This month, we announced that, subject to parliamentary approval, central government confirmed its plans for the future of local government in Nottinghamshire, which would create two new unitary councils:

• One covering the current local government areas of Nottingham City and parts of Broxtowe, Gedling, and Rushcliffe.
• And one covering the current local government areas of Ashfield, Bassetlaw, Mansfield, Newark and Sherwood, and parts of Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe.

For residents and businesses, there will be no immediate change, and you are the biggest priority in this process.

All nine councils will continue to work together and ensure residents are updated as plans progress.

More information including maps, an address checker and an explainer video is available on the LGR Notts website>

It is with great sadness that Newark and Sherwood District Council pays tribute to Councillor Roger Jackson following his passing.

Councillor Jackson was first elected to Newark and Sherwood District Council in May 2003 and dedicated more than two decades to public service, working tirelessly on behalf of the communities he represented.

During his long and distinguished career in local government, Roger made a significant contribution to the work of the Council, holding a number of senior leadership roles, including Deputy Leader of the Conservative Group and Vice-Chairman of Newark and Sherwood District Council, and helped shape services across areas including finance, leisure, culture, environmental services and community safety.

We are calling on the Prime Minister to urgently reconsider the proposed cancellation of the A46 Newark Bypass.

The scheme is vital for Newark, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire and the wider East Midlands - helping to reduce congestion, improve journey times, support businesses and unlock future growth.

Councillor Paul Peacock, Leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, has written to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Council to ask him to intervene directly and use his influence to ensure the proposed cancellation of the A46 Newark Bypass is urgently reconsidered before any final decision is made.

We have received a C2 consumer grading from the Regulator of Social Housing following a recent inspection of our housing services.

The judgement recognises that the Council is meeting legal health and safety requirements for tenants’ homes and communal areas, is investing in its housing stock, has a positive and respectful culture towards tenants and is actively addressing the areas where improvement is needed.

The Regulator also identified areas requiring further work, including strengthening our understanding of the condition of all homes, improving oversight of repairs and damp and mould cases, enhancing service standards so tenants know what to expect, and evidencing a programme for tenant scrutiny through our governance framework.

We know there is more to do. We have already introduced a damp and mould team, improved our focus on complaints, reshaped our repairs service and created more ways for tenants to get involved, including the new Tenant Influence and Assurance Board.

We will continue working with the Regulator to make further improvements and will keep tenants updated on our progress.

If you would like to get involved please contact us at Getinvolved@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk

We have been awarded the bronze standard from The Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA) for our work on supporting survivors of domestic abuse.

DAHA awarded the accreditation following a rigorous assessment process, which found that we demonstrated passion, dedication, and commitment to adopting and embedding the standards of the DAHA framework.

Achieving Bronze is the first step in our commitment to support survivors and we are already looking to apply for Silver status, the next step in the DAHA accreditation process. Achieving Bronze means the District Council:

• has strong and robust policies and procedures in place to offer the right support,
• works closely with relevant partners to offer a range of support avenues,
• has ensured staff have completed relevant training and development to support survivors, and
• demonstrates it operates a survivor centred practice.

We're experiencing an unusually dry spell across much of the UK this year, with high temperatures and low rainfall placing additional pressure on water resources. Prolonged periods of dry weather and increased water demand can impact our rivers, wildlife and local ecosystems, making water conservation important for everyone.

While Newark and Sherwood is not currently in an official drought area, we can help protect local water supplies by using water responsibly.

Simple steps such as watering gardens early in the morning or late in the evening, using a watering can instead of a hose, fixing dripping taps and only running washing machines and dishwashers with full loads can make a real difference.

For practical water-saving advice, visit Severn Trent's website.

🌿 This #LoveParksWeek we’ve been celebrating the beautiful parks, gardens and green spaces that make Newark and Sherwood such a great place to live, work and visit.

Whether you're enjoying a family day out at Sconce and Devon Park, taking in the stunning views at Vicar Water Country Park, or finding a quiet moment at the Queen Elizabeth Memorial Gardens, there's a green space for everyone to enjoy.

We're especially proud that a number of our parks and green spaces have recently been recognised with prestigious Green Flag Awards, the international quality mark for parks and green spaces! You can find out more about this on our website: Seven green spaces in Newark and Sherwood earn prestigious Green Flag award

Why not visit a local park, take a walk with friends, or simply spend some time in nature?

The Newark and Sherwood Town and Parish Parks Legacy Fund Scheme closes today for applications! If you’re part of a Town or Parish Council, here’s your chance to secure funding to enhance parks and play areas in your community.

• Grants available up to £10,000 (with a 50% match funding requirement)
• Potential for improvements worth up to £20,000 per site
• Open to parks and play areas not owned by the District Council

Don’t miss out! Applications close today*! Final decisions will be announced in November 2026.

*Applications submitted after the deadline may still be considered up to two weeks after.

Newark Castle is looking for volunteers to help bring its next chapter to life. Whether you enjoy meeting people, sharing local stories, supporting events, or learning new skills, there are a range of opportunities to suit different interests and experience levels.

Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, give back to your community and gain valuable experience, all while helping visitors enjoy and understand the Castle’s fascinating past.

If you’d like to make a difference and become part of Newark Castle’s future, find out more about current opportunities at Volunteering at Newark Castle.

There’s good news in the fight against gum litter!

We have secured £27,366 in funding from the Chewing Gum Task Force to help clean chewing gum from our streets and reduce future littering. The grant will fund specialist cleaning in key locations as well as campaigns to encourage people to bin their gum responsibly.

Cleaner streets create a better first impression for residents, visitors and businesses alike, and everyone can help by putting used gum in a bin rather than on the pavement. Together, we can keep our district looking its best.

Got extra veggies lurking in your garden, greenhouse or allotment?

The much-loved Crop Drop scheme has returned, inviting growers across Newark and Sherwood to donate surplus fruit and veg to local food hubs.

Big harvest or tiny handful, every bit helps build a stronger, greener community food network!

To register to be part of the scheme, please email wellbeing@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk or phone 01636 650 000 and ask for the Health Improvement Team.

Sometimes the best way to look after our wellbeing is to slow down. The new dWell Gallery at the National Civil War Centre offers visitors the chance to do just that, creating a space to pause, reflect and explore artworks in a deeper and more mindful way.

Through guided activities and thought-provoking displays, the gallery encourages visitors to engage with images beyond a first glance, considering emotions, perspectives, and personal connections. Whether you visit alone, with friends or as part of a group, dWell Gallery offers a calming and enriching experience that supports positive wellbeing and mindful reflection.

Whether they're celebrating a new home, welcoming a new baby, starting a new job or marking a special milestone, the Newark and Sherwood Gift Card is a great way to treat them.

Accepted at more than 100 local businesses across the district, it can be spent at everything from favourite independent shops and cafés to well-known high street brands.

Plus, every gift card purchased helps support local businesses and our thriving communities.

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