Rubber stamp for plans to demolish and rebuild town centre church
Plus: Nuisance riders targeted in police operation
Good morning and welcome to your Thursday briefing from Ashfield News. In today’s newsletter, green light for a town centre church, a warning from the fire service and much more.
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Green light for new town centre church
Plans to demolish a town centre church and create a new place of worship have been rubber stamped.
Ashfield District Council planners approved the reserved matters application for the Ashwood Centre in Portland Street, Kirkby-in- Ashfield.
Initial plans submitted to the authority in July showed the current building was “dilapidated and expensive to run”.
As a result, the church wanted to knock down the current building and create a “landmark building” in its place.
The new building will be built over two floors and will include an auditorium for 350 people, a café, food bank and creche on the ground floor.
The first floor will mainly consist of office and meeting rooms.
In planning documents, a spokesperson for the church said: “Ashwood Church is a modern and contemporary church.
“It does not depend upon any particular liturgy.
“Its approach is to make Christianity accessible to all people.
“As such the new development does not follow traditional references such as stained glass and steeples.
“The design of the proposed development however seeks to attract and welcome people into the building.”
Approval was granted for the project on March 27.
Nuisance riders targeted in police operation
Off-road and quad bikes were among the vehicles seized as Nottinghamshire Police carried out a day of action targeting nuisance riders.
The force operated across the north of Nottingham and Ashfield on Sunday, March 30, with drones and on-the-ground officers used during the initiative.
Searches mainly took place in Bulwell, Bestwood and Hucknall, with five vehicles seized.
These include convered bicycles and off-road bikes which were mostly being used in and around parks.
Bulwell Sergeant Katie Taylor said: “Cracking down on anti-social behaviour offences, like nuisance bikers, has been a longstanding priority here in the City North, which is why we organised this operation.
“This was a great example of our officers working with other teams, namely Hucknall neighbourhoods, the off-road biking and drone teams, to achieve a positive result for our areas.”
Event to celebrate market’s 150th anniversary
Live music and children’s entertainment will form part of a celebration event as Hucknall Market celebrates its 150th anniversary.
A number of attractions will be available during the “bigger-than-usual” market on April 26.
It will take place in Hucknall High Street from 10am-3pm.
In addition to entertainment, there will be additional traders, historical exhibits and “special period attractions”.
Lee Waters, ward councillor for Hucknall at Ashfield District Council, said: “This is a fantastic milestone for our District.
“Celebrating 150 years of Hucknall Market not only highlights our rich history but also reflects the heart of our community where local businesses thrive and people come together.
“This market has been a cornerstone of Hucknall’s community, showcasing local produce and goods throughout the years and we are excited to honour its legacy.
“It promises to be a great day of celebration and fun for all the family.”
Shop delays final closing date
A family-run shop has delayed its closing date, as it looks to sell its final remaining items.
FA Henshaw in Stockwell Gate, Mansfield, announced “with mixed emotions” it would be closing last month, after 80 years in business.
The business was described as the “family’s legacy” and that it would close on March 28.
However, it confirmed earlier this week that it would now close on Friday, April 4.
“We still have some amazing bargains available, so we’re keeping our doors open for one more week,” a spokesperson said.
It will be open from 9am-3pm today and tomorrow.
The spokesperson added: “After 4th April, we’ll continue trading online via our website and Facebook page, (or by appointment only for any items still available in the shop), so you can still find beautiful furniture with us for your homes.”
Warning after spate of fires in town
Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service has issued a warning after being called to four fires in the same area of a town.
Two of the incidents in Windmill Lane, Worksop, on March 8 and 12 were caused by a number of abandoned batteries, the service said.
It is believed all fires at the site were started deliberately.
Amy Goulden, head of community safety and engagement at Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, said: “Lithium-ion batteries, when not disposed of properly, can be highly volatile.
“Those batteries could ignite or even explode, which could cause serious injury, property damage, and environmental harm.
“The risk is particularly high when batteries are left in public areas or near flammable materials, as they can easily catch fire.
“We would like to urge the public to be aware of these dangers – you should always dispose of them appropriately.”
Craig Taylor, director of regeneration and neighbourhoods at Bassetlaw District Council, added: "It's extremely concerning to hear about these incidents which are a danger to the local environment and residents living close by.
“If anyone has information about the people who set these fires, please report this to Nottinghamshire Police.
“You can responsibly dispose of batteries at the Household Waste Recycling Centres.
“I wish to reassure residents that when we have evidence, we will always take formal action against illegal fly-tipping, which can lead to a fine of up to £50k or a prison sentence.”