EBC today, Summer 2022

EBCtoday

www.erewash.gov.uk

ISSUE 44 SUMMER 2022

FREE MAGAZINE FOR PEOPLE IN EREWASH

Jubilee: Patriotic and Proud

Summertime blooms @erewashbc

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Inside EBC Summertime blooms

There is no doubt that this year’s celebrations for the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee have helped bring back the feel-good factor in Erewash. Many events were held throughout the borough including family street parties to help celebrate this very special occasion.

I would like to give a big welcome to our new Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor John Sewell and his wife Rose, and wish them every success for their year in office. The Mayor will support the local branches of the Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes and local Cadet Units. Members of 814 Navy Air Squadron, the ‘Flying Tigers’ based in Culdrose, Cornwall were welcomed on their first visit to the borough in support of young people following their affiliation with the council – a great honour.

I was privileged to be present at the Mayor’s Community Awards ceremony and would like to give my heartfelt thanks to all those people in our

community that continue to volunteer and give their valuable time and energy to worthy causes.

I would also like to thank our parks team for the wonderful ‘Jubilee’ displays that have helped turn our towns and villages into welcoming and colourful places enjoyed by our residents and visitors. There is a lot of thought, hard work and pride goes into the fantastic planting schemes, so well done to the team!

The council’s free community household and garden waste collection schemes continue to be popular and well received by residents helping to reduce fly-tipping and keeping the borough clean and tidy. Although up against tough opposition, we do hope that Ilkeston is successful in the national finals of the ‘Britain in Bloom’ competition being held later this year.

In a demonstration of the council’s commitment to regenerate our town centres, essential appointments have been made to help drive forward the key projects highlighted as part of Long

03 03 Mayor of Erewash Councillor John Sewell 05 Eco - friendly New refuse trucks

09 Caring Citizens Community awards 12 The gallery Summertime blooms

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Carol Hart, Leader of the Council Eaton’s £25m investment plan. We have also completed the first-stage public consultation for Ilkeston’s £20m Levelling Up Fund bid to help revitalise the town centre.

In a major effort to help offset the increased energy costs suffered by residents, the council has paid out £4.8m plus to over 32,000 households in Erewash that were eligible for the £150 Council Tax rebate.

Finally, I would encourage you to visit our excellent parks and nature reserves this summer and also take in some of our outside events including the popular Brass Band summer concert programme at venues throughout the borough, Summer Sounds held at Victoria Park, Ilkeston in July and you may wish to take part in the Erewash Triathlon at West Park, Long Eaton in August.

Changing people’s lives

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17 Green Energy Housing insulation scheme 19 Cycle for Health Sport & Health Development 21 What’s on Guide Erewash events 22 Know Your Councillors Community contact

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 erewash.gov.uk or email your request to enquiries@erewash.gov.uk or call 0115 907 2244.

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Erewash’s new Mayor by his wife Rose in his civic duties, with both proud of their ancestral roots in the borough that date back to 1800.

The Mayor has chosen to support the local branches of the Royal British Legion, Help for Heroes and the local Cadet units and looks forward to helping raise awareness of the excellent work they carry out.

The new Mayor of Erewash is Councillor John Sewell, who was formally elected to the role for the 2022/2023 civic year at Erewash Borough Council’s annual meeting last month.

Councillor Sewell, who represents the Sawley Ward, will be supported

Councillor Sewell is looking forward to celebrating the borough and representing the residents of Erewash over the next year: “During my career I have travelled the world as a member of the UK Armed Forces but, as I was born

Jubilee military salute the Beating Retreat in what will be an evening celebration for all ages.

Erewash residents can turn out in force next month to witness the historic Beating Retreat Ceremony in Ilkeston Market Place on Tuesday 5 July to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations.

Hosting the colourful occasion is a major honour for Erewash Borough Council and hundreds of onlookers have always enjoyed previous ceremonies in Long Eaton and Ilkeston – the last one being in 2018.

The council and the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor John Sewell, are delighted to welcome back the Band of the Royal Engineers to perform

The Lord Lieutenant of Derbyshire, Mrs Elizabeth Fothergill, will be joining the Mayor and other civic dignitaries for this landmark event.

The Derbyshire Cadet Band will begin proceedings on the Market Place at 7pm before the Band of the Royal Engineers march onto the Market Place to perform the historic ceremony.

Representatives of local cadet units will be in attendance together with several military and charitable organisations.

Councillor John Sewell, the Mayor of Erewash, says: “Beating Retreat will be a wonderful occasion, especially in this Platinum year, and one that will live in our memories forever.”

and brought up in Sawley, I am so proud to be able to represent my local residents and in my civic year work for the good of everyone in the borough.

“These last few years in particular have shown that by working together we can achieve so much and I look forward to meeting and thanking just some of those who work tirelessly every day to improve the quality of our lives.”

Councillor Sewell and Rose have been married for 55 years and have two children, two grandchildren and four great grandchildren.

Best blooms

The ever-popular Erewash in Bloom gardening competition is back and will once again showcase the green-fingered skills that make the borough blooming marvellous.

Erewash Borough Council’s annual competition has 11 categories – with a special category added this year for the ‘Best Red White & Blue Display’ to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The closing date for entries is Monday 8th August. Full details and an online entry form at erewash.gov.uk/bloom. Or residents can email photos to bloom@erewash.gov.uk – remember to include name, address and a phone number and list which categories you would like to enter.

Postal entries can also be sent to Erewash in Bloom, Merlin House, Merlin Way, Ilkeston, Derbyshire DE7 4RA. Judging will take place in late August using the photos submitted, with winners announced in October.

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Treasure our volunteers Erewash Borough Council is again reaching out to community groups to offer the opportunity to bid for a cash boost for the important work they do to help local people.

A Community Chest grant can provide funding of up to £500 for small community projects and/or community groups that require fast start up support. Subject to funding being available, applications can be submitted at any time until 20 December and will be assessed as and when they are received.

For more information email ebcsmallgrants@erewash.gov.uk or call 0115 907 2244. Full details of all the council’s grants on offer can be found at erewash.gov.uk/grants

Sing out loud!

A further round of funding through the council’s Community Grants Scheme, giving charities and voluntary groups in the borough the chance to apply for a grant of between £500 and £2,000 closed at the end of May and successful applicants will be contacted shortly.

Councillor Paul Maginnis, Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, says: “It has been the toughest couple of years for our communities and we are well aware of the vital role that so many voluntary groups – both large and small - have played in supporting residents, particularly the most vulnerable.”

The borough’s popular Imari Ladies Chorus has found its voice again after a two-year pandemic silence.

In 2019 the choir had lots of concerts lined up and when their musical director of 14 years retired they appointed Anne de Waal as the replacement. But then the pandemic and all its restrictions kicked in.

A path that opens up the enjoyment of an Orchard & Sensory Garden at St Hugh’s Roman Catholic Church in Borrowash was made possible by £1,540 funding from Erewash Borough Council’s Community Grants Fund.

Now the choir has sent a thank you to Erewash Borough Council after a financial boost from its Community Grants Scheme has gone towards helping fund Anne de Waal as the Musical Director as well as supporting the group to buy music and learn new songs and welcome new members.

Thanks to the council’s funding an accessible path for all takes visitors on a meandering path through the fruit trees, wildflowers and fruit bushes to provide a sensory nature trail with hedgerow on three sides and an open space in the middle for wildlife, picnics and other events.

The choir rehearses in Draycott and always welcomes new members. If you are over 18 years old just drop in to the weekly rehearsal on Thursday evenings 7.30pm to 9.30pm at St Mary’s Church Hall, Victoria Road, Draycott.

Fruit of our work

Markets are thriving Erewash’s historic markets in Ilkeston and Long Eaton town centres remain as popular as ever.

Ilkeston Market is held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, while Long Eaton Market is held on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.

The stalls are open from 9am to 3pm and offer a wide variety of goods including cheese, meat and preserves, fashion wear, greeting cards,

haberdashery, flowers and plants, sweets, cleaning products and rugs.

Councillor Bryn Lewis, Lead Member for Town Centres, says: “The key message as we work alongside the online world is that we need to ‘shop local’. We must support our markets that offer value for money with good quality products.”

For market days visit erewash.gov.uk/markets 4

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Going eco-friendly There are also plans to install technology that will allow the teams to record round information on tablets in the cabs of the lorries. This will update the central system, so that staff can monitor activity live.

The rear-steer Dennis Eagle Elite 6’s, which use half as much fuel as older vehicles, will be used to collect waste and recycling in the borough.

Councillor Garry Hickton, Lead Member for Environment, says: “These new vehicles are more environmentally friendly, have a larger capacity and are more efficient.

The rear wheel drive will help the vehicles to access streets easier and the cameras will mean that crews can be seen in action with live access to streets that have been collected that day.”

The vehicles, which cost around £170,000 each, are fitted with 360 degree angle live cameras and electric lifts on the back.

Primary school children will be given the chance to name the new lorries.

The names will appear on the side of the vehicles.

Councillor Garry Hickton takes a look at one of the new bin lorries.

Five new environmentally friendly bin lorries have been added to Erewash Borough Council’s fleet.

Distinction for Dave Dave Corrigan has two reasons to celebrate. Not only has he been promoted to waste supervisor at Erewash Borough Council, he also got a distinction in a recent driving course.

Dave, who has worked on the council’s refuse team for 18 years, received the great result as part of the Large Goods Vehicle (LGV) Driver Level 2 Apprenticeship.

He was the first candidate to be given a distinction by that particular instructor and said he was ‘surprised’ with the result.

He is pictured with Councillor Garry Hickton, Lead Member for Environment, who congratulated Dave on his success.

Do you qualify for a discount?

Residents can register for an account via erewash.gov.uk Anyone already claiming a discount or exemption is reminded to report any changes which may affect the entitlement. This can also be done online through MyErewash.

Council tax bills are reduced for residents in certain circumstances.

These include being the only adult living in the property, or where adaptations have been made to the property for disability needs.

Details of the criteria for discounts, or an exemption, can be found at erewash.gov.uk under ‘Council Tax’.

Anyone who thinks they may be eligible can apply online using the forms in their MyErewash account.

Failure to report changes or providing false or misleading information could result in a penalty charge of £70.

The council has systems in place that can identify any reductions or exemptions which appear to be claimed incorrectly.

Households will be contacted where it appears that there has been a change in their circumstances.

Homes for Ukraine Erewash Borough Council will help households who receive Council Tax Support to take part in the Homes for Ukraine scheme.

The national scheme sees households receive £350 a month without affecting means tested benefits such as Universal Credit and Housing Benefit. It has also encouraged councils to offset any reduction in Council Tax Support (CTS) with an equivalent discretionary discount – which EBC’s Executive agreed last month.

Councillor Wayne Major, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources, says: “We want to make it as easy as possible for people who want to help those fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.”

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The Long Eaton Guild of Furniture Manufacturers held its spring Long Point trade exhibition last month to showcase fine high-end upholstery and manufacturers across the historic town.

Long Eaton’s manufacturing heritage put the town on the worldwide stage for providing quality upholstery and it remains a centre of excellence on a global stage.

Says Andrew Mitchell, Guild chairman and the MD of Artistic Upholstery: “Long Eaton is known throughout the globe as the centre of excellence in upholstery manufacture.

makers who work together to build the name of the area as the UK Centre of Upholstery and organise exhibitions to demonstrate the talented local manufacturers.

“The Long Point show in town is the ideal location for buyers at all levels to come and enjoy some of the most exciting furniture displays in the country.”

For more information visit longeatonguild.co.uk

An autumn trade show is planned for 19-21 September.

The Long Eaton Guild of Furniture Manufacturers is a group of furniture

Members of the Long Eaton Guild recently donated £2,000 to the Long Eaton Dawnbreakers Rotary Club - a group of men and women raising funds for local and international good causes, including support for the Ukraine.

Last month’s trade show saw the opening of showrooms around the town of Long Eaton giving visitors and retailers the chance to see new launches and bestsellers.

Supporting our loved ones

Shape up

The walks are free and are led by qualified walk leaders, with refreshments on offer afterwards.

They are short and accessible walks, wheelchair friendly and aimed at giving those living with dementia the chance to enjoy exercise outdoors.

For more details email kathleen.taylor@erewash.gov.uk and keep up-to-date at Facebook/ActiveErewash Erewash Borough Council’s Sport and Health Development Team is again offering those living with dementia and the carers and loved ones who are supporting them the opportunity to enjoy exercise outdoors.

A dementia friendly walk was held in Ilkeston’s Victoria Park on 1 June and a second one will take place on 29 June from 1pm-1.30pm. Further walks are planned for West Park in Long Eaton in July and August.

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There is still time to enter the Erewash Triathlon, which takes place on Sunday 14 August, or the borough’s Half Marathon, which takes place on Saturday 13 August.

Both events are organised by Stu Web in partnership with Erewash Borough Council and are open to athletes of all abilities.

For more information and to enter: erewashtri.com erewashhalf.com

Getting to the core The draft Erewash ‘masterplan’ that sets out positive policies to take the borough forward over the next 15 years – including the provision of new housing - is now moving to its next stage.

A public consultation on Erewash Borough Council’s Core Strategy ended last month and the council is now considering all the comments received. The draft strategy and responses will be passed to the government and an independent Planning Inspector will be appointed to review the document.

The council will continue to liaise with the Planning Inspectorate and a public examination of the ‘masterplan’ will be held in Erewash, when members of the public and interested parties who have indicated they would like to share their views will be invited to take part.

The draft strategy is a detailed document that features proposed sites for new housing, including development on some green belt

land. But it is also a blueprint to take the borough forward through key issues including employment opportunities, town centre regeneration, planning for our town and village centres plus transport and green infrastructure.

Councillor Michael Powell, Lead Member for Regeneration and Planning, says: “It is referred to as a ‘masterplan’, which is just what it is – a vital and forwardlooking strategy that will help shape our borough’s future in so many ways.”

Once the public examination is complete and the Planning Inspector has reviewed the responses, the draft Core Strategy will then go to a full council meeting for members to decide on formal adoption.

Full background details can be found at erewash.gov.uk/corestrategy

Keep on moving Erewash Borough Council is now reviewing all the responses to its public consultation ahead of shaping a robust business case to tap in to up to £20m of government Levelling Up funding for Ilkeston.

The consultation highlighted important issues, including the need for projects to target long term vacant premises in the town centre.

Councillor Bryn Lewis, Lead Member for Town Centres, says: “Our mission is to make this happen. We are grateful to all those who took part in our consultation – your comments are a vital part of the process and will help us identify realistic proposals for the benefit of Ilkeston.”

Driving the deal bid put together by the multi-agency Long Eaton Town Deal Board, led by chairman Richard Ledger and vice chairman Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of the Council.

New leading roles have been launched by Erewash Borough Council to help drive forward the key projects in the £25m investment plan for Long Eaton over the next 10 years.

The council is stepping up its resources and wants to recruit project managers to spearhead the ambitious regeneration initiatives.

The town was awarded £24.8m by the government last year thanks to a

Detailed business cases for seven projects are currently being worked on and the council wants to appoint a Development Partnerships Project Manager to focus on redevelopment ambitions for the town centre Galaxy Row and Box Office sites. In addition, a Programme Manager will also be recruited to co-ordinate across all aspects of the projects.

The council will also continue to work closely with Derbyshire County Council, as the highways authority, on the £5.6m redesign of the High Street and the £5.3m overhaul of the Long Eaton Green junction.

Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of the Council, says: “This shows our clear commitment to seize the opportunities we have to bring positive change for Long Eaton.

“Much hard work went into winning this funding – including vital support from residents and the business community – and these appointments will be an important step on the road to delivering some major changes for the town centre.”

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Our caring citizens

Community-minded residents and groups have been honoured at the 2022 Erewash Mayor’s Awards.

The annual civic awards are held to salute those who ‘go that extra mile’ in helping others in the borough.

Councillor Briggs said it was a real honour for her to present the awards: “Being able to pay tribute to people in this borough who give so much to our communities will be one of the happy memories I shall treasure from my term in office.”

The Mayor was joined by Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of EBC, and other members of the judging panel.

The Mayor with Sandiacre Town Tornadoes under 8s football coaches Ben Limbrick, Dan Taylor, and Adrian Taylor. Judges included Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of EBC.

Unable to attend the award presentation were Adrian Elton of Ilkeston; Alan Clarke of Sandiacre; and Evie Hartley of Ilkeston.

David Pinney of Sandiacre and founding member of Hayworth Road Park receives his award for his voluntary work.

Susan Severn of Ilkeston, who does a wide range of voluntary work including leading two football teams for young people and fundraising.

Anthony Ford of Sandiacre. He set up a Neighbourhood Watch Scheme and his voluntary work includes organising a food bank.

Scott Fletcher of Ilkeston who has been collecting football boots for children who cannot afford to buy their own as well as helping other charities.

Sandra Kimbley of Ilkeston. A member of Erewash Voluntary Action her support includes Mental Health work and funraising for cancer charities.

Julie Barker of Long Eaton started FibroActive in 2016 for sufferers of Fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.

Aaron Bailey of Ilkeston. balances home and college commitments to volunteer at Erewash Museum.

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Flying Tigers

Lt Dominic Raeyen RN from RNAS Culdrose with former Mayor, Councillor Donna Briggs, left and EBC Leader Councillor Carol Hart.

Young people in Long Eaton Air Cadets and Sea Cadets met six squadron members from 814 Naval Air Squadron (NAS) during a visit to Erewash.

It was the first visit to the borough since Erewash Borough Council became affiliated to the squadron, which is based at the Royal Navy Air Station at Culdrose in Cornwall.

The NAS representatives were welcomed over two days to give local cadets an insight into military life. A further visit to the borough to meet

Let’s connect Ilkeston cadets will also be arranged, while the council hopes to forge further civic links and visits with the squadron.

814 NAS is a front-line anti-submarine squadron operating Merlin Mk2 helicopters from frigates, destroyers and aircraft carriers. The squadron – known as the ‘Flying Tigers’ – primarily protects the naval fleet from surface and underwater threats but also supports maritime security operations and helps in search-and-rescue missions.

Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says: “Our affiliation to the Flying Tigers is a great honour and a demonstration of our long standing support for the armed forces community.

We look forward to further strengthening our ties, including hosting more visits to our borough.”

In tune Award winning Erewash Sound – the borough’s community radio station – continues to offer new courses through its Media Academy.

The station has state-of-the art studios at its Vernon Street base in Cotmanhay providing a professional setting for its team and students – many of which have gone on to find paid work in the media.

The next courses available include: •

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A one day podcast creating course on 4 August, £36 per person or free if unemployed. This course is led by Pete Allen, formerly of Dino and Pete’s Breakfast Show on Capital Radio. Suitable for 15 plus.

Radio producer training 7 September to 5 October £60 for anyone aged 15+. The course will be five sessions on Tuesday evenings at the station’s Cotmanhay studios.

Skills include creative content, legal, show scheduling, interviewing and writing for radio.

The Academy is offering an NCFE affiliated Level 2 ‘Create a Radio Programme’ course 7 September to 12 December.

15 sessions suitable for anyone aged 14+.

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erewashsound.com

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Community events to combat loneliness and isolation in Erewash will take place from July 4 to 15 as part of a Connecting Erewash Fortnight to help people of all ages find out about what’s on offer in their local area.

The project, funded by Derbyshire County Council Public Health, aims to combat isolation and loneliness and has been organised

by Erewash Voluntary Action, in partnership with groups and organisations in the borough.

There will be community events both large and small run by local organisations and clubs during the fortnight.

Further information at erewashvoluntaryaction.org.uk or email becky@erewashcvs.org.uk

Street Party Grants Summer of celebration

The great British Bank Holiday weekend was launched when Erewash joined the nationwide Beacon Lighting events on 2 June to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

People across the borough were able to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee in style thanks to street party grants provided by Erewash Borough Council.

The scheme, launched in March, saw residents able to apply for a grant to buy items needed for their planned event over the extended bank holiday weekend at the start of June.

There was a huge response and the council awarded 106 grants, totalling £11,400, with grants awarded ranging from £30 to £175.

This ensured that people were able to hold fantastic parties to celebrate the Queen’s 70 years of service.

Street parties that benefitted from a grant were held in Borrowash, Breaston, Dale Abbey, Draycott, Ilkeston, Kirk Hallam, Little Eaton, Long Eaton, Morley, Ockbrook, Sandiacre, Sawley, West Hallam, Stanley and Stanley Common.

There were hundreds of people at many of the celebrations. One held on Curzon Street in Long Eaton

saw up to 400 people attend. While in Ilkeston as many as 200 people attended a party on Lord Haddon Road and Jackson Avenue.

Schools, care homes, churches and community centre also benefitted from a grant, including Dovedale Primary School in Long Eaton, Kirk Hallam Community Centre, Ashbrook Junior School in Borrowash, and All Saints Church in Kirk Hallam, which held a celebration for around 600 people.

Councillor Paul Maginnis, Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, says: “We saw a staggering amount of applications.

“The council was delighted to be able to help and we hope that everyone enjoyed celebrating this landmark occasion to honour the Queen.”

The council would like to feature a roundup of street parties in the next issue of EBC today magazine.

Please email your photos to communications@erewash.gov.uk

Residents were entertained by Johnny Victory in Ilkeston Market Place while the Long Eaton Silver Prize Band led the celebrations in the grounds of Long Eaton Town Hall ahead of the beacon lighting and the playing of the National Anthem.

Meanwhile, thousands of plants have just been planted in Ilkeston and Long Eaton’s display beds and the coming weeks will see them blossom into the popular Union Jack design.

Hanging baskets and fence baskets will also feature a red, white and blue theme to mark the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

The Union Jack planting has been one of the council’s most popular designs, first making an appearance in 2012 for the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and returning in 2018 to commemorate the centenary of the ending of the First World War. The sites for this year’s displays will again include the five-bed White Lion Square roundabout in Ilkeston and the Wilsthorpe Road traffic island in Long Eaton.

Over the next few pages we take a look at where it all starts – at the council’s nursery facility tucked away in a corner of West Park.

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The gallery The Queen’s Jubilee

Behind the scenes look at work put in to create the Borough’s award winning displays.

Wilsthorpe Island, Long Eaton

Red, white and blue

From little seedlings our Green Space team develops the plants which this year will blossom into the popular Union Jack design using the plants below.

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Begonia devil red - a half-hardy annual with glossy dark green foliage, and bright red flowers with mustard yellow centres in summer.

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Begonia devil white - a half-hardy annual with glossy dark green foliage, and white flowers with bright yellow centres in summer.

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Lobelia crystal palace a compact annual with small, dark bronze-green foliage and deep blue flowers 2cm across in summer and autumn

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The bloom beginnings

Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of the Council, helps keep the young plants hydrated watched by Mick Lidgett, Area Supervisor South, right, and Dawn Beastall and Ian White Lion Square, Ilkeston Colborne.

Aerial view

The summer will see a return of the five bed display in Ilkeston town centre.

Potting about

Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of the Council, enjoys giving a helping hand to the Green Space team at West Park Nursery.

Moving the seedlings on

Staff at our impressive West Park nursery facility nurture the thousands of young plants in readiness for their planting out at the end of May.

Raring to go!

Leader of the Council Carol Hart with some of our gardening team as they prepare for this summer’s planting.

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Behind the scenes

By Caroline Pollard

Ever wondered about all the work that goes into creating the beautiful floral displays which brighten the borough’s town centres, parks, verges and traffic islands?

when ‘peat-free’ is now the watchword in the world of gardening as the need to protect valuable peat resources and reduce the carbon impact of peat removal has sprung to the attention of the public.

Using chemicals to treat pests and bugs are shunned at the nursery and replaced by more environmentallyfriendly control methods. Small vials of natural predators are released into the glasshouses throughout the season, helping to suppress the aphids and other insects which could feast on the plants.

For several years now both Ilkeston and Long Eaton have achieved gold medals in the East Midlands in Bloom competition. Part of the judging criteria is based on ‘Horticultural Excellence’ and ‘Environmental Responsibility’ and the judges, when they visit next month, will have this very much in mind when looking at the summer flower displays which adorn both towns.

Tucked away in a corner of West Park in Long Eaton is Erewash Borough Council’s nursery. The glasshouses and polytunnels are the ‘engine room’ for all the hard work that goes into producing the award-winning flower displays. They first spring into life in late March when the plants start arriving at the nursery as small plug plants which are then tenderly nurtured and grown on by nursery manager Mick Lidgett and his team.

Environmental Responsibility is an important factor in the day to day practices of the nursery and it has been using peat-free compost since the council first signed the Peatland Charter in 1993.

At that time it was a trail-blazing initiative to undertake more environmentally-friendly horticultural practices, well ahead of current times 14

Growing conditions are monitored to ensure the plants are safe from insects and the effects of any late spring frosts, with the plants developing into healthy and robust specimens ready to brave the great British summer.

Hitting the big time!

In late May, the plants are finally ready and the operational teams undertake the back-breaking task of planting out around 60,000 plants in beds and baskets to bring a blast of colour to Erewash’s outdoor spaces.

Back at the nursery, Mick and his team will be busy nurturing the next batch of plants for the winter and spring displays. These are planted out in September and, along with the thousands of spring-time bulbs which emerge on our verges and in parks, help to bring some welcome cheer to the darkest months of the year.

Ilkeston is through to the national finals of ‘Britain in Bloom’ and the council’s greenspace teams, along with many of the borough’s community groups and volunteers, will be working flat-out to make the town look its best for the judges’ visit. The stunning seasonal planting displays, hanging baskets and planters which adorn the borough will complement the many permanent planting schemes and newly planted wildflower areas – it’s looking like 2022 will be a blooming colourful year for Erewash.

A tribute to Clive Erewash Borough Council staff and councillors paid tribute to Clive Moore, a much respected and popular member of the Greenspace team, who passed away in March.

the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Donna Briggs. The Leader of the Council, Councillor Carol Hart, was also there to pay her respects along with many of his workmates.

Clive worked for the council for 43 years and was a familiar and friendly face to many residents in the borough, seen outside keeping the parks clean and tidy all year round and playing a leading role in planting and maintaining the award winning floral displays.

“Clive will be very much missed and the amount of people wanting to share their condolences and memories of him speaks volumes of the kind and friendly man he was,” said Councillor Hart.

“All our thoughts remain very much with his wife Jackie and family.”

He was particularly known for his work at West Park in Long Eaton.

Following the service, a burial took place at Longmoor Road cemetery and his family and friends then celebrated his life at the Priest House Hotel in Castle Donington.

The funeral service was held at St Michael’s Church, Breaston, which included the reading of a poem by

Looking for volunteers

Schools on tour

Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says: “The Friends of Straw’s Bridge do a fantastic job in helping to look after this precious beauty spot for everyone to enjoy.”

The Friends of Straw’s Bridge, West Hallam are looking for new recruits to join the group.

The Friends are a group of volunteers who take an interest in promoting, developing and improving the Erewash Borough Council owned nature reserve for visitors and wildlife.

The Friends hold regular meetings and organise activities and events at Straw’s Bridge throughout the year.

If you would like to become a ‘Friend’ or find out more about the site you can contact the group via facebook.com/strawsbridge

Straw’s Bridge is on High Lane, West Hallam, Ilkeston. It has a free car park for visitors and access to the Nutbrook Trail for walkers and cyclists.

St Thomas School, Ilkeston - Touch Hear project.

Schools across Erewash have been working with Digital artist Graham Elstone to create a temporary exhibition which Erewash Borough Council’s Arts Development Team hopes to see on tour across the district during a year of jubilee celebrations.

‘Touch Hear’ is an interactive project which enables young people to share what they have learnt about popular culture over the past 70 years through conversations with our older communities, creating conversational soundscapes.

Follow Arts Development activities and updates at Facebook/Erewash Museum.

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West Hallam Care Home offers a warm, homely environment with exceptional care and quality facilities.

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Go green energy The council is currently engaged in a government funded home insulation scheme to raise the energy efficiency of homes in Erewash. The Local Authority Delivery, (LAD), scheme is also helping to reduce fuel poverty, heating costs and the carbon emissions of low income households.

Whilst there are a number of measures which will improve energy efficiency, the LAD scheme concentrates on the installation of external wall insulation and solar panels to generate electricity.

The council has partnered with E.ON, who have identified eligible households, carried out property surveys and specified the energy improvement measures to be installed.

Eligible households have also been given support by Marches Energy Agency, to help them with the application and installation of measures as well as providing advice and support with other aspects of fuel poverty.

The first phase of the scheme in Erewash is due to be completed at the end of this month, however it is likely that a new scheme will follow.

If you require any free and independent advice to help you with reducing your energy costs please contact Marches Energy Agency on 0800 677 1332 or email wdd@mea.org.uk Energy saving tips can also be found on the council’s website: erewash.gov.uk/housing-section/ home-energy-advice

Let’s be energy efficienct

Since 1 April 2020 private landlords in England have been prohibited by law from letting a property on an assured tenancy agreement unless it has a minimum energy performance rating of E on the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC).

Government has recognised that rented properties rated F and G on the EPC for the property were wasting energy and that increasing the home’s energy efficiency would help to reduce carbon emissions and energy costs for tenants.

The council wishes to work with landlords who provide muchneeded accommodation throughout the borough to provide safe and more energy efficient homes. It has identified a number of privately rented properties which do not meet these standards. Landlords are being asked to ensure their properties achieve a minimum energy performance rating of E or better to avoid any further action by the council.

Landlords are urged to check their EPCs online at the Gov.uk website to make sure their properties meet these standards and comply with the law.

If you need any further information please check the guidance for landlords called “Domestic private rented property: minimum energy efficiency standard - landlord guidance” available through the Gov.uk website or check the council’s website.

Landlord support

Erewash Borough Council provides private sector landlords with free, impartial support to try and resolve any issues.

We recognise that both landlords and their tenants have suffered due to the pandemic and we are here to help. We want to avoid a potential rise in evictions and homelessness and urge people to seek help early.

Call B4 You serve is designed to listen to landlords and help them navigate any tenancy issues before they serve an eviction notice and can also assist to provide direct support to their tenants.

The initiative includes: •

Support for landlords and tenants in what can be a very stressful time

•

Help to create a personalised housing plan agreed between the landlord and tenant

•

Rent arrears help and financial assessments

•

Referrals and signposting to specialist services for more long-term support if needed

•

A mediation service between landlords, tenants and the council

Landlords can get in touch with the service by calling 01332 641408 or emailing CB4YS@derby.gov.uk Tenants can request support by emailing homelessness@erewash.gov.uk 17

To take out a membership or book a swimming lesson visit

Cycle for Health People encouraged to join the rides are those who may find themselves out of breath after a bit of cycling, or those who like to get off and walk up hills.

People who enjoy cycling, making new friends and getting fit can join free weekly organised bike rides in Ilkeston.

Ilkeston Cycle for Health, supported

by Erewash Borough Council, sees volunteer-led bike rides set off every Monday from Straw’s Bridge at 6.45pm.

All you need to do is take your bike, dress for cycling and have a bottle of water. The rides are for people who think they would benefit from getting more active.

The rides last for about 90 minutes and stick mainly to cycle paths and bridleways. The pace of the ride is carefully controlled in order to make sure that no one struggles to keep up.

Councillor Paul Maginnis, Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, says: “This is such a fantastic scheme. Not only are the rides free to join but they also are a great starting point for people who are getting back on their bike for the first time in a while.”

Find out more at facebook.com/cycles4health

Mental health support A new service aimed at improving mental health across Derbyshire has been launched.

Derbyshire Recovery and Peer Support Group Service has around 20 peer support groups across Erewash and is looking for new groups and facilitators.

The service aims to help people to improve and maintain their mental health and wellbeing; access social networks and peer-support and provide opportunities in their community.

Taste the difference

A 200 year old Mill has opened as a Community Hub Café in Draycott after four years and 14,000 hours of volunteer-led restoration work.

The Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Donna Briggs, joined celebrations to mark the completion of a project which has also seen the restoration of cottages at the site.

The derelict building was bought by the Derby and Sandiacre Canal Trust in 2017 and stands alongside the canal which is being restored with hopes that it will be usable by next year.

For more information visit derbycanal.org.uk

Erewash Triathlon 400m Swim - 16km Bike Ride - 5km Run

Sun 14 Aug West Park,

Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton Derbyshire NG10 4AA

The service offers access to targeted support through one-to-one and group sessions, as well as self-help and peer support groups. It also offers recovery education to help people understand and manage their mental health condition.

The service is open 9am-5pm Monday to Friday.

Telephone 01773 734 989 or email DerbyshireRecoveryPeerSupportService@rethink.org For more information visit rethink.org/derbyshirerecovery to find help in your area.

Entries open now.

For more information go to

erewashtri.com

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What’s On Guide 11 June Erewash Victorian Steampunk Extravaganza Erewash Museum 10am - 3pm

Experience Victoriana combined with science fantasy at our popular Steampunk Extravaganza.

18 June Worldwide Knit in Public Day Erewash Museum 10am - 3pm

Celebrate Worldwide Knit in Public day with us. Bring along whatever project you are working on and get stitching!

A day filled with fantastic stalls and incredible performers such as fire eaters, magic shows and skiffle band Daisy Root.

12 June - 20 Aug Brass Band Concerts

We are looking forward to another brass band season this summer, covering a vast range of music and styles.

Enjoy an afternoon of spectacular entertainment with a programme to suit all tastes.

For a full list of venue details go to erewash.gov.uk

25 June 1950s Day

Erewash Museum 11am -3pm Join us to celebrate the decade the Queen was crowned! Rock’n’roll the day away with live music from Johnny Victory and Cranberry Flick, jive demonstrations, classic cars and much more.

F /erewashbc F /erewashmuseum w erewash.gov.uk

5 July Beating Retreat

Ilkeston Market Place 6:30pm There will be music from the Derbyshire Cadet Band with the Beating Retreat led by the Band of the Royal Engineers.

24 July Summer Sounds

Organisations attending include the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers and other veterans and military groups.

This summer why not head down to Victoria Park for music, family fun, free children’s entertainment and side stalls.

Victoria Park, Ilkeston 3pm - 7pm

23 July The Beach Ball Erewash Museum 10am - 3pm

A party to relaunch the Erewash museum beach as we say hello to summer!

25 July - 31 Aug Summer Holidays Erewash Museum 10am - 3.30pm

Six weeks of family friendly activities. You can expect crafts, trails, workshops and much more!

Always a

Warm Welcome.

Enjoy delicious food and drinks while visiting our award winning Museum.

Our opening hours are:

Tues - Thur - Fri - Sat 11am - 3pm Times may vary. Please call us on 0115 907 1141 to see if we are still serving.

Old Stable Tea Room High St, Ilkeston DE7 5JB

Funded and managed by the Friends of Erewash Museum.

New volunteers always welcome.

Know your

Councillors Civic Office

Some changes

Wilsthorpe KewalCorbett Chris Singh Athwal 07590 453 Deputy Mayor 381 07980 797 805

Sawley John Sewell Mayor 07590 453 371

Council Executive A new political balance is in place after three councillors resigned from their respective parties ahead of the council’s annual meeting in May. West Hallam & Dale Abbey Mrs Carol Hart Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Strategic Policy 07980 797 819

Councillors Mike Wallis and Terry Holbrook, who represent the Ockbrook and Borrowash ward, announced they had resigned from the Conservative Party, while Councillor Denise Bond, who represents Sawley, has resigned from the Labour Party.

It means the political make-up of the council is now 27 Conservatives, 15 Labour, 1 Liberal Democrat and four councillors who are not affiliated to any political party.

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F /erewashbc

Draycott & Risley Mrs Valerie Clare Lead Member for Community Engagement 07973 627 356

@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

Nottingham Road Bryn Lewis Lead Member for Town Centres 07929 752 810

Sawley Paul Maginnis Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing 07521 266 686

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

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 0115 907 1115

Derby Road East Howard Griffiths 07590 453 321

Derby Road East Margaret Griffiths 07785 327 183

Derby Road West Mrs Gerri Hickton 07590 453 355

Derby Road West Dan Pitt 07521 266 688

Draycott & Risley Tim Scott 07521 266 694

Hallam Fields

Hallam Fields

Alexander Phillips 07971 985 188

Jon Wright 07929 752 809

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 0115 907 1115

Little Hallam Mrs Sue Beardsley 07590 453 433

Little Hallam Mary Hopkinson 07590 453 412

Long Eaton Central Mrs Donna Briggs 07739 803 964

Long Eaton Central Caroline Brown 07590 453 335

Long Eaton Central Mrs Denise Mellors 07590 453 351

Nottingham Road Gordon Thomas 07521 266 697

Ockbrook & Borrowash Terence Holbrook 07590 453 435

Ockbrook & Borrowash Michael Wallis 07590 453 410

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

Shipley View Valerie Custance 07590 453 444

Shipley View Paul Shelton 07590 453 416

Conservatives Labour Liberal Democrats West Hallam & Dale Abbey Barbara Mrs Diane Harrison Cox 0115 932 07521 2663000 683

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

Wilsthorpe Kewal Singh Athwal 07590 453 381

Independent without any particular party affiliation

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Do you, or someone you Do you, or someone you live with have COVID-19 live with have COVID-19 or its symptoms? or its symptoms?

There’s a high risk that others in your household could become unwell There’s a high risk that others in too. your household become too.keep others safe: So here arecould 6 steps you can unwell take to help So here are 6 steps you can take to help keep others safe: 2 3 1 4

1

Try to avoid close contact with others and time in Try to limit avoid close communal contact withareas others and limit time in communal areas 5

5

2

3

Regularly clean the surfaces you touch often Regularly clean inside your home the surfaces you touch often inside your home

6

4

Wash or sanitise Cough or sneeze your hands often, into tissues and especially after you Cough put them in the Wash or sanitise or sneeze cough or sneeze bintissues straight and away your hands often, into especially after you put them in the cough or sneeze bin straight away

6

Wear a face covering in shared spaces if you can Wear a face

Regularly open windows to let fresh airopen in Regularly

covering in shared spaces if you can

windows to let fresh air in

For more information, go to gov.uk/coronavirus For more information, go to gov.uk/coronavirus