Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, responds to some of the most pressing questions submitted by our residents and tenants.

We reached out to our resident and tenant panels to gather your thoughts - and while we couldn’t cover every single question, we’ve focused on the most common and important topics affecting people across our district.

By-elections are due to be held on Thursday 6 November 2025 for the Balderton North, Coddington Ward and Castle Ward.

Polling stations will be open from 7am until 10pm. Poll cards will be sent to registered voters who are eligible to vote in these elections. You can only vote if your name is on the Register of Electors.

Voters will need to show photo ID to vote in person at polling stations this/these elections. More information can be found at www.electoralcommission.org.uk/voter-id.

Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) is the most significant change to local government in over 50 years. The current two-tier system of County and District Councils will be replaced by a single unitary authority delivering all services.

A six-week public engagement held in September, aimed at gathering residents’ views, received over 11,000 responses, with strong support for a north/south option. Newark and Sherwood, Bassetlaw, Gedling, and Mansfield Councils are now working together to finalise a submission, supporting the north/south option. Final proposals will be submitted to Government by 28 November 2025.

Following a further phase of public consultation, hosted by the Government between January and May 2026, the decision on the future structure of local government in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire is expected in July 2026.

Further details, including the engagement findings, are available on our website. 

Exciting news for Ollerton - the regeneration of the town centre has officially moved forward! Newark and Sherwood District Council and Ollerton & Boughton Town Council have signed off the business case, marking a major milestone in plans to revitalise the heart of the town.

The project will bring new life to Ollerton with a modern Town Centre Hub, including council services, a state-of-the-art library, boutique cinema, and new spaces for shops, homes, and hospitality. Backed by funding from the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund, this transformation promises a vibrant future for residents, businesses, and visitors alike.

🎨 Local pupils have turned a dull underpass in Farndon into a colourful mural with a powerful message about litter and the environment!

With help from artists at ImageSkool, the young creatives painted a vibrant scene showing how rubbish travels from our streets to the sea.

🎥 Check out the short video on our YouTube channel to see their amazing artwork in action: Farndon underpass mural transformation.

It’s all part of a campaign to tackle littering and get everyone thinking about how we treat our planet 🌱

Newark and Sherwood has once again shone at the East Midlands in Bloom Awards!

Thanks to the hard work of local volunteers, community groups and council teams, our towns and villages were recognised for their beautiful green spaces and community spirit.

Awards include:
🌸 Least Litter in the East Midlands – Newark
🌸 Large town, Silver Gilt - Newark
🌸 Large village, Silver Gilt – Collingham
🌸 Small town, Silver Gilt – Edwinstowe
🌸 Best Hotel/Pub - Swan and Salmon: Bronze award
🌸 Best Retail/commercial - Inizio/Not my Monkey: Bronze award
🌸 East Midlands in Bloom Committee Award for management - Hawton Halt within Sconce and Devon Park
🌸 Judges Award:  Volunteers at Newark Castle Station

A huge thank you to everyone who played a part in this blooming success!

Radicalisation can affect anyone, often through online content, isolation, or extremist influences. The Prevent programme helps safeguard vulnerable people before harm happens.

Spot the signs: Look out for sudden changes in behaviour, extreme views, withdrawal from friends or activities, or accessing harmful content.

Worried about someone?

Trust your instincts. Speak confidentially to Nottinghamshire Police’s Prevent Team:

📞 Call 101 ext. 800 2962/2963
📧 Email: prevent@nottinghamshire.pnn.police.uk

Or contact ACT Early:

📞 0800 011 3764
🌐 www.actearly.uk

Referrals are about support, not punishment. Help can include mentoring, mental health care, or specialist guidance.

Together, we can keep our communities safe.

🔗 Learn more: nottinghamshire.gov.uk/prevent-duty
📱 Follow: @EastMidsPrevent

We’re pleased to share the latest Newark and Sherwood neighbourhood policing newsletter, published by Inspector Charlotte Ellam. This quarterly update offers a clear look into local policing priorities, recent crime trends, and the fantastic work being done by the Newark and Sherwood policing team.

Whether you're a resident, business owner, or simply interested in community safety, this newsletter is a great way to stay informed about policing in our area.

Inside this issue, you’ll find:

👮‍♀️ A breakdown of the top concerns raised by residents
👮‍♀️ Updates on ongoing operations and initiatives
👮‍♀️ Success stories and progress made so far
👮‍♀️ Ways you can get involved or share feedback

Nominate your Newark & Sherwood heroes to win a £500 local gift card!

• The new BIG Christmas Giveback campaign offers you a chance to win a share of £1500 in Town & City Gift Cards, such as the Newark and Sherwood Gift Card.
• Simply nominate a local hero you believe deserves recognition online.
• If your nominee receives the most votes they will win a £1000 Town & City Gift Card, while one of the voters will also receive a £500 Town & City Gift Card.

If you win, this could be a great opportunity to get a head-start on your Christmas shopping with some fantastic locally sourced gifts!

Nominate your local hero now: www.lovelocalwin.co.uk

Please note: Entry closes 28 November 2025.

With party season kicking off as early as November, the festive celebrations are nearly here! It’s a time for sparkle and fun - and also a great opportunity to think about how we can be a little more sustainable.

Did you know that fast fashion surges in December? Around 336,000 tonnes of clothing are discarded over Christmas, and many festive jumpers contain plastic fibres that shed microplastics.

If you're planning your party look, why not explore some stylish, sustainable options?

✨ Rewear or reinvent something already in your wardrobe
🛍️ Browse second-hand or vintage shops for unique finds – there are some great charity shops in our town centres!
🔁 Swap outfits with friends or check out local swap events
👗 Rent a standout look from online platforms

Haven’t tried renting an outfit before? Websites such as HURR, By Rotation, Girl Meets Dress and Hirestreet have a range of styles!

Across Newark and Sherwood, you can find all kinds of autumnal events to make the most of the season on our What's On website, such as:

🎃 Halloween trails, live music performances, and family activities

🎆 Various firework displays throughout November

🎨 Craft workshops for flower displays, painting, and more

🧶 Fairs offering hand crafted local goods

Whether you want some spooky thrills, tasty local treats while taking in dazzling fireworks, or to try your hand at learning something new with a creative workshop, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Your ultimate guide to free family fun, festive events, and cosy adventures across Newark and Sherwood is here!

The Big Cosy Guide is packed with free events, festive fun, and creative activities for all ages. Explore nature trails, puppet shows, baking challenges, and more - all happening locally!

Printed guides available at:

🏫 National Civil War Centre
🏫 Dukeries Library
🏫 Clipstone Library
🏫 Newark Library
🏫 Edwinstowe Library
🏫 Sconce and Devon Park
🏫 Vicar Water Country Park

Includes activities from October to February - perfect for families and all ages. 📍 

Be our Guest! The Palace Theatre Newark is excited to bring Beauty and the Beast centre stage this winter. Tickets are already out-selling last year’s record-breaking year, so make sure you book early to secure your seat for a magical performance, full of adventure and Ooh-la-la-laughs!

If you can’t wait until then for your theatre-fix, November offers an incredible line up of entertainment:

🪩 Steve Steinman - Anything for Love
🪩 Barry Steele – The Roy Orbison Story
🪩 Vincent Simone – Tango Passions
🪩 A Christmas Carol
🪩 Thank ABBA for the music
🪩 One Night in Dublin
🪩 Dr John Cooper Clarke and Special Guests
🪩 Talon – The Best of Eagles

Spot the enchanted rose hidden in the National Civil War Centre and you could win free family tickets to our pantomime, Beauty and the Beast!
👉 www.palacenewark.com/competition/

Looking for free family fun this winter? The National Civil War Centre offers the perfect place to learn, experience and enjoy the history of Newark and the Civil War!

Free to enter for all Newark and Sherwood Residents and U25s, you can enjoy an array of fascinating galleries, interactive activities, and even grab a warming winter lunch in the cosy Nineteen20 café.

There’s also the chance to visit the new Robert Kiddey exhibition, with the largest collection of works ever displayed in Newark.

Celebrate our former mining communities in this free exhibition, coming to Dukeries Library from Wednesday 5 November until Friday 13 November.

Don’t miss:

• interviews with miners and community members
• learning about the 1984-85 mining strikes from people who were there
• a vibrant community artwork inspired by mining.

Get your groove on and party with a purpose!

Join Cllr Linda Tift, Chair of Newark and Sherwood District Council, and Cllr Jean Hall for a night of retro fun - with funky beats, dazzling lights, and all your favourite 80s tunes.

📅Friday 7 November  
⏰7pm – 11pm

📍Balderton Village Centre, Coronation Street, Balderton, NG24 3BD  
🎟️£12 per ticket  
👗Dress to impress in your best 80s style!  

🌟All profits go to The Newark Emmaus Trust, supporting homeless and vulnerable young people in our community.

Join us for an afternoon of reflection, camaraderie, and live entertainment as we honour those who have served in our Armed Forces.

🗓️ Date: Friday 14 November 2025
🕐 Time: 1pm – 3pm
📍 Venue: Balderton Village Centre, Coronation Street, Balderton, NG24 3BD

A warm lunch will be provided, and all serving personnel and veterans, including a partner or carer, are warmly invited.

📞 Booking is essential – please email armedforces@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk or call 01636 650 000 to reserve your space

A new law is now officially in effect across England, created to protect tenants living in council homes. It’s called Awaab’s Law, named after two-year old Awaab Ishak who tragically died due to severe mould in his family’s home.

Under this new law, landlords must act quickly when you report serious health hazards within your home such as damp, mould, leaks, electrical faults and other dangers.

⚠️ Emergency hazards must be made safe within 24 hours of reporting.
🔎 Significant damp and mould must be investigated within 10 working days.

Awaab’s Law gives tenants the right to demand swift action.

At Newark & Sherwood District Council, we’ve taken several steps to prepare for the law, including staff training, improving processes and launching a new dedicated damp and disrepair team.

We have over 9,000 people signed up to our newsletters, so please share this newsletter with friends and family to ensure they stay up to date.

Each month we share important updates for residents, ways to get involved, and things to do!

They can sign up to receive the newsletter here.

Looking for a past edition? Find it here.

For more council news, visit our website.