EBC today, Summer 2020

EBCtoday SUMMER 2020

FREE MAGAZINE FOR PEOPLE IN EREWASH

t l m e f e t r ss a a e h

ge

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ISSUE 36

www.erewash.gov.uk

to all Erewash key workers

@erewashbc /erewashbc

Inside EBC A new way of working Firstly, I would like to thank all the key workers in the borough that have supported our residents throughout the coronavirus – it has certainly radically altered how we all live and work.

In a fast-changing environment, we have needed to move quickly to make sure our residents have access to the services they need, particularly vulnerable people in our community.

I would like to reassure you that the council is doing everything it possibly can to support all our residents and businesses at such a difficult and challenging time.

Council staff have worked incredibly hard to deliver council tax support to residents and valuable grants paid to help hard-hit local businesses as well as our dedicated refuse collection teams working under difficult

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conditions. Our neighbourhood wardens have also been busy delivering food parcels to vulnerable people in the borough.

The council is open for business and has put safety measures in place adhering to the government’s social distancing guidance for both the public and staff. Our town hall reception areas are open and you can also get in touch through our contact centre or find the most up to date information on our website, facebook and twitter pages.

Carol Hart, Leader of the Council And finally, I would like to save my biggest thanks to all our residents who followed the unprecedented lockdown to help keep the virus under control and my thoughts also go out to those who have lost loved ones and the many people that are in hospital recovering from coronavirus.

Stay safe

As you can imagine, the demands on the council have increased greatly and it is a credit to our staff that they have put in an enormous effort to keep vital services open. We have also been inspired by the many colourful rainbow messages received from our residents thanking our staff for their help and support.

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03 Mayor’s Letter A message of thanks

09 Orchid Wood Local Nature Reserve

04 Business Support Grant funding

06 Rainbow Gallery Inspirational messages

10 Know your Councillors Local contact

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12 Council Connection Useful Numbers

08 Recycle Better Contaminated Waste

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Stewart Millar, Editor EBC today, Erewash Borough Council, Ilkeston Town Hall, Wharncliffe Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 5RP. ebctoday@erewash.gov.uk / 0115 907 2244 ext 3578 If you require this publication in an alternative format and/or language please contact the council to discuss your needs. Information on the council’s services can be found on our website www.erewash.gov.uk or email your request to enquiries@erewash.gov.uk or call 0115 907 2244. www.erewash.gov.uk /erewashbc @erewashbc

A message from the Mayor With this in mind, I thank all those volunteers who have so selflessly helped their neighbours and friends who may be self-isolating or living with a vulnerable health condition.

I know this compassion and support is still going on and it perfectly captures the kindness and support ethic that we have always had in Erewash. Well done to all.

“It has been a real honour to serve as the Mayor of Erewash and I have carried out my duties with great pride, loving every moment – in particular meeting the many extraordinary people we have here in our borough.

I now find myself, in these unprecedented times, serving a second consecutive year following the cancellation of our mayor-making ceremony in May. I will continue my duties and look to better times when I can again meet and talk to you all.

On behalf of the council, I would, though, like to take a moment to thank and salute not only the frontline key workers, but also the valuable work of volunteers and the many charitable organisations in our borough.

Everyone’s contribution has been vital and incredible. Your bravery knows no bounds and we remain ever grateful for your service and care.

Council Tax support registered on CTS - a scheme which helps households of working age with low income – all had credit added to their bills.

Thousands of residents who have faced financial challenges due to the coronavirus lockdown have been helped and supported with their Council Tax payments.

In addition, the council worked to help residents who requested to delay the start of payments or applied to pay weekly, fortnightly or half-yearly. Instalments can also be made over 12 months rather than the normal 10.

Nearly 5,000 residents registered on the Council Tax Support Scheme (CTS) received new bills that included up to £150 towards their payments thanks to government funding.

Councillor Wayne Major, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources, says: “Our message is always that we are here to help. We would urge anyone who is finding it difficult to make payments to get in touch. Please talk to us.”

The funding was released to local authorities to help those most in need. In Erewash residents

Residents wishing to register for a My Erewash account can do so at erewash.gov.uk

The lockdown has been a difficult time and my thoughts go to anyone affected by COVID-19 virus and to those families who have lost loved ones or whose relatives or friends are still fighting this terrible virus.

These are, indeed, exceptional times and we must still follow national guidelines for the safety and wellbeing of everyone. We look to the future now but must at all times remember to stay safe, follow the guidelines and take great care to take all the advice on board. The time will return when I can meet you all and visit schools to see all the fantastic community work that will happen again.”

Councillor Sue Beardsley, Mayor of Erewash.

The cancellation of the Annual General Meeting means Councillor Beardsley will continue in the civic role until May 2021 while Councillor Donna Briggs will continue as the Deputy Mayor until next year.

Mayor’s charities

Over the past year, the Mayor has supported the work of Action for Children Derbyshire and Rainbows Hospice, two local charities which support vulnerable and sick children.

The main fundraising activity was the Knit a Nipper project which received fantastic support from residents and businesses locally and across the country.

Donations were also received from the Ilkeston Methodist Church following fundraising events which members had organised.

A grand total of £4,000 has been raised and will be shared between the two charities.

Over the next civic year, Councillor Beardsley will support Treetops Hospice in Risley and the Stroke Association, which has active clubs in Ilkeston and Long Eaton. Obviously, events cannot be arranged at the moment but the Mayor hopes to be able to offer her support with the promotion of the two charities.

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Business support Over £19m has so far been paid out by Erewash Borough Council to help business ratepayers in the borough hit by the financial impact of coronavirus.

The government announced a package of grant funding measures aimed at supporting businesses, including small business grants of £10,000 for all businesses in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief and grants of up to £25,000 for businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sector.

More small businesses, with a workforce of below 50 that missed out on the previous criteria, also had the chance to apply for help with further government grants being

administered by the council last month. This included those in shared spaces, regular market traders, small charity properties that would meet the criteria for small business rates relief and bed and breakfasts that pay council tax rather than business rates.

Councillor Wayne Major, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources, says: “We were well aware that there are small businesses that did not qualify for the last round of funding but were still in need of vital support. We continue to work to ensure the funding reaches those that need it.”

More affordable homes

The new Elka’s Rise housing development on Quarry Hill Road, Ilkeston has provided affordable homes for local people to buy.

Erewash Borough Council worked with the developers and housing association Riverside to ensure 12 affordable homes were built at the site for residents to buy under a shared ownership scheme.

Shared ownership offers the chance for people to buy a share of a new home (between 25% and 75% of the value) and pay rent on the remainder. They may be able to buy bigger shares later when they can afford it.

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/erewashbc

Doorstep deliveries

Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says: “This is another good example of our commitment to partnership working to ensure that new homes meet the needs of our communities. These 12 homes provide an opportunity for local people to buy a new home which they can afford.”

Sharon Edmond, Sales Officer at Riverside Home Ownership added: “We have been working closely with the council throughout the project at Elka’s Rise and have prioritised offers of our new homes to people already living and working within the borough.”

The shared ownership homes at Elka’s Rise have all been sold, but other new homes for sale will continue to be built at the site over the next two years. The site also includes homes for affordable rents, which were secured under the council’s planning process.

@erewashbc

Weekly food parcels continue to be delivered to some of the most vulnerable people in Erewash, providing them with vital provisions as they shield from coronavirus.

Neighbourhood Wardens deliver the parcels every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, with the recipients saying the service is a lifeline.

The government scheme has been co-ordinated by Derbyshire County Council. Anyone who feels they need help can make a request via derbyshire.gov.uk/gethelp or Derbyshire County Council’s community response unit helpline 01629 535091 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm and Saturdays 9am-1pm.

Advice line Residents struggling with a whole range of issues due to the coronavirus crisis have been contacting the Derbyshire Districts Citizens Advice.

The service says it dealt with well over 1,000 calls from residents during May covering issues like furloughing, self employed support and childcare concerns.

Residents with any concerns are encouraged to seek advice as soon as possible. The service aims to provide proactive and long term support.

Call the Derbyshire Districts Citizens Advice line on 0300 456 8390 Monday to Friday 9am-5pm.

Mill fire Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of the council, says: “This was a large-scale support operation from the start and we have worked with the emergency services and other partners to ensure residents are looked after and to help them move forward.

Erewash Borough Council worked with emergency services and support agencies to provide help to those involved in the devastating fire at Springfield Mill in Sandiacre in April.

A number of residents found themselves homeless after the blaze and the council’s Housing Options team helped them with accommodation needs.

Throughout the battle to get the fire under control, the council’s Building Control team were also at the scene to help with structural advice.

Everyone in

In response to the COVID-19 virus, the Government issued a call to get ‘Everyone In’ and asked all councils to temporarily house local people who were homeless and sleeping rough.

Many people who experience this extreme form of homelessness have got underlying health conditions that make them vulnerable if they contract illnesses such as the virus.

“Our neighbourhood warden manager was regularly on site to support residents and members of our greenspace team also helped, including ensuring residents were able to collect their belongings.

“I again offer our particular thanks to the emergency services who responded so swiftly and especially to the firefighters who were able to contain what was a terrifying blaze and save a large part of this historic building.”

Springfield Mill is a former lace mill that was converted into apartments several years ago.

Erewash Borough Council moved swiftly with outreach workers from the Derbyshire and Staffordshire Moorlands Rough Sleeping Partnership to place people who were roofless into temporary accommodation.

Work is underway with the County Council, local voluntary organisations and charities to find supported accommodation for them, both to ensure that they do not return to the street after the lockdown has ended, and to help people to sustain this accommodation though the involvement of other services and organisations.

Crowning glory Fibro Active, a Long Eaton support group run by volunteers has been honoured with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. Fibro Active helps people with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome and their carers and its support includes a Small Steps to Health, Tai Chi programme that is open to the community and especially to those at risk of trips and falls.

Representatives of the group will receive the award from the Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire William Tucker later this summer while two Long Eaton volunteers will attend a garden party at Buckingham Palace in May next year.

Fibro Active chairperson Julie Barker says: ‘I am delighted that we have been recognised for the bespoke support we give to our members and the additional service we give to the community. I would like to acknowledge our members who come through the door on their darkest days and over time are empowered to give back to the group, taking on a variety of volunteer opportunities.’ fibroactive.co.uk

Bostocks Lane closure Work is underway to install an extra lane on Bostocks Lane in Long Eaton leading up to J25 of the M1.

The extra lane will stretch back around 200m from the junction and is aimed at helping traffic get onto the busy roundabout more quickly. Work will take place Monday to Saturday for around 10 weeks. Workers will be able to socially distance at all times.

Bostocks Lane will be closed northbound to the M1 roundabout with signed diversions in place via Sandiacre and Risley. The southbound side will remain open with a temporary speed limit of 30mph in place.

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The rainbow gallery 5

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Rainbows of hope

The rainbow has become the iconic image of the coronavirus crisis – a symbol of hope and a powerful way of saying thank you to the NHS and all frontline workers.

Colourful creations drawn by children began appearing in windows during the lockdown, or were chalked on pavements and driveways. The idea took off and became a show of support that helped bring communities together in unprecedented times.

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Our refuse workers have not been forgotten either, with many families leaving rainbows and thank you messages on bins.

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Dylan (8) and Brogan (4), of Long Eaton.

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Picture by Archie (10), of Long Eaton.

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Hollie Woodruff (5), of Ilkeston.

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Rainbow by Hector (5), of Long Eaton.

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Imogen Chard (7), of Sawley.

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Alfie (11), Leah (3) and Tyler (9), of Ilkeston.

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Molly Taylor (9), of Ilkeston.

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Willow (5) and Finlay (4), of Ilkeston.

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Kara Harvey (4), of Sandiacre.

10 Lucy and Eliza Watkin, aged 6, of Ilkeston.

11 Lillie (12) and Fletcher (7) 12 Daisy Lea-Jones.

13 & 14 Some of the great pictures sent to our refuse crews.

15 A thank you message for refuse crews in a Stanton by Dale garden.

16 The Sea Cadets of Long Eaton.

17 Francesca (8), of Breaston.

18 Matt Edwards, who works for the council’s Green Space and Street Scene team, dyed his hair in rainbow colours.

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to thank our heroes

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Recycle responsibly Erewash Borough Council has appealed to residents to recycle properly and manage household waste disposal as the coronavirus lockdown eases.

During one week in May, around 20 tonnes of recyclable waste was rejected by the council’s processor because of serious contamination – with soiled nappies, food waste, carpets, textiles, soil and electrical items among items dumped in blue bins and green bags.

This rejected material was not recycled and was disposed of as refuse-derived fuel – but at a cost to the council and therefore, ultimately, to council tax payers. It’s estimated that the cost was £2,000 for the week’s contamination.

Councillor Garry Hickton, Lead Member for Environment, says: “As the lockdown eases, our message is still that we must all minimise our waste. Please let us work together as one Erewash community and not dump non-recyclable waste in our blue bins or green bags. We have to take responsibility.”

There were also problems at recycling areas, where waste was flytipped. It is thought much of the problem was caused by people having clear-outs during the lockdown. Until the tips reopened, residents were urged to only do a spring clean if they could store their recycling.

Keeping Erewash Safer Information is also available on finding reliable online safety and details on illegal lenders or scams.

We liaise closely with partner organisations and make referrals as required.

The council’s community safety team is still working to support residents with any enquiries relating to crime or anti-social behaviour.

For more information visit the Community Safety pages at erewash.gov.uk (accessed via the CSP logo on the homepage).

‘Like’ us @SaferErewash on Facebook or contact the team on communitysafety@erewash.gov.uk

See it, report it Residents who spot fly-tipped waste in the borough are urged to report it . . . but then leave it to the council to clear up the rubbish.

The Neighbourhood Warden Service says some well-meaning people think they are doing a good deed by sifting through the waste to find possible evidence. However, the wardens have a process in place for evidence gathering and have asked residents not to disturb any dumped waste.

Anyone who sees fly-tipped waste can report it on the council’s PRIDEline number 0115 850 8383 or email n.warden@erewash.gov.uk and the team will attend as soon as possible.

Boosting mental health

During this time of changed routine, it is important to stay healthy, both physically and mentally.

One way to boost your mental health is to stay active; there are many ways to do this at home or locally.

For loads of ideas for everyone, regardless of ability or disability, please visit: •

Activederbyshire.org.uk

•

mind.org.uk/about-us

•

sportengland.org/jointhemovement

Key contacts: Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust has a telephone-based support line for local people of all ages and their carers who are experiencing increased distress or anxiety during the ongoing Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Erewash

The new service also intends to support people who are experiencing a reduction in their usual mental health care services, as a result of changes that have been made to support the pandemic.

The support line, which will initially be available between the hours of 9am - midnight every day of the week can be contacted on 0300 790 0596 between 9am - midnight 8

/erewashbc

@erewashbc

Safer Communities

Branching out

Early results of mapping the Long Eaton area show that the Nottingham Road ward has a fairly large tree canopy cover at 20%.

Volunteer tree wardens have mapped the tree canopy cover in Erewash as part of a national project.

Erewash Borough Council volunteers David Pinney and Pat Ancliff mapped the tree cover across the whole of the borough, to build on previous research but this time detailing the canopy cover on a ward-by-ward basis.

This is not surprising as this area includes Toton Sidings, Attenborough pastures, Attenborough gravel tips, Trent Meadows Local Nature Reserve, the River Trent and numerous water bodies with associated vegetation.

Long Eaton Central has a much lower 9.8% cover, but this area comprises mainly of residential, commercial and industrial land, with Forbes Hole LNR and trees around the ponds at South Junction providing important greenery to this ward.

Stay cyber safe where visitors are lured into giving their billing information to scammers – while others scam people into thinking they can buy coronaviruslinked bogus products.

Many of these have now been blocked after the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) urged people to forward suspect emails to report@phishing.gov.uk There have been national reports of a huge rise in hacking attacks on home workers during lockdown, with cybercriminals exploiting the fears and chaos caused by coronavirus.

The attacks have increased in sophistication, specifically targeting coronavirus-related anxieties rather than the more usual attempts at financial fraud.

These attacks have included requests for calls via Zoom video conferencing accounts with faked sign-in pages. Other scam web pages include mock-ups of official GOV.uk and TV licensing websites

Cyber Aware is the UK government’s advice on how to stay secure online during coronavirus.

It offers six top tips – create a separate email password; create a strong password using three random words; save passwords in your browsers; turn on two-factor authentication; update devices; and turn on backup.

Behind the national scheme are Trees for Cities, Brillianto and Forest Research, with the project seen as a citizen science project to map out the canopy cover of Britain’s towns and cities.

Urban trees are increasingly recognised for the many benefits they provide, such as removing carbon dioxide and pollutants from the air, providing habitats for wildlife and making our urban areas more attractive, enjoyable and healthy places to be.

The full results will be reviewed and residents will be able to view the maps of canopy coverage and find out more about the nationwide project at forestresearch.gov.uk

New nature reserve The popular Orchid Wood site between Breaston and Wilne has been granted Local Nature Reserve status after Erewash borough councillors agreed the area is a valuable open space for the local community and nature conservation.

Orchid Wood is in a rural setting next to Church Wilne Reservoir and close to St Chad’s Water, the River Derwent and several wildlife sites. It is popular with walkers and those who enjoy woodland settings and birdlife. Local Nature Reserve status will give it the protection it deserves.

The wood, which is off Sawley Road in Breaston, was formerly a gravel and sand pit. The site takes its name from an orchid glade within the woodland.

A full guide on how to do the above at ncsc.gov.uk/cyberaware/home Anyone who has lost money should tell their bank and report it at actionfraud.police.uk

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Know your

Councillors

Supporting our communities

Civic Office

Voluntary groups and organisations will be given a helping hand by Erewash Borough Council thanks to the release of more funding through the Community Grants Scheme.

The council confirmed that grants of up to £2,000 were available to support local groups, particularly those involved in projects and initiatives to help the community face the exceptional challenges caused by coronavirus.

Little Hallam Mrs Sue Beardsley Mayor 07590 453 433

The latest round of grants closed last month and a panel will meet shortly to decide on the applications, with organisations asking for awards of nearly £17,500 in total.

Council Executive

The council’s long-running grants scheme has helped hundreds of local groups and sporting organisations over the years and the release of the latest funds is to support all the work that is going on in the borough, be it through providing food and necessities, supporting those in isolation, befriending schemes and health initiatives to help people stay mobile and active.

West Hallam & Dale Abbey Mrs Carol Hart Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Strategic Policy 07980 797 819

Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of the council, says: “We moved quickly to put this latest funding in place so we can help the important voluntary and charity work that we know has been going on and continues to do so.”

Councillor Val Clare, Lead Member for Community Engagement, added: “We thank all those who have stepped up to the mark and are out there supporting those who are most at risk.”

Draycott & Risley Mrs Valerie Clare Lead Member for Community Engagement 07590 453 442

Full details of the Commuity Grants Scheme can be found at erewash.gov.uk/grants 10

/erewashbc

Long Eaton Central Mrs Donna Briggs Deputy Mayor 07521 266 682

@erewashbc

Derby Road West Garry Hickton Lead Member for Environment 07590 453 354

Sandiacre Wayne Major Deputy Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Resources 07590 453 459

Derby Road West Dan Pitt Lead Member for Town Centres 07521 266 688

Wilsthorpe Michael Powell Lead Member for Regeneration & Planning 07890 615 848

Ockbrook & Borrowash Michael Wallis Lead Member for Culture & Leisure 07590 453 410

Awsworth Road Mrs Glennice Birkin 0115 930 0219

Awsworth Road James Dawson 07590 453 367

Breaston Kevin Miller 07590 453 378

Breaston Robert Parkinson 07715 012 459

Cotmanhay Danny Treacy 07590 453 340

Cotmanhay Mrs Jane Wilson 07590 453 368

Derby Road East Howard Griffiths 07590 453 321

Derby Road East Margaret Griffiths 07590 453 409

Derby Road West Mrs Gerri Hickton 07590 453 355

Draycott & Risley Tim Scott 07521 266 694

Hallam Fields

Hallam Fields

Ms Pamela Ashley 07521 266 680

Alexander Phillips 07971 985 188

Kirk Hallam & Stanton by Dale John Frudd 07590 453 370

Kirk Hallam & Stanton by Dale Mrs Linda Frudd 07521 266 685

Kirk Hallam & Stanton by Dale Stephen Green 07872 138 423

Larklands Frank Phillips 07590 453 352

Larklands Mrs Pamela Phillips 07590 453 413

Larklands Miss Phillipa Tatham 07969 987 078

Little Eaton & Stanley Abey Stevenson 07590 453 316

Little Eaton & Stanley Alan Summerfield 07590 453 318

Little Hallam Mary Hopkinson 07590 453 412

Long Eaton Central Caroline Brown 07590 453 335

Long Eaton Central Mrs Denise Mellors 07590 453 351

Nottingham Road Diane Fletcher 07521 266 684

Nottingham Road Gordon Thomas 07521 266 697

Ockbrook & Borrowash Terence Holbrook 07590 453 435

Ockbrook & Borrowash Michael White 07590 453 411

Sandiacre Steve Bilbie 07590 453 432

Sandiacre Tony Sanghera 07521 266 690

Sawley Mrs Denise Bond 07521 266 681

Sawley Paul Maginnis 07521 266 686

Sawley John Sewell 07590 453 371

Shipley View Valerie Custance 07590 453 444

Shipley View Paul Shelton 07590 453 416

West Hallam & Dale Abbey Barbara Mrs Diane Harrison Cox 0115 932 07521 2663000 683

Conservatives Labour West Hallam & Dale Abbey Bruce Broughton Robert Mee 07590 266 07521 453 687 331

Wilsthorpe Kewal Singh Athwal 07590 453 381

Wilsthorpe KewalCorbett Chris Singh Athwal 07590 797 07980 453 805 381

Liberal Democrats Independent 11

Contacting the council Our contact centre is open from 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday, 8.30am - 4.30pm on Fridays. Call 0115 907 2244.

You can also use your My Erewash account to view your council tax account and report any issues. Head to erewash.gov.uk to log into your account.

Need help?

Help is available through the Community Response Unit if you have no friends or family you can call on during the Covid-19 pandemic. Call 01629 535091 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm or fill out the form on the Derbyshire County Council website derbyshire.gov.uk.

You can also call the NHS Volunteer responders on 0808 196 3646 if you need help while self-isolating. Visit nhsvolunteerresponders.org.uk

Community support A list of organisations in Erewash which offer community support including food banks, housing, domestic violence and mental health support can be found on the council’s website erewash.gov.uk. Search for Erewash Community Support.

Emergency contacts Social care emergency out of hours: Derbyshire County Council provide an emergency out-of-hours countywide social care support between 5pm and 9am Monday to Friday and 24 hours per day during weekends and bank holidays. Call 01629 532600.

Emergency planning deals with a range of emergencies such as floods, chemical leaks and gas explosions through to comparatively minor incidents. During office hours, contact emergency planning on 01629 538364 or email emergency.planning@derbyshire.gov.uk