Work begins on controversial McDonald's site
Plus: Drugs and cash found in car as police make arrest
Good morning, readers, and welcome to the Thursday briefing from Ashfield News. This week, work begins on a controversial McDonald’s restaurant, arrest after drugs haul found in car and more.
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Work begins on site of controversial McDonald’s
Work has started at a retail park in Nottinghamshire on a shop unit which will be divided into a coffee shop and fast food restaurant.
McDonald’s and Costa Coffee have previously submitted bids to have their signage put up at the Broad Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Concerns were raised previously by residents on the impact of the fast food giant moving to the site, with many raising their fears on the impact it could have on schoolchildren.
But these concerns were too late in the planning process, Ashfield District Council was told, as they were made after the original proposal had been approved.
The concerns were voiced in an application for signage to be placed on the building.
Now, workers have moved on to the site of the former Poundland shop.
Previous planning documents confirmed the shop would be divided into two separate units to accommodate McDonald’s and Costa.
It is not yet known when work will be completed.
New shop set to open in former bike store
A new convenience shop looks set to open on a busy Nottinghamshire street.
A licensing application has been submitted to sell alchol from 171 Annesley Road in Hucknall from 7am-11pm, Monday to Sunday.
The application was sent to Ashfield District Council by GLE Annesley Limited.
According to Companies House, GLE was incorporated as a company on April 8 and is described as a “non-specialised” store selling items including food, beverages or tobacco.
The site was formerly Pro-Bikes Hucknall, which sold and repaired cycles.
Arrest as drugs found in car
Police made an arrest after drugs including magic mushrooms and cannabis were discovered in a car.
Officers conducting plain-clothed patrols in the Berry Hill area of Mansfield stopped a car on Saturday, 26 April.
During a search, cannabis edibles and THC cartridges, a type of cannabinoid, and a large amount of cash were also discovered.
A man was arrested and a search of his home also uncovered more cash and THC pens, in addition to evidence of drug dealing.
Nottinghamshire Police said previous reports had been made of children in schools being discovered with THC pens, used to vape the substance, as well as children becoming unwell.
A spokesperson for the Mansfield District Police team added: “As a team we are dedicated to ensuring that the streets of Mansfield remain drug free and will continue working hard to achieve this goal.”
Bid for homes in former pet cemetery
Plans have been put forward to create new homes on the site of a former pet cemetery and workshop.
The building in Forest Street, Sutton-in-Ashfield, would be redeveloped and a new entrance way and openings created to form three homes.
The proposal has been submitted to Ashfield District Council by JF Planning Associates and a decision is expected by 22 June.
New barrierless system at EMA
A new barrierless system aimed at making dropping off passengers at East Midlands Airport quicker and easier is to be introduced today, 1 May.
East Midlands Airport says switching to the new system will improve the overall experience for drivers and passengers by streamlining the process.
By removing the existing barriers, drivers will be able to pass through more smoothly without needing to stop at the exit, reducing congestion and helping to avoid additional charges caused by delays when leaving the area, an EMA spokesperson added.
The new system will use automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) technology, similar to that used at other UK airports and familiar locations such as bridges and tunnels.
Cameras will identify vehicles by their registration number and automatically log their use of the Rapid Drop Off zone.
Rather than stopping at a barrier and paying on exit, drivers will simply leave the area and then have until midnight the following day to pay the charge — either online or over the phone.
There will be no changes to existing charges, and no payment will be made at the exit.
Frequent users, including taxi drivers, will be able to set up an auto-pay account.
Nominate for hospital award
Nominations are now open for Sherwood Forest Hospitals Trust’s Excellence Awards.
The trust, which runs hospitals including King’s Mill, wants to hear from people who have experienced exceptional care for the People’s Award.
The award is open exclusively to the public.
To make a nomination, please visit: https://forms.office.com/e/LeGucQyDXS