New nature reserve

Council Tax

A recommendation that Erewash Borough Council raises its share of council tax for 2023/24 by 2.99%, a £6.03 per annum increase, is expected to be approved at the council’s budget setting meeting at the time of going to print.

It means that the council’s charge for a band D property would increase from £201.59 to £207.62 per annum, an increase of 12p per week.

Residents are set to be consulted on proposals to transform the former Pewit Golf Course in Ilkeston into a family-friendly local nature reserve.

The emerging plans for the proposed Local Nature Reserve at West End Drive look to be given the green light by the council alongside a public consultation and approval of £261k for the project, funded by a section 106 payment linked to the former Stanton Ironworks. The 106 funding will be combined with the recent award of £250k as part of the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund.

Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says: “The new nature reserve will be of great benefit to the community and will help to establish protected areas and conserve many species. It will be a valuable community space where people can enjoy the natural environment around them and to learn about nature.”

The proposed new local nature reserve will further complement the adjacent Straw’s Bridge, Pewit Carr and Manners Flood sites, with ambitions for continual biodiversity improvements for wildlife and for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

The council would need to develop a 30 year management plan for the site, and Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has been engaged in the development of the plans.

Only 11% of the total council tax bill that residents pay goes to the Borough Council. The rest is for services provided by Derbyshire County Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue and Parish Councils – Erewash has no control over the charges set by these organisations.

The consultation will seek people’s views on the site plan and a new name for the nature reserve, with suggestions that it could be named in tribute to the late Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, with ‘Jubilee Local Nature Reserve/Park’ amongst the options.

Scott Blance, Advocacy manager at Derbyshire Wildlife Trust, says: “The proposals have the potential to deliver for wildlife and people. With a suitable mix of habitats in place, this new reserve could add a valuable piece to the jigsaw of Derbyshire’s nature recovery network, whilst creating a space with significant wellbeing opportunities for the community.”

Parking

Councillor Wayne Major, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources, says“The high rates of inflation have caused significant budget pressures for all councils and Erewash is no exception, however the Borough Council has a healthy financial record and we are committed to making sure it remains that way.”

The 2023/24 budget is being set during ongoing turbulence due to the economic effects of events in Ukraine and the impact of current high levels of inflation. These budgetary pressures means that the council is exploring a number of other options to generate increased income and reduce costs.

You can manage your Council Tax account online. Sign up for a My Erewash account where you can submit requests, complete application forms and request help, advice and support from our staff.