Inside EBC today

Royal celebration

Welcome to the spring issue of EBC today as we look forward to the celebrations to mark the King’s Coronation. The council is helping to bring local communities together by providing grants to help fund street parties.

The council is also celebrating the successful £2.8m bid to the Shared Prosperity Fund that will support a number of key projects over the next two years including a new nature reserve, a community shuttle bus, a cultural events programme, extended community grant scheme, a new 3G pitch at Rutland Sports Park in Ilkeston and many more worthwhile community projects.

It is likely that the council will prepare a much improved bid for the next round of the Government’s Levelling Up Fund for Ilkeston – the previous bid was one of many turned down with the funding pot oversubscribed by some £9 billion.

It is with pride that I share the success of the council’s grant schemes where over 70 local organisations have received financial support this year for meaningful projects in the community. The council has also backed the wellness networks in Cotmanhay, Kirk Hallam and Petersham delivering health and wellbeing activities for our residents and particularly our young people.

A huge amount of work has been undertaken in support of the Long Eaton Town deal projects including the Stable Block, the Galaxy Row development and the upgrading of the High Street as well as launching the Golden Hello scheme to encourage new retailers to our towns; introducing research and development grants for the manufacturing sector and backing Erewash Partnership to provide valuable support for existing and startup businesses.

The council continues to work hard to provide efficient and best-value services for our residents even though the council continues to face increased energy costs and extraordinary inflationary pressures. We have kept the council tax rise to a minimum of just over £6 per annum, an increase of 12p a week for a Band D property and also

Carol Hart, Leader of the Council

have a council tax support scheme in place to help those in need.

As we move into spring it’s the perfect time to get outside and enjoy the wonderful parks and nature reserves as well as the Erewash Valley Trail. We really are blessed with the countryside on our doorstep in Erewash and the spring provides a fantastic opportunity to experience nature on your doorstep. In a busy year ahead, the local elections will take place in early May and for the first time voter identification will be required at polling stations – you can find all the information you need in this issue and on the council’s website.

Finally, we have provided an events listing for Erewash this year and hope that you will be able to take part in the many activities on offer throughout our wonderful borough.