Schoolchildren fears as McDonald's plans take step forward
Plus: Warning as 60mph winds forecast to hit Ashfield
Good morning, readers, and welcome to your Thursday briefing from Ashfield News. In today’s newsletter, plans for a new McDonald’s take a step forward, 60mph winds forecast to hit parts of Nottinghamshire, a domestic abuse survivor scheme is boosted and more.
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Concerns as new McDonald’s takes a step forward
Concerns were raised over the impact on schoolchildren and roads as plans to create a new McDonald’s in a Nottinghamshire town took a step forward.
The fast food giant’s bid to divide a unit at the Broad Centre, in Sutton-in-Ashfield, and create a restaurant was approved in May last year.
Ashfield District Council has now approved a new application for “Golden Arch” and McDonald’s signs to be placed on the building.
But the bid prompted concern among residents, with a McDonald’s takeaway already in place near King’s Mill Hospital and another in Priestic Road, near the Asda superstore.
They also questioned the impact on children at Croft Primary School, located opposite the site.
One resident said: “I object to having a fast food restaurant directly opposite a primary school in an area where childhood obesity is already a significant concern.
“It is irresponsible of the council to consider this and I do not feel the decision to give this planning permission is in the best interests of the local community.”
Another letter of objection stated: “The school opposite the Broad Centre will become a centre of problems as kids will need to cross the roads more safely now due to an increase in traffic from going into the car parks etc.
“In the end we just simply do not require another McDonald's/fast food chain when we already have one!”
In a report on the proposal, planners said: “Many of the points raised are regarding McDonald’s moving into the premises and concerns associated with the business and use as anti-social behaviour, proximity to a primary school, increased traffic, not needing another McDonald’s or more takeaways etc.
“However, it should be noted that this application applies for the advertisements only and not the use of the premises.
“Permission has already been granted to sub-divide the existing premises and for part of it to be used as a restaurant/hot food takeaway.”
The latest application was approved on January 20.
Yellow warning as strong winds to hit Ashfield
Wind gusts of up to 60mph are forecast to hit Ashfield as Storm Éowyn is set to hit the country.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for strong winds on Friday, January 24.
In its warning, the forecaster said the strength of the winds could damage buildings, cause power cuts and lead to disruption on public transport.
According to the most recent forecast for Ashfield, the worst of the wind is set to hit between 3am and 3pm on Friday.
The strongest gusts of up to 59mph are expected to hit at about 9am, but they are expected to stay in the high 50s until at least 12 noon, before they ease to around 47mph by 3pm and 37mph by 6pm.
In addition to the strong winds, heavy rain is also forecast in the early part of the morning.
A spokesperson for Ashfield Fire Station said: “Storm Éowyn will bring strong winds and brief heavy rainfall to Nottinghamshire this week.
“To stay safe, make sure you secure loose items that could be blown around and keep up to date with weather warnings.
“Strong winds can make driving dangerous so make sure you reduce speed and stay alert.”
Police appeal after ‘nasty’ attack
Police have released an image of a person they want to speak to after an assault in Mansfield.
Officers were called to Mansfield Bus Station after the victim was repeatedly kicked and punched at around 10.15pm on Friday, December 20.
He was treated in hospital for facial injuries and a 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of assault - he remains on police bail.
Nottinghamshire Police believes the man pictured in this image has vital information and he is being urged to come forward.
PC Adam Key, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a nasty assault that saw a young man kicked in the head as he lay on the ground.
"We are determined to catch up with the people involved and believe the man pictured in this image has valuable information.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 767 of 20 December 2024.
Boost for domestic abuse survivor scheme
Ashfield District Council has been awarded funding to support a domestic abuse scheme aimed at helping victims feel safe and more protected.
The Sanctuary Scheme works with survivors to carry on living in their own home, when it is their choice, where it is safe to do so and the perpetrator no longer lives in the home.
So far, more than 50 women across the district have received help under the scheme, which installs security measures in survivors’ homes.
The measures have included safe rooms, new locks, stronger doors, security lights and portable police alarms.
The council has secured funding to pay for the programme and it has now been awarded a further £34,681 from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.
John Wilmott, Ashfield District Council’s executive lead for community safety and crime reduction, said: “The Sanctuary Scheme has proved invaluable for many vulnerable survivors of domestic abuse across the district, helping them feel safer and more secure in their own homes.
“Domestic abuse and violence continues to affect far too many people, predominantly women and girls, and we remain determined to do whatever we can to help those who suffer.”
The district has two dedicated domestic abuse workers who have supported more than 100 survivors over the past year.
Charge following garage knifepoint robbery
A 35-year-old man has been charged following a knifepoint robbery at a petrol station in Nottinghamshire.
Detectives were called to the scene, a garage in Kirklington Road, Rainworth, at around 10pm on Saturday, 18 January.
A suspect had entered the shop brandishing a knife and threatened staff before fleeing with cash from the till.
Officers launched an investigation and identified and arrested a suspect the next day.
David Cook, of The Hay Fields, Rainworth, appeared before Nottingham Magistrates' Court on Monday, 20 January.
He was charged with robbery and possession of a knife in a public place. Cook was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Nottingham Crown Court on 17 February 2025.
New homes across the district help tackle bills
Ashfield District Council says it will be able to help future tenants tackle rising bills with new energy-efficient homes across the district.
As part of Big Energy Saving Week (17–23 January 2025), the council is highlighting how its latest developments will help future tenants keep their homes warm for less.
New homes are being built in locations including Adrian Sheldon View, Kirkby, Hardwick Lane and Brierly Road, Sutton, and Mill Close, Huthwaite.
These properties feature high-spec composite doors, triple-glazed windows, and improved insulation to reduce energy consumption.
The homes are designed to retain heat more effectively, with larger wall cavities that allow for a variety of insulation types and additional features such as cavity trays to trap air.
The properties will also include mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems, which recycle heat from the flue to reheat the boiler, and hydrogen-ready boilers.
To further reduce energy costs, photovoltaic (PV) panels will be installed on the roofs, generating up to 30% of electricity for free.
With average annual energy costs for a three-bed home in the UK around £1,819, these measures will help tenants save significantly on bills.
Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, urged residents struggling with bills to seek advice and support.