Key Nottinghamshire pub fire update and 196-homes plan approved
Your weekly round-up of Ashfield News
Good morning and welcome to today’s Ashfield News. This week, police have issued an update on the fire at the Blue Bell pub in Sutton and plans for almost 200 homes have been approved.
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Police latest after pub fire
Police investigating a suspected arson attack at The Blue Bell Inn, Sutton-in-Ashfield, are appealing for more witnesses to come forward.
The emergency services were called to the empty venue just before 2.50pm on Wednesday, January 3.
The building was badly damaged but no injuries were reported.
A joint police and fire service investigation determined the fire was started deliberately and an investigation is now under way.
Detective Inspector James Oakton, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This location is well-known to generations of local people and I am aware that this incident has caused considerable concern in the local community. We are now satisfied that this fire was started deliberately and are working to identify the person or people responsible.
“We have already reviewed a very large amount of CCTV evidence and are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry. To help us further we would like to hear from any additional witnesses who have not already spoken to us.
“We would particularly like to hear from any drivers who may have dashcam footage recorded in the area between 2.30pm and 2.45pm. If you remember seeing anyone outside the venue at this time we ask you to review that footage and get in touch with us as soon as possible.
“Similarly, if anyone passing by at around this time noticed anything at all out of place then we want to hear from them. Even the smallest bit of information could make all the difference to this investigation.”
Anyone with information is asked to call 101 quoting incident 376 of 3 January 2024, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Huge new industrial unit plans
Plans have been announced to create a new industrial unit at Harrier Park in Hucknall.
A proposal submitted by Id Planning, on behalf of Muse Places Limited and Rolls-Royce plc, show a new industrial building measuring almost 16,000sqm could be built at the site in Dorey Way.
Alongside the building would be offices, a service yard, car parking and external works and infrastructure.
The site is just off the A611 and, according to the plans, the industrial unit would be used for office space, general industrial and storage and distribution purposes.
The documents state: “The unit has been designed to meet institutional standards with regards to internal clear heights and the quantity of office accommodation that will be provided. Currently this development is speculative with no end user interest and as such the unit needs to be as flexible as possible to meet the needs of prospective future occupiers.”
The land is currently used by ITP Aero, RM Resources and the Hucknall Industrial Estate developments and the proposed building will maintain ‘the same orientation as these’.
The facade of the building will be designed with dark grey composite cladding. The office cladding will include strip windows along with floor to soffit glazing at the entrance and corners.
A decision is due by Ashfield District Council on April 11.
196 homes to be built on farmland
Almost 200 homes are set to be built on land in Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
Ashfield District Council has approved plans for 196 homes to be built at Coxmoor Lodge Farm, off Farm View Road.
Initially, plans were announced to create 214 homes but this was changed following negotiations.
A number of objections were voiced by neighbours, with concerns including the impact of building works, a loss of walking space along with the loss of trees and farmland.
But in the summer, it was highlighted there was a ‘serious and immediate need’ for more housing in the district.
House closed down over drug links
A Kirkby house linked to anti-social behaviour and drug activity has been closed down.
The property in Welbeck Street will be closed for three months after a Closure Order was granted on January 9 at Nottingham Magistrates’ Court.
Following a number of incidents, Ashfield District Council worked alongside Nottinghamshire Police to take action and provide reassurance to neighbours.
The order is in force until 12 midnight on April 8 and will prevent access to everyone except for:
Operatives and agents of the utilities, postal services and emergency services
Any representatives as authorised by Ashfield District Council
Any Future Tenants or Tenants housed by Ashfield District Council
District councillor for Abbey Hill and Coxmoor, Cllr Andy Meakin, said:
“This property caused problems for the local community due to incidents connected with the address and as a result we took swift action to resolve the issues and deal with the offenders. We have invested significantly into the Coxmoor Estate and wider District area through external funding to make our streets safer. This includes new and improved CCTV, additional street lighting, environmental improvements, education programmes, and diversionary activities to address anti-social behaviour and improve feelings of safety’’
Cllr John Willmott, Executive Lead for Community Safety & Crime Reduction, added:
“This is another fantastic outcome for the residents of Ashfield who are seeing real benefits of the work that the Council have put in place enhance community safety. The Council are working closely with the Police and other partners to deliver positive outcomes which has resulted in receiving positive feedback from residents over recent months, that areas across the District are seeing a sustained improvement of safety which continues to make Ashfield a more attractive and safer place to live, work and visit’’
Facemasks re-introduced at our hospitals
Facemasks were reintroduced at King’s Mill Hospital, Newark Hospital and Mansfield Community Hospital from Tuesday, January 9.
The news measures are in force in all clinical areas and clinical waiting areas at the three sites run by Sherwood Forest Hospitals due to an increase in respiratory conditions among patients and staff, including Covid and flu.
Patients, visitors and employees at the Trust’s hospitals are now being asked to wear masks, which are available from mask stations throughout the hospitals, at all times in clinical areas and waiting areas to protect themselves and others.
People who are preparing to visit are urged not to do so if they have any signs of illness, particularly if they have any cold, flu or Covid-like symptoms, diarrhoea and/or vomiting in the past three days, or if they have been in contact with anyone who has had these types of illness.
The trust says it will keep the measures under review.
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