Vital for you to have your say on the plan for Bassetlaw's future

Coun Simon Greaves, Bassetlaw Council leader.

And as part of this process our officers have been taking the plan to the people.

These consultation events help to illustrate the council’s priorities for housing, regeneration and other development in the district up to the year 2037.

So far, officers have visited Ranby, Harworth, Elkesley, Blyth, Tuxford, Treswell and Worksop – which incorporated events at the town hall and in my own Thievesdale ward.

Planning for development can be an emotive issue and one that can split the views of communities.

With this in mind, it is essential that where development is being proposed, residents are fully informed and asked for their views.

Like it or not, as a district, Bassetlaw needs to create more opportunities for employment and more houses for people to live in.

The local plan ensures that, with resident input, development is positive for Bassetlaw now and in the future.

It is absolutely vital that residents take a look at what is being proposed, ask questions and have their say as the local plan will have a major influence on the shape of this area for a generation.

I am happy to report that both Worksop events were well attended and all of the comments collected at all these events will help to shape the plan as it evolves.

There are still seven more events to come in Dunham, Langold, Treswell, Carlton, Misterton and two in Retford.

The consultation is open until Wednesday, February 26 and you can look at all of the plan documents, and submit your views, by visiting www.bassetlaw.gov.uk/bassetlawplan.

Today (Friday) there is a meeting involving councillors from Bassetlaw, Rushcliffe, Newark & Sherwood and Nottinghamshire County councils, as well as the Bassetlaw Community & Voluntary Service and Lincolnshire Community Foundation to look at the current applications that have been submitted to the Nottinghamshire Flood Appeal for hardship grants of up to £500.

Following this meeting, we hope to let people know as soon as possible if they have been successful and get them access to what may be a vital grant.