Cllr Julie Leigh, Leader of Bassetlaw District Council
Last week, the Government announced a review of the local government reorganisation programme which includes the plans for Bassetlaw.
The Secretary of State announced that LGR in our region, along with13 other areas, would be paused while a rapid review takes place.
The Government remains committed to LGR and we will continue to work with our partners and the government to seek clarity on the next steps and provide further information as it becomes available. Change on this scale requires careful consideration, particularly when it has implications for local services and community representation. I therefore welcome this pause as we all work towards making the right decisions for Bassetlaw residents.
Throughout this process, my priority remains unchanged, ensuring that residents and businesses in Bassetlaw continue to receive the high-quality services they rely on every day.
Turning now to our local Street Trading Policy, where we have listened carefully to traders and members of the public about how cake sheds and cupboards should be treated. With this in mind, we have launched a consultation so that people can share their views ensure that any future approach is fair, clear, and workable.
To encourage participation, a series of drop-in sessions will be held across the district, including at Retford and Worksop markets, Harworth and Bircotes Town Hall, and Tuxford's Museum of the Horse. I would encourage anyone with an interest in the issue to get involved. The feedback received will help inform the Licensing Committee as it develops future policy.
Looking further ahead, there is another important opportunity for residents to shape the future of Bassetlaw through the creation of a new Local Plan.
Consultation is underway to discuss what it should include from homes and jobs through to services and investment.
Although our current Local Plan was only adopted in 2024, it must be reviewed by 2028-29, making this the right time to begin a wider conversation about the district's future.
While growth is essential, it must be planned carefully. New development should be supported by the infrastructure and services communities need, while protecting the natural landscapes, heritage assets and distinctive character that make Bassetlaw such an attractive place to live and work.
The decisions made today will shape the district for decades. That is why public involvement is so important. You can get involved through one of our drop in events which get underway this week, online at www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/localplanreview2026 or through paper copies available at council offices in Worksop, Retford, and Harworth and Bircotes.
Bassetlaw's future should be shaped not simply for our communities, but with them.
Last Updated on Monday, September 21, 2026