a construction milestone as it reached the “topping out” stage.
The former Victoria Hospital in Mansfield was demolished last summer as work began on the new centre at the Mansfield Community Hospital.
The creation of the building’s steel frame has now been completed and a topping out ceremony – where colleagues, contractors and partners sign the final beam and tighten the last bolt – has been held.
The next phase of construction will see work begin on the building’s exterior to make the site weather-tight, paving the way for internal trades to begin fitting out the facility.
Once complete, Mansfield CDC will be Nottinghamshire’s first dedicated community diagnostic centre, providing a one-stop location for patients to access the tests and investigations they need, helping to speed up diagnoses and improve health outcomes.
The centre will also create hundreds of new jobs.
David Selwyn, Sherwood Forest Hospital’s acting chief executive, said: “Today’s topping out marks a big step in the journey of the Mansfield Community Diagnostic Centre towards its completion in spring 2026.
“Even before the building is complete, more than 76,000 tests have already been delivered on site, helping patients receive quicker answers and better outcomes.
“We’ve also been working closely with the local community to ensure the rich history of this site is reflected in the new build.”
Arrests after police chase
Police made an arrest after two stolen motorbikes were spotted in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
The vehicles were spotted being ridden in the Alfreton Road area at about 6.10pm on Saturday, April 12.
Nottinghamshire Police said the bikes were abandoned by their riders when they spotted police.
A spokesperson added: “A foot chase was commenced across a few fields in which one of the suspects was detained and arrested for theft of a motor vehicle and both bikes where recovered.”
Anyone with further information, CCTV or dashcam footage is asked to email colin.bland@notts.police.uk
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