WHAT'S ON: Bawtry

NEW DEVELOPMENT FOR OLDER PEOPLE: Townsfolk had an opportunity to attend a one day public exhibition in Bawtry Methodist Church Hall which displayed plans for the proposed new housing development for older people that could be built in Bawtry. McCarthy and Stone is proposing to redevelop an area of land at the south end of Top Street with retirement living apartments. The proposals are designed to provide specialist housing giving older people the opportunity to downsize and to release larger family houses onto the market. The exhibition was part of McCarthy and Stone’s community consultation programme aimed at informing residents, businesses and interested groups and obtaining feedback that can be incorporated into the final proposals. The proposal outlined the building of 34 retired living apartments, 21 of which will be one bedroom and 13 two bedrooms. There will also be a homeowners’ lounge and an office for the house manager along with the provision of 27 parking spaces. Car park access will be via Tickhill Road. The development, which will respect the Bawtry Conservation Area and its surrounding architecture, will be designed to complement the local area through the use of building materials found nearby and includes landscaped communal gardens. Where possible existing trees and shrubs will be retained and new plants added. The boundaries of the development will be enhanced with new planting. It is anticipated that it could be as early as this month when a full planning application is submitted to DMBC. Bawtry Town Council will receive details of the planning application and councillors will discuss the matter. The planning process is expected to take around 13 weeks. Information about the development is at www.mccarthyandstone-consultation.co.uk/bawtry.

ON THE ROAD AGAIN: Details of phase two of the Finningley and Rossington Regeneration Route Scheme (FARRS), which it is hoped will reduce the volume of traffic passing through Bawtry, has been released by DMBC. The Bawtry Road to Hurst Lane section of the scheme funded by Sheffield City Region Investment Fund will see the building of 1.5 kilometres of new road infrastructure and new roundabout junctions at Bawtry Road and Hurst Lane. The scheme is designed to complete the link road to Robin Hood Airport, stimulate investment and jobs, boost the local economy and shorten journey times. It will reduce traffic and congestion at the Bawtry Road/Hurst Lane junction, segregate pedestrians and cyclists and see the construction of an underpass for bridleway and farm use that will have ecological benefits. There will be extensive tree and hedgerow planting and sustainable highway drainage. www.doncaster.gov.uk/FARRRS

ART ON SHOW: Artwork produced by students from Wilsic Hall School can be seen at Bawtry Community Library. The pirate-themed exhibition entitled Yo Ho Ho and A Bottle of Rum reflects the subject of summer art classes for 11-19 years olds who have either autism or learning difficulties. Senior teaching assistant Brenda Taylor has co-ordinated the exhibition.

WALL OF FAME: Plans have been formulated to create a Wall of Fame at the exhibition area of Bawtry Community Library. Townsfolk have been asked if they have old photographs of Bawtry that show their schooldays, nursery, church events or local activities. Residents are invited to take a selection of their old photographs along to the library from July 1 onwards where the pictures will be mounted on the Wall of Fame throughout the month.

ON STAGE: Addhock Theatre Company presents The Lion in Winter at the Phoenix Theatre on June 10 7.30pm. Tickets £8 and £7 concessions. Contact 07544884382, www.addhocktheatrecompany.com.

TOWN IN BLOOM: Bawtry folk have been invited to enter the annual DMBC-organised Doncaster in Bloom competition. The event is open to individuals, businesses, local groups and organisations. The various categories include best garden, best display, premises, community award, best wildlife/sustainable garden, schools, unusual container, and allotment of the year and best new allotment. Application forms can be collected from Bawtry Community Library. Closing date for entries June 17. www.doncaster.gov.uk/doncasterinbloom