New toy store set to open in town centre
Plus: A bar that closed just days after Christmas re-opens
Good morning and welcome to the Ashfield News Monday briefing. Today, a new toy shop could open in a town centre and a bar that closed just days after Christmas has re-opened.
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Plans announced to open new toy shop in town
A new shop selling toys and model railway kits could open in a prominent town centre location.
Plans have been submitted to convert a former taxi booking office in Station Street, Kirkby-in-Ashfield.
The unit, next to the Hungrilla burger restaurant, would become the new home for Crazie Maisie Models, which was previously based in Outram Street, Sutton.
According to the plans, the use of the premises would be changed so it could operate as a retail shop.
The proposal states the store would sell model railway items, modelling supplies, toys and radio control products.
Crazie Maisie Models also stocks Hornby and Bachmann products.
Work has taken place inside the store over the last week. According to the company’s Facebook page, they are preparing to open in July, pending approval by Ashfield District Council.
Currently, the council expects to make a decision on the plans by August 8.
Repair works start after year-long school footpath closure
Work has started to repair a wall next to a Nottinghamshire primary school.
The closure of the footpath in Main Road, Kirkby-in-Ashfield, has been in place for more than a year.
The closure was put in place due to the state of a retaining wall, which was in danger of collapse.
Recently, temporary traffic lights were put in place, but a lack of work has led to frustration among residents and parents of children at Kirkby Woodhouse School, which is next to the path.
In May, Ashfield District Council confirmed contracts had been signed and work was due to begin in June.
Workers moved on to the site on June 13 and work to repair the wall and footpath is now under way.
A temporary bus stop has been put in place and mobile pedestrian crossings are also in effect for crossing the road.
Police raids carried out in villages
Police carried out raids across villages in Ashfield and Derbyshire in a series of drug warrant operations.
Officers from Derbyshire Police raided properties in Jacksdale and Huthwaite, as well as in South Normanton, Derbyshire.
During the operations, police made five arrests and seized drugs, high-value jewellery and even a dog.
Detective Sergeant Ross O’Brien, of Derbyshire Police said: “Criminality like this has a serious impact on our communities, in particular, those vulnerable people who are being exploited.”
Sutton bar re-opens following Christmas closure
A Sutton bar that closed just days after Christmas has reportedly re-opened under new owners.
The First Post in Brook Street announced it was closed and all booking cancelled on December 27.
In a statement online at the time, the owners stated: “We are sad to announce that we have made the decision to close.
“We are sorry for anyone who has made any bookings with us.”
The bar was popular with customers, gaining 4.5 stars on Google reviews.
Replying to its closure announcement, one customer at the time said: “What a shame, (it) is a lovely little bar to have a good drink in.”
Another added: “That’s such a shame, you were a lovely landlord.”
A new statement online states the bar has reopened and it will open daily from 8.30am until late.
School wants to create new facility in village
A Nottinghamshire school has been given permission to create a new facility for students.
Progression2Work, a special education needs (SEND) school, provides services to young people who may have spent long periods of time out of education.
It is based at the Old Beauvale School in Newthorpe and now plans to create a facility to provide construction skills training in Underwood.
Ashfield District Council approved plans to change the use of three industrial units in Cordy Lane to an education training facility.
In its plans submitted to the authority, school bosses explained they wanted to expand due to “successful outcomes with young people, especially within construction training”.
Documents sent by planning consultants Zenith add: “Due to Progression2Works model which is opening the doors to the industrial world via work experience placement and vocational, hands-on, for young people, the construction site at their current permanent location is of quite limited capacity.
“The Cordy Lane environment, and the location, is ideal, being five minutes from their existing registered school, which will be retained.
“All work experience for young people is undertaken with real employers, providing them a true insight into the world of work.”
The school provides services to young people with special education needs, autism and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The new facility will lead to the creation of 10 jobs, the documents state.
There are also no plans to make changes to the outside of the building.
The proposal was approved by the district council on Wednesday, June 12.
Deadline to register to vote
The deadline for people to register to vote in the 2024 General Election is 11.59pm on Tuesday, June 18.
You can register online and the process should only take about five minutes.
To register, visit https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote