Tel: 01623 707017
October 2019
the orginal GOOD news local paper
£25m good news for regeneration projects MANSFIELD is set to receive up to £25m to develop innovative regeneration plans.
The town is among 100 places invited to develop proposals for a new generation of multi-million-pound Town Deals. Towns eligible for support from the £3.6 billion Towns Fund include places with a proud industrial and economic heritage that have not always benefited from economic growth in the same way as more prosperous areas. The fund has a focus on improved transport, broadband connectivity, skills and culture. Mansfield and Warsop MP Ben Bradley, who said he had taken every opportunity to call on the Government to invest in Mansfield and Warsop, said: “This is massive for our area and exactly what we’ve been campaigning for. “When I became an MP, I committed to shouting up for the constituency because Mansfield and Warsop had been forgotten for too long. There’s so much we need to do, and I am delighted that Government is taking action and giving our town the support it needs with this once-in-a-generation Town Deal. “This is our chance to deliver on the key priorities that I’ve been working on since being elected — regenerating the High Street, supporting new jobs and boosting our tourism plan to link up with Sherwood Forest.” Mansfield is also aiming to get a further £25m in the Future High Streets Fund. Andy Abrahams, the Mayor of Mansfield, added: “This is a really exciting time for Mansfield town centre, our residents, businesses and visitors. “The news of the Town Fund, in addition to the bid Mansfield District Council is developing for Future High Streets funding, puts us in the best possible position to be able to realise our ambitious plans to revitalise key (Continued on page 3)
Pick Me Up - I’m FREE
Caring Mia’s charity tribute to her dad A CARING young Mansfield schoolgirl has said a special thank you to an emergency service that tried to save the life of her father. Mia Smith raised money for the Lincs and Notts Air Ambulance — as well as The Little Princess Trust — at an event she hosted at the Stag and Pheasant pub in Mansfield. The Air Ambulance attended the scene of a motorbike accident in May 2015 and worked hard to help Mia’s dad, David Smith, who sadly died. Mia, 10, who was aged nine when she hosted the event, wanted to pay tribute to her father and make him proud. The event, which raised around £2,002.24, included a charity haircut, tombola, guess the name of the teddy competition and a cake sale. The air ambulance also attended and held its own stall. Mia, a pupil at Flying High Academy, Ladybrook, had 14 inches cut off her hair, which she donated to The Little Princess Trust, a charity that makes wigs for children affected by cancer. “I just wanted to repay the air ambulance and make my daddy proud,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who has helped make this happen. I was really nervous and excited at the same time, but I know he will definitely be proud of me.
More memories of the Granada in Mansfield — pages 4 and 5
MIA Smith and her mum, Debbie Hannah, after her charity haircut and, right, Mia before her haircut as she sold cakes and ran a guess the name of the teddy competition at her fundraising event. “I can’t believe how many people turned up on the night to support me.” Mia’s mum, Debbie, added: “The air ambulance did their upmost to save Mia’s dad but their efforts were unsuccessful.
Still time to make a splash at swimathon — page 11
“As she grew older she wanted to do something to repay them for their help towards her dad and towards others ho may need their help. “I’m unbelievably proud of Mia for wanting to help two amazing charities.
WIN tickets to the Odeon cinema — page 15
“There was a brilliant turnout for the fundraiser, with help from friends and family. It was a huge success. “I’m completely overwhelmed with how much she has managed to raise. Thank you to everyone involved.”
Christmas tree festival launched at museum — page 20
OPEN EVENTS COLLEGE OPEN DAY Saturday 12 October I 10am-1pm Derby Road campus (NG18 5BH)
UNIVERSITY-LEVEL OPEN DAY Thursday 24 October I 5.30pm-7.30pm Vision University Centre (NG18 5BH)
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