Weather warning and cold alert issued for Ashfield
Plus: Scammers posing as council workers
Good morning, readers, and a happy and chilly New Year to you all. In the first newsletter of 2025, a yellow weather warning and cold alert is issued for parts of Nottinghamshire, scammers knocking on doors in Ashfield and more.
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Cold alert and yellow weather warning issued
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for snow and ice in parts of Nottinghamshire, including Ashfield.
The agency states snow could fall between 6am and 12noon on Monday, January 6.
However, it is more likely to fall as sleet, it adds.
The prediction comes after snow fell across Ashfield overnight on Sunday, covering vast areas of the district.
Meanwhile, a cold weather amber alert has been issued for the entire East Midlands.
The alert, which was brought into force on Thursday, January 2, is in effect until 12noon on Wednesday, January 8.
The UK Health Security Agency, which announced the alert, said forecasted weather was “likely to cause significant impacts across health and social care services.”
New Year honour for college boss
West Nottinghamshire College’s principal and chief executive Andrew Cropley has been made an MBE in the 2025 New Years Honours.
Mr Cropley, who joined the college is 2019, has been recognised for his services to the community of Ashfield and Mansfield.
The 58-year-old insisted the award was shared with his “incredible team”.
Since joining the college, Mr Cropley has made it his mission to place it at the heart of both districts through partnerships across education, health and business, and investments in new campuses and facilities.
He was also appointed chair of Mansfield Place Board – a partnership between the district council and public and private sector organisations – in December 2019, which has subsequently secured a combined £72.3 million from the government’s Towns Fund, Levelling-Up, and Long-Term Plan for Towns allocations.
Mr Cropley said: “I feel proud to be awarded this honour, although it is important to me that everyone understands that I am receiving it as part of an incredible team at West Nottinghamshire College.
“The credit must go to all those who have worked so hard and creatively to make us the college that our communities need us to be, and to those who are working with us to improve the lives of everyone in Ashfield and Mansfield.”
Scam warning after door knocks
Scammers claiming to be from Ashfield District Council have reportedly been knocking on doors in the district.
The authority says they have been asking to look at personal documents and asking for personal details.
A spokesperson for Ashfield District Council said all council officers will carry ID with them and residents should ask to see them if they are approached.
The spokesperson added: “Do not let anyone claiming to be a council officer, or acting on behalf of the council, into your home unless you have a prearranged visit.
“If you are contacted by anyone claiming to be from the council via letter, phone or at your front door, and you are suspicious please contact us and double check.”
Contract made for council magazine
Fewer editions of Ashfield District Council’s printed magazine are set to be printed this year.
The authority has confirmed it entered a contract with Rubiqa Ltd to print and post its magazine in February and March, at a cost of £31,500.
In a delegated decision, the council said quotes were taken from four suppliers, with Rubiqa deemed the “most cost effective”.
It added that a formal procurement process for future editions will take place.
In its decision, the council said: “This contract relates to additional editions of the magazine, compared with the original budget assumption.
“It therefore creates a revenue budget pressure of £31.5k for 24/25, but it is understood this will be balanced by rephasing the publication dates with the effect of producing fewer editions in the next financial year.
“Whilst the contract is being procured under urgent procedures, the cost is in line with previous editions of the magazine which give assurance as to best value.”
Arrest inside house after burglary
A man was detained inside a home in Orchard Court, Hucknall, after police responded to reports of a break-in on Monday night (30 December).
Officers were alerted at around 9.30pm following reports of a man trying car door handles and banging on windows in the area. Shortly after, calls came in about an intruder inside a nearby property.
Within minutes, Nottinghamshire Police officers arrived at the scene, apprehending a 37-year-old man believed to be linked to both incidents. He was arrested on suspicion of burglary and vehicle interference.
While being transported into custody, the man allegedly attempted to headbutt an officer, resulting in an additional charge of assaulting an emergency worker.
Sergeant Stephen Mackell said: “This should serve as a warning. Burglary and violence against our officers will not be tolerated.”
The investigation remains ongoing.