After lying in an unmarked grave for over 50 years, Worksop’s very own Romeo and Juliet, Ned and Flo, are to be permanently remembered thanks to the determination of a Shireoaks poet.

Worksop residents may recall the story of the mismatched lovers, known infamously as the inseparable ‘Worksop tramps’, who were shunned by their families and lived out their lives on the open road some 50 years ago.

Ned and Flo touched the hearts of local people after their story appeared in the Guardian back in 2003, including Shireoaks History Society’s Pete Brammer and Bernie Ayton, who undertook extensive research and discovered that the couple were buried in an unmarked pauper’s grave in Retford Road Cemetery, Manton.

Pete, a local poet and historian, knew Ned and Flo personally.

He said: “Ned and Flo would visit my grandmother, who lived in Market Street.”

“When Ned and Flo came round, my Grandma’s dog would let them sleep in them sleep in the shed and have a wash down in the stone sink. She’d make them breakfast, some sandwiches to take away, and off they’d go. They used to walk down to Kent to pick fruit and hops, and were even seen in Torquay.”

Researching further into their past, Pete discovered that Ned and Flo had been forced to live on the streets by Ned’s family.

“Ned was a man from a very well-to-do family in Worksop who owned several farms around Manton,” said Pete. “It’s not entirely clear what Flo’s part was in the household- but she was definitely a servant, probably a parlour maid.”

“They fell deeply in love, but of course Ned’s family weren’t pleased at all. They warned Ned that if he continued his relationship with Flo he would be thrown from the family home. He chose Flo over them, and they were homeless from then on.”

“When Ned died in a hedge bottom off Mansfield Road at Holbeck, Flo was taken in through the kindness of the King Edward Hotel on Ryton Street. The building at the rear end of the pub was done up for her, and in payment for taking her in Flo collected the glasses. She was never the same after Ned’s death and died a few years later.”

Six years ago, the Shireoaks History Group tried to buy the pauper’s grave for £100 but were later told it would cost them £365 by Bassetlaw Council. In view of this, the history group decided not to go ahead with the project- but Pete was determined to see Ned and Flo remembered.

Said Pete: “Years later, wgen I decided to purchase the burial plot myself, I was told the price had gone up to £940.”

“To raise this amount, I have visited various organisations to recite my poems. There have also been some wonderful donations from fantastic members of the public, who I thank from the bottom of my heart.”

After being moved by the story, Robert Priest’s Funeral Home supplied a beautiful headstone for the grave free of charge, which has now been installed.

“I cannot thank Robert Priest enough for his kindness,” added Pete.

“Ned and Flo will always be fondly remembered. They were true legends in the town and surrounding areas, and can finally rest in peace.”

A man from Gainsborough has been fined after he was caught driving while using a hand held mobile phone in Bridge Road, Gainsborough.

Ashley Lewis, 31, of St John’s Terrace, Gainsborough has been fined £200, £20 victim surcharge and £85 costs by Lincoln Magistrates Court.

His driving licence was also endorsed with three points.

MOTORING

John Grange-Smith, 27, of Richardson Rise, Gainsborough. Drove without insurance. Fined £700, £70 victim surcharge, £85 costs and licence endorsed with six points.

Kieran James Thompson, 26, of Ropery Road, Gainsborough, Drove without insurance. Fined £110, £20 victim surcharge, £40 costs and licence endorsed with six points.

Lee David Jarman, 23, of Bridge Street, Gainsborough. Caused actual bodily harm. Fined £750, £730 compensation and £85 costs.

Daniel Roger Davis, 29, of Chelmsford Street, Lincoln. Failed to give identification of driver. Fined £600, £60 victim surcharge, £85 costs and licence endorsed with six points.

Joanne Jones, 34, of Harris Road, Lincoln. Drove without insurance. Fined £600, £60 victim surcharge, £85 costs and licence endorsed with six points.

Paul Michael Brannon, 46, of Witham St Hughes, Lincoln. Drove in excess of the 70mph speed limit. Fined £500, £50 victim surcharge, £85 costs and licence endorsed with four points.

THEFT

John Michael Parker, 29, of Kexby Lane, Gainsborough. Stole four packs of batteries. Discharged conditionally for six months and £15 victim surcharge.

Stephen Michael Crosby, 50, of Morrland Avenue, Lincoln. Stole groceries. Fined £100, £20 victim surcharge and £20 costs.

Matthee Robert Davies, 42, of Friars Lane, Lincoln. Stole shop items. Discharged conditionally for six months, and £15 victim surcharge.

ASSAULT

Ian McGary, 45, of Dog Kennel Road, Gainsborough. Assault by beating. £100 compensation.

A man from Ingham has been fined after he was caught driving in Sleaford without an insurance policy.

Ian Cocksedge, 55, of Hayes Gardens, Ingham, has been fined £325, £33 victim surcharge and £85 costs by Lincoln Magistrates Court.

His driving licence was also endorsed with six points.

Lincs Polcie are asking residents of Torksey to be vigilant as over the past week a theft of a catalytic convertor was removed from a vehicle parked in Torksey and also some calor gas bottles have been stolen from a compound.

Please report any suspicious behaviour to 101. The one off charge of 15p is applicable whether from a landline or mobile.

A man calling himself ‘Mr Otter’ visited a house in Sandsfield Lane in Gainsborough on Monday 2nd February claiming to have carried out work on the roof five to six years ago and had come back to look at the guttering and then stated he was owed £145. He was described as white, 6’ tall, early 20’s and was smartly dressed.

Anyone with information please call 101.

Here’s the latest news on traffic and travel conditions on the county’s roads.

There are no issues on the roads as you start to head home this evening (Tuesday 3rd February).

Plans to transform facilities at Bassetlaw Hospital have moved a step closer as health chiefs sign funding agreements to the value of £3.8m.

Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, which runs Bassetlaw Hospital, will use the funding from the Department of Health to relocate and modernise a number of key services including diabetes outpatients, and training and education.

Currently these services occupy lower quality accommodation at the south side of Bassetlaw Hospital site near to the Kilton Road entrance.

These ambitious plans are set to significantly improve the hospital environment for staff and patients alike by integrating these services into the main hospital buildings and creating new purpose-built accommodation with state-of-the-art energy efficient and environmentally friendly features.

In addition to this the Trust is also proposing the sale of this spare NHS land, in part to fund these new developments.

Mike Pinkerton, chief executive for Doncaster and Bassetlaw Hospitals, said: “This is great news for patients and staff and demonstrates our continued commitment to invest in Bassetlaw Hospital.”

“Signing these agreements brings us closer to delivering our ambitions for the hospital to bring its services into modern, purpose designed accommodation.”

John Mann MP tcongratulated NHS staff and local campaigners on the plans.

Said Mr Mann: “I welcome the development of Bassetlaw Hospital which will provide excellent improvements for local people.”

“I have long been pushing for more single rooms because they are the preferred option for families and help to isolate contagious diseases.”

“The announcement that the Diana Princess of Wales Breastcare Unit will be completed is also great news and is thanks to the hard work of the Bassetlaw Breastcare Appeal, of which I am a proud patron.”

“I am calling on the Government to provide money for a new model of intermediate care to be pioneered in Bassetlaw.”

“This would allow people to move out of hospital wards much quicker whilst still retaining access to the best possible care,” he added.

The weather for today (Wednesday 4th February) will be cold and rather cloudy with a scattering of sleet and snow showers across the region through the day, these most likely across Lincs and Notts.

There will be a chilly breeze.

Maximum Temperature 3C.

Tonight will be mainly dry in the west with widespread frost and icy patches.

Occasional sleet and snow showers continuing further east, especially across Lincs, where icy conditions are more likely.

Minimum Temperature -2C.

Tomorrow it will be remaining cold and rather cloudy for many with rain, sleet and snow showers, these more likely in the west later with snow becoming more restricted to the Peak District.

Maximum Temperature 5C.

Here’s the latest news on traffic and travel conditions on the county’s roads.

There are no issues on the roads this Wednesday (4th February) morning.

Snowdrops, Christmas Roses and Daffodils are making the grounds of Hodsock Priory look blooming marvellous!

The small estate team and volunteers have been busy preparing for the opening of Snowdrops season at Hodsock this week.

With 17 acres of Snowdrops spread across woodland and gardens, visitors to the estate throughout February can choose to enjoy a relaxed day out in a quintessential English winter garden, or a more strenuous exploration of the woodland.

“We are proud of our four million Snowdrops and thankful to our ‘Friends of Hodsock’ volunteers in helping us tend to the varieties of flower in the grounds,” said George Buchanan, owner and general manager of Hodsock Priory.

“We’re looking forward to planting a new Snowdrop lawn to commemorate 250 years of our family in residence here at Hodsock.”

“Equally as impressive are the flashes of colour and the magnificent scents in the air that you’ll experience as you walk through the grounds. We truly have a winter garden for all senses and an ideal day trip for all ages.”

The Snowdrops 2015 season runs from 31st January to 1st March and gates are open daily at 10am, with last entry at 4pm.

Admission is £5 for adults, £4.50 for groups of 10+, £1 for children over six. Small children and wheelchair users go free. Advance tickets are available online at www.snowdrops.co.uk and it is well worth looking out for 2 for 1 entry tickets being promoted in the local press from the end of January.

For more information visit www.snowdrops.co.uk or email info@snowdrops.co.uk or call 01909 591204.

Adele Mumby resigned as Councillor for the East Retford North electoral ward of Bassetlaw District Council on Tuesday 3rd February, it has been announced.

As there are less than six months to the local elections there will not be a by-election.

The seat will be contested as part of the elections on May 7th and will remain vacant until then.

It is understood that Coun Mumby, from Hallcroft in Retford, announced her resignation after accepting the offer of a new job with the NHS, as she does not have enough time to occupy both roles.

A brand new children’s play park is to open in Worksop next month.

The facility, on Keswick Road, will officially be unveiled during an open day and gala on Saturday 28th March, 1pm-4pm.

Ward members for Worksop north - coun Bill Barker, coun Gwyneth Jones and Coun David Potts - had previously canvassed the area to ask what facilities residents would like, and a play park for local children was the most preferred suggestion.

The councillors will be attendance at the unveiling of the play park, which was installed in early January,

Coun Barker said: “Over time, the site had become a little neglected and the previous play equipment was damaged. But having spoken to local residents we found out that it was still being used by the children.”

Coun Potts said: “From these conversations, it was clear that a new play park would be a popular choice, so we asked the local children, through St John’s School, for their input in what equipment should be installed.”

Coun Jones added: “We hope that it will be a much used community facility and hope that because this was their idea, this gives them a sense of ownership and if there are any problems, they can report this to us or the Council’s Parks and Open Spaces Team.”

Activities arranged so far for the open day include; a bouncy castle, face painting, panna soccer, archery, a circus Workshop and hot food stalls.

A Creswell man who claimed over £1,800 in benefits he was not entitled to has been fined in court.

Gareth Larner, 31, of Victoria Street, Creswell, pleaded guilty at North East Derbyshire and Dales Magistrates’ Court on 21st January 2015 to falsely claiming benefits from Bolsover District Council.

The investigation uncovered that Larner had claimed Housing Benefit and Council Tax Support totalling £1,811 between 3rd February 2014 and 30 June 2014 whilst failing to declare he had been in full time employment.

Larner was sentenced for failing to declare his change in circumstances, contrary to Section 112(1A) of the Social Security Administration Act 1992 and Section 14B of The Local Government Finance Act 1992.

Larner was ordered to pay a fine of £186, costs of £100 and a victim surcharge of £20.

He also has to repay the amounts he wrongly claimed.

If you know of anyone who you suspect is committing benefit fraud, contact Bolsover Council on 01246 242444.

Residents can also report a possible fraud act to the DWP hotline number 0845 6088521.

Bassetlaw MP John Mann has said the appointment of a new head into historical child sex abuse is ‘better late than never’.

The Labour MP is calling for significant resources to be made available to make up for a ‘wasted six months’.

New Zealand High Court judge Lowell Goddard was named as the head of a new inquiry in England and Wales on Wednesday 4th February.

Mr Mann said: “Theresa May has finally appointed the third chair of the inquiry – which can only be described as better late than never. The Government now needs to provide the resources needed to make up for six wasted months.”

“I am also calling on the Government to ensure the survivors’ groups need to be at the heart of all the inquiries and there should be no file that is not made available nor any witness who is able to avoid interview.”

“The inquiry has to be time-limited, completed within a maximum of two years and needs to have proposals for dealing with support for victims that come forward by September.”

“Clear regulations on support for victims are needed because of the current chaos and lack of support available, which is horrendous. Lives will be lost if the current lack of support is not remedied.”

A Bassetlaw District Council has fined a Worksop woman for fly-tipping after waste that had been dumped on Tranker Lane in Worksop was traced back to her.

Network Rail had informed Bassetlaw District Council’s Environmental Health Officers of the fly-tipped waste which, after investigation, contained information that could identify the offender and officers were able to locate where the waste had come from.

When approached by officers, the woman admitted the waste was hers and that a family member had been asked to take it to the Recycling Centre on Sandy Lane.

Despite this, she was issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice of £55, which was paid immediately.

Householders have a duty of care to ensure that anyone disposing of waste does so legally and, if they are a commercial company, has a waste carrier’s licence.

Coun Julie Leigh, cabinet member for Neighbourhoods said: “Even if you ask someone else to dispose of your waste, this doesn’t diminish your responsibility to dispose of it responsibly and legally.

“While it is unfortunate that this woman had to pay the Fixed Penalty Notice and did express her disapproval of the actions of her relative, the stark reality is that she had broken the law and was forced to accept the consequences.

“If residents are asking others to dispose of their waste, they must ensure that that person has a waste carriers licence or can be trusted to dispose of the waste legally.”

Fly tipping is the illegal dumping of any type of waste on publicly owned or private land.

Some examples of the types of waste dumped are:-

bags of household waste, fridges, tyres and mattresses.

Fly tipping is considered a serious crime which carries a fine of up to £50,000, up to five years in jail and seizure of vehicles.

A Gainsborough roofer was shocked and angry when he heard someone had claimed to be from his company to scam money from one of his customers.

Stuart Otter, 29, of Otter Roofing Ltd was called by one of his customers after they had received a visit from two young men who had claimed to work for his company.

Stuart said: “My customer told me someone had turned up at his house demanding payment for work which had not even been carried out.”

“There were two young lads, one in his early 20’s and one about 15 or 16-years-old, smartly dressed and with a new white van with ladders on top.”

“They had already been on his roof before they even knocked on the door, and then claimed they had repaired the guttering and needed payment for this. The customer advised them that all was in order, and nothing needed doing to his roof as Otter Roofing had provided him with a reroof 5 years ago. The young lads then claimed they had already ‘fixed’ the guttering and that ‘Mr Otter’ had sent them to carry out this further work.”

“He rang me and I explained to him that I had not sent them, then we both reported this to the police.”

“I have developed a well trusted business in the area and we want to assure people that we would never turn up without being asked to.”

“No professional tradesman would do this kind of thing.”

Otter Roofing Ltd has been established in Gainsborough for 11 years and is the only company which focusses solely on roofing; they have also, more recently expanded into the installation of solar panels, working alongside the Solar Team also based in Gainsborough.

He drives a blue work van which clearly displays the Otter Roofing Ltd logo and he will be dressed in branded clothing.

Stuart added: “I have a lot of loyal customers who know I can be trusted.”

Two Worksop schools are bucking the national trend for GCSE grades, according to new school league tables.

Outwood Academy Portland on Netherton Road and Outwood Academy Valley on Valley Road, are both well above the Government’s target for at least 40 per cent of pupils to achieve five or more A*-C grades, including maths and English.

The statistics show that 76 per cent of pupils at Outwood Academy Portland achieved five or more GCSE C grades or above including English and maths in 2014, with 73 per cent of pupils at Outwood Academy Valley.

Both schools are sponsor led with pupils aged 11-18 attending.

Dr Phil Smith, associate executive principal, said: “Once again, results day reveals that Outwood Academy Portland and Outwood Academy Valley achieve qualifications that place them in the top five per cent of the country.”

“It is only three years ago that Worksop schools were in the bottom five per cent of England, and the transformation under Outwood Grange Academies Trust has been breathtaking, with Outwood Academy Portland being recognised as the fastest turn-around for a secondary school, from ‘special measures’ to ‘outstanding’, ever.”

Overall, Nottinghamshire state-funded schools are above the national average of 56.6 per cent for achieving five good GCSE grades, with 58 per cent of pupils getting the required grades.

The league tables have recently been heavily criticised after changes were made to make exams more rigorous, which included only allowing a pupil’s first attempt at an exam to count towards school league tables. However, the tables have been defended by Education Secretary Nicky Morgan.

The number of schools failing to meet Government targets on GCSE grades has doubled to 330 schools.

Notts County Council are seeking views on new plans for how the authority commissions the NHS Health Check service across the county from April 2016, with an intention to widen the offering to target more people from harder-to-reach communities.

An NHS Health Check is a short risk assessment with a professional that identifies people at risk of developing heart disease, stroke, diabetes, kidney disease or certain types of dementia, and helps them take action to avoid, reduce or manage their risk of developing a serious condition.

People aged 40-74 are eligible to be offered an NHS Health Check every five years provided they do not have a previously diagnosed cardiovascular condition or are already in treatment for certain risk factors like high blood pressure or high cholesterol.

Coun Joyce Bosnjak, chair of the county council’s public health committee, said: “NHS Health Checks are based on the notion that prevention is better than cure, they help people pick up on things that could become an issue in the coming years, and helps them change their behaviour to avoid them from developing.”

“We’re looking at new ways of engaging with more people that might be at higher risk of some of the conditions an NHS Health Check can flag up, and would welcome as many views as possible.”

The county council is planning to continue to offer the mandatory NHS Health Check service through all GPs in the county, and also to provide additional services in workplaces and community venues to target sections of our community that statistically are at higher risk.

The following people have recently appeared before the courts in Worksop, Rotherham and Mansfield:

THEFT

Shareen Thompson, 44, of Cheapside, Worksop. Stole wine to the value of £6.00 belonging to a shop. Committed to prison for 16 weeks suspended for 12 months. Also ordered to pay £6.00 compensation.

Nigel Sprowell, 47, of Coronation Street, Whitwell. Stole cheese to the value of £2.50 belonging to a supermarket. Fined £100. Also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

Paul Lomas, 27, of Grove Street, Retford. Stole bicycle parts to the value of £100 from outside a healthcare centre. Ordered to pay compensation of £100.

Kristopher Seaman, 28, of Brecks Road, Retford. Stole a stunt camera and six tins of quality street sweets to the value of £36.99. Fined £50. Ordered to pay £36.99 compensation.

Sean Tattersall, 44, of Goodacre Street, Mansfield. Stole a phone case, to the value of £4.00, belonging to a supermarket. Discharged conditionally for six months. Also ordered to pay £4.00 compensation, £45 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

ASSAULT

Damian Cowan, 27, of Rampton Hospital, Retford. Assaulted four men by beating them. Ordered to pay £235 compensation.

Paul Wilkinson, 46, of Ashfield Road, Worksop. Assaulted a woman by beating her. Community order made with supervision requirement. Also ordered to pay £85 coust costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

MOTORING

Marius Predoi, 20, of Newcastle Avenue, Worksop. Drink driving. Disqualified from driving for 14 months. Fined £280. Also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

Connie Raisbeck, 19, of Rufford Street, Worksop. Drove a vehicle when in a position that could not have full control over the vehicle. Fined £35. Also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

Stephen Garrat, 31, of Gordon Avenue, Mansfield. Drinking driving. Banned from driving for 18 months. Fined £284. Also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £28 victim surcharge.

Alex Kinsey, 27, of Fairway, Retford. Speeding. Driving record endorsed with three points. Also ordered to pay a £200 fine, £85 court costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

David Bailey, 30, of King Street, Worksop. Drink driving. Disqualified from driving for 12 months. Also fined £85 and ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

DISORDER

Daniel Hayes, 24, of Carlton Avenue, Worksop. Used threatening, abusive or insults words or behaviour to intimidate another. Fined £200. Also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

Katrina Thacker, 36, of Grove Coach Road, Retford. Drunk and disorderly behaviour. Fined £170. Also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £25 victim surcharge.

DAMAGE

Alex Driffil, 20, of Raines Avenue, Worksop. Damaged a window to a value unknown belonging to a shop. Discharged conditionally for six months. Also ordered to pay £45 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

DRUGS

Luke Smith, 22, of Shrewsbury Road, Worksop. Found to be in the possession of a Class B drug. Discharged conditionally for 12 months. Also ordered to pay £85 court costs and a £15 victim surcharge.

Anthony Millard, 22, of Milton Court, Mansfield. Found to be in the possession of a Class B drug. Committed to prison for 60 days suspended for 12 months. Also ordered to pay an £85 victim surcharge.

BREACH

Mark Tyler, 53, of Welbeck Street, Worksop. Without reasonable excuse, sent a text message to a person when ordered not to as part of a restraining order. Committed to prison for few weeks.

OTHER

Daniella Smith, 24, of Cheapside, Worksop. Acquired, used or had possession of criminal property, namely a black jacket. Ordered to pay compensation of £35 and a £25 victim surcharge.