EBC today, Summer 2023

Inside EBC today

A new beginning

Welcome to the summer issue of EBC today, the community magazine for residents and visitors to Erewash.

Firstly, I would like to thank all those who took the time to vote in the recent Borough Council and Parish Council elections. It is with great pride that I take on the leadership role at the council and look forward to serving our residents.

There is much to do in what will be an extremely busy year ahead where we will look at different ways of doing things, tackle the cost of living crisis that has affected everyone in the community, cut out waste and deliver efficiencies to help improve services for our residents. We will strive to improve health and wellbeing in our communities, particularly for vulnerable people including veterans that have given their invaluable service to the armed forces and need our support.

I know you will join me in welcoming our new Mayor, Councillor Frank Phillips and wish him every success

for his year in office. The Mayor will be supporting the Friends of Erewash Museum and Erewash Community Transport. Councillor Phillips is a life-member of Ilkeston and District Local History Society and a founding member of the Friends of Erewash Museum.

In this issue the council features the important services provided by our community partners Citizens Advice and Erewash Voluntary Action as well as signposting the council’s support for people struggling with council tax and energy bills. The council will do whatever it can in providing support for residents to help them through the cost of living crisis. We would also like you to get involved to help shape the council’s services by signing up for the popular online consultation panel.

Consultation is underway on the proposed new nature reserve on the site of the former Pewit golf course and I would encourage you to take part and help shape the proposals as well as sending your suggestions for the naming of the nature reserve.

Work has started to transform the former Stable Block, Long Eaton into a modern office space to help local businesses as part of the Long Eaton Town Deal and a number of projects are in the pipeline as part of the £2.8m Shared Prosperity Fund.

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 Bold as Brass summer concert programme at venues throughout the borough, Summer Sounds takes place in July at Victoria Park, Ilkeston and features Marti Pellow, Kylie and Take That tribute bands. You can also take part in the Erewash Triathlon being held at West Park, Long Eaton in August. We look forward to working with you to make the borough of Erewash an even better place to live and work for everyone.

Improving People’s lives

James Dawson, Leader of the Council

New Mayor of Erewash

During his year in office the Mayor will be supporting two charities: the Friends of Erewash Museum and Erewash Community Transport.

College in Cheltenham to train as a teacher. He spent 17 years teaching at Brinsley Primary School, then Underwood Primary School where he taught until he retired.

Councillor Frank Phillips has been elected as the new Mayor of Erewash.

Councillor Phillips, a former teacher, has been married to Pamela for 50 years. They have two sons and five grandchildren. Pamela, who is also a borough councillor, will be supporting him as his consort.

Born in Thorne, Yorkshire, Councillor Phillips spent most of his childhood travelling the world. His father served in the Royal Air Force and some of his earliest memories are of post-war Germany. The family also lived in Fontainebleau, France, and later in Cyprus during the EOKA troubles.

On leaving the RAF the family re-settled in Ilkeston, re-connecting the family link that goes back to at least 1801.

Councillor Phillips went to Bennerley School and went on to work in the lace trade. He joined the Army, and on leaving, went to St. Paul’s

Support is available

to claim Second Adult Rebate, a reduction based on circumstances.

Residents can use the Benefits Calculator at entitledto.co.uk/benefitscalculator to check if they qualify.

You can apply for Council Tax Support via an online My Erewash account, which is linked to the homepage of the council’s website erewash.gov.uk

The new Mayor is delighted to have been elected as the First Citizen for the civic year 2023/24 and looks forward to visiting all parts of the borough and meeting residents, members of groups and businesses.

The Deputy Mayor for the 2023/24 civic year is Councillor Kate Fennelly, who represents the Hallam Fields ward on the borough council.

Summer events

The council has organised some exciting free events in the borough for the summer months.

Additional Council Tax Support is now available as Erewash Borough Council continues to strive to do all it can to support residents.

This includes Council Tax Support for residents on low incomes. CTS can be claimed regardless of whether someone is retired, unemployed, or in full or part-time work.

If you are not eligible to claim Council Tax Support because you are not on a low income yourself but have another adult in the property who is on a low income, you may be able

More recently, three grants have been approved by the council which will help eligible residents.

Head to Derbyshire County Council’s website for help and support on community banks, access to credit and free school meals.

You can also find advice around how to become more energy efficient and reduce food waste: derbyshire.gov.uk

Summer Sounds returns to Victoria Park in Ilkeston on Sunday July 23 between 3pm and 7pm. The performances on the band stand kicks off with a 50s rock n roll performance from Alan Becks, followed by a Marti Pellow tribute, a Kylie tribute and a Take That tribute act.

Jolly Jingles the clown will be there, along with face painting and various stalls, including refreshments. Residents can bring along a blanket and picnic.

The free Summer Bold as Brass concerts have now begun and will include concerts at Little Eaton Parish Council on June 25 at 2pm, and at West Hallam Parish Council on Sunday 9 July at 2pm.

New council make up

At the May elections 29 new councillors were elected to Erewash Borough Council, representing the 19 wards in the borough.

The new make up of the council executive was decided at a meeting of Full Council on 25 May.

The new Leader of the council, Councillor James Dawson, has been a Labour councillor on Erewash Borough Council for 12 years, having first been elected to the Abbotsford ward in 2011. Following a boundary review the ward was renamed Awsworth Road in 2015.

The Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Community Engagement is Councillor Becca Everett.

Councillor Gordon Thomas is the Lead Member for Resources, Councillor Joel Bryan is the Lead Member for Environment, Councillor Mrs Claire Marie Pool is the Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, and Councillor Alex Breene is the Lead Member for Town Centres, Regeration and Planning.

More information about the councillors portfolios, in terms of what they are responsible for, can be found on the council’s website where you will also find information on dates of council meetings.

Contact details for all councillors can also be found on the website: erewash.gov.uk

Walk your way around the borough

Erewash Borough Council, in partnership with Walk Derbyshire, provides free volunteer-led walks in Erewash. These include Gentle Walks and Health Walks.

Weekly walks include Long Eaton Health Walks. The group meet every Monday outside The Town Hall, Long Eaton at 10am.

Other walks in the borough include: Tuesdays: 10.30am Stanley Walk, meet at Stanley post office, 30-60 minutes. Fridays: 10.15am Sandiacre Strollers - meet outside Sandiacre Library, 30 - 60 minutes. Every third Thursday: 10:30am Gentle Walks, at various locations.

Walking is a great way to explore the countryside, take up exercise and meet new people.

Erewash is the perfect place to explore a number of walks that take place across the borough every week, which cater for people of all fitness levels and abilities.

The Monday Strollers start from Victoria Park Leisure Centre in Ilkeston at 10:15am. These weekly walks are short walks led by trained volunteers which provide gentle exercise to improve health in a friendly atmosphere.

Walks are usually flat and take about an hour. Everyone walks at their own pace, as trained leaders walk at the pace of the slowest walkers.

Wellness Networks

Erewash Borough Council enable three of the five wellness networks in Petersham, Kirk Hallam and Cotmanhay, whilst Erewash Voluntary Action enable the Sawley and Sandiacre networks.

Find out more about upcoming walking events in the borough on the walking page of erewash.gov.uk and on the Walk Erewash Facebook page.

Without volunteers the council wouldn’t be able to run its walks. Volunteering is a great way to engage with the community, helping to keep people active and healthy, whilst enjoying the outdoors.

Find out more about volunteering at walkderbyshire.org.uk

Erewash in Bloom

Did you know that there are five Community Wellness Networks in Erewash which aim to develop community health and wellbeing?

The networks, which operate in Petersham, Kirk Hallam, Cotmanhay, Sawley and Sandiacre, deliver health and wellbeing related projects.

The community wellness networks are made up of local groups, residents and organisations who come together to support and help drive health and wellbeing outcomes in the community. Each has a dedicated Community Activator working in each area to drive the work and enable the network to grow.

Each network has an action plan with agreed priorities for its community. The networks have regular face-toface meetings and are always open to new members and receiving input from the local community.

If you are interested in being a part of a Community Wellness network please contact:

becky@erewashcvs.org.uk for Sandiacre & Sawley

aija.cirule@erewash.gov.uk for Kirk Hallam

laura.minall@erewash.gov.uk for Petersham

isabel.greed@erewash.gov.uk for Cotmanhay

Residents, community groups, businesses and schools are invited the take part in this year’s Erewash in Bloom Gardening Competition.

People are encouraged to create jubilant planting schemes to mark the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III.

The competition is one of the largest in the East Midlands with categories including front and rear gardens, wildlife and environmental gardens and hanging baskets and planters. As well as some cash prizes, there are garden centre vouchers and trophies for some categories.

To enter submit up to eight photos of your garden using the online form at erewash.gov.uk/bloom

Action taken over ASB

Council, including sexual health practitioners and the youth bus.

Derbyshire Police has said that this outreach work has been a success so far and has resulted in a reduction in calls for service at Rutland.

The outreach work will run until the end of September 2023, to make sure that it covers the summer period.

Making streets safer

Work is continuing to ensure the £400,000 of funding that Erewash Borough Council received from the Homes Office’s Safer Street Fund is utilised in key locations in Ilkeston.

Re-deployable CCTV cameras have already been purchased and work is on-going to look at where these are best placed.

Erewash Borough Council has been working with partners to tackle antisocial behaviour in the outside areas of Rutland Sports Park in Ilkeston.

Earlier this year there was some vandalism at the sports park which led Derbyshire Police and partners to take action.

Weekly outreach work is now in place to engage the young people that gather at the park.

Organisations involved in this include the council’s Community Health and Wellbeing Development Team, Parkside High, and youth workers from Derbyshire County

The teams delivering the work have found that although a large group of youths have been regularly gathering at Rutland, the majority are there to meet with friends and have enjoyed the activities that are being provided.

Safer Communities

Get answers faster online

The council is reaching out to residents to help move forward with a wide number of options in how people can engage and carry out their business 24 hours every day of the week. There are a number of options available including opening an online personal account to report issues and using the website to make payments.

The number of residents using the council’s online services has seen a dramatic increase following the pandemic and will continue to help shape services going forward to meet our residents’ needs. This has also had an impact on the council’s receptions with a dramatic fall in people visiting and as a result new opening hours will be in place from week starting 3 July 2023.

Ilkeston Town Hall – open from 10am until 2pm on a Monday, Tuesday,

Thursday and on a Friday. The reception will be closed at Ilkeston Town Hall on a Wednesday being the quietest day of the week.

Long Eaton Town Hall – open from 10am until 2pm on a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and on a Friday. The reception will be closed at Long Eaton Town Hall on a Thursday being the quietest day of the week.

A large number of residents access council services online at any time of the day and this is much more convenient for people with busy lives. Your personal ‘My Erewash’ account will allow you to pay for services, report a missed bin, apply for a council tax discount, and inform the council of a change of address and much, much more. You can also check the progress of your service request at any time for peace of mind.

The funding has also been used to buy wireless CCTV units. These consist of a re-deployable dome camera and a two-way control panel which allow a person in distress to place an SOS call and connect with their local police control room.

What is referred to as ‘target hardening equipment’ has also been purchased using some of the funding. This includes security items such as anchor plates and locks for motorbikes.

To register for a “My Erewash” Account go to the home page of erewash.gov.uk and click on “My Account”, from here you can register or sign into your account.

Erewash Museum

Erewash Museum will be open on a Thursday, Friday and a Saturday, 11am until 4pm, being the most popular days for visitors to the award winning museum.

The museum is recognised as a valuable social development hub in Ilkeston and the wider Erewash area promoting a cooperative spirit and bringing like-minded groups of people and charitable organisations together for the health and wellbeing of the community.

Canal Vue Care Home

Purpose built care home in Ilkeston

of Memories and Accomplishments.

Canal Vue Care Home in Ilkeston captured the magic of the past year by putting together an incredible scrapbook filled with thousands of unforgettable moments and remarkable achievements!

The annual scrapbook is a cherished tradition at Canal Vue Care Home, and one that everyone looks forward to each year. It is a reminder of the joy and happiness found in everyday moments, and a celebration of the special bond that exists between the staff, residents, and their families.

Working together, staff and residents reflected on the moments that made the previous year special capturing thousands of moments and experiences. From festive celebrations to day-to-day activities, the end result was a beautifully crafted scrapbook that captured the spirit and essence of Canal Vue Care Home.

Take a glimpse at daily life of the care home and view the scrapbook for yourself.

Canal Vue Care Home is a purpose built modern residential care home designed to provide the very best in residential, dementia care and respite for older people.

Situated in a scenic and peaceful canal-side setting, the home offers convenient access to Ilkeston railway station or the M1 and is less than 7 miles from the centre of Nottingham.

Managed by a highly skilled and experienced team of carers, comfort in a safe caring environment awaits you with a very warm welcome.

Arrange your visit by calling the home on

Enquiries: 0115 932 6390

enquiries@eastgatecare.co.uk

www.eastgatecare.co.uk

Shared Prosperity

INVESTING in our COMMUNITY

Consultation underway

Residents are being asked for their views on a proposed new nature reserve in Ilkeston at the site of the former Pewit Golf course. An online consultation is now open and people are encouraged to have their say on the proposals, including possible names for the nature reserve. Residents can take part in the survey at erewash.gov.uk/haveyoursay

The plans for the proposed Local Nature Reserve at West End Drive will see £261k allocated to the project, funded by a section 106 payment linked to the former Stanton Ironworks.

This funding will be combined with the recent award of £250k as part of the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, both of which will also support biodiversity enhancements at Manor Floods local nature reserve.

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.

The aim of the nature reserve is to achieve continual biodiversity improvements for wildlife and for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

The plans follow a succesful bid by Erewash Borough Council for a £2.8m share of the Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, for community and business projects over two years.

A total of 11 projects are planned across the borough as part of the Shared Prosperity Fund – Investing in our Communities. Other projects include plans to establish options to improve access to Bennerley Viaduct and a shuttle bus for Ilkeston town centre. The aim being to make it easier for people to get from the bottom end of town to the top. It is hoped that the eight seater shuttle bus, which will be free to use, will be running by the end of the summer.

There is also a Visit Erewash Campaign, to promote recreational use of the Erewash countryside, a 3G pitch project at Rutland Sports Park and a Cultural Events Programme to increase awareness of Erewash Museum through a programme of enhanced events.

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is a central pillar of the UK government’s Levelling Up agenda and provides £2.6 billion of funding for local investment by March 2025.

The Fund aims to improve pride in place and increase life chances across the UK investing in communities and place, supporting local business, and people and skills.

For more informatrion on all the propsed projects for Shared Prosperity - Investing in Our Communities head to erewash.gov.uk

Backing Long Eaton

delivering town centre regeneration

Work begins on former Stable Block

Construction work to transform a former Stable Block in Long Eaton into modern office space is underway.

The Stable Block Managed Workspace Units forms part of the Long Eaton Town Deal, which will see up to £25 million of Government funding invested into the town, with several projects being developed.

This is the first of the core Town Deal projects to start construction. Once complete, the offices will be available for lease by local businesses.

Representatives from Erewash Borough Council, the Town Deal Board, contractor J Tomlinson and consultants Baily Garner, gathered at the site at Long Eaton Town Hall to witness the landmark occasion.

Five projects form the Long Eaton Town Deal; Galaxy Row, Pedestrian and Cycleway, High Street, West Park and the Stable Block.

Progress is also being made on the Galaxy Row project, which aims to remove the former derelict Galaxy cinema on Derby Road and replace it with a new development made up of commercial and residential units. This would be part of a larger development which includes the former cinema, a tyre depot, adjacent shop fitter’s store and former nightclub. The council is now in possession of two out of the four development plots required for the project.

Visit longeatontowndeal.org to see images and a video of how the Stable Block development is expected to look once complete and for more information on all five projects.

Visit longeatontowndeal.org

Long eaton Town Board

Pictured from left are: Richard Ledger, Tom Haddock, Ian Stephens (J Tomlinson), Leanne Screen, Matthew Bellamy (JT), Jill Stuart, Emlyn Evans (Baily Garner).

Election win!

Erewash Borough Council Parish elections

The 2023 Erewash Borough Council election saw the Labour party become the ruling party with a majority of nine.

A total of 118 candidates contested the borough’s 19 wards for 47 seats. The Conservatives and Labour put foward the maximun number of candidates at 47 each, the Liberal Democrats 9, Independents 9 and Green Party 6 candidates.

Labour took control from the Conservatives after 20 years and are now the controlling group of Erewash Borough Council with 28 councillors. The Conservatives have 16 councillors, the Green party have one, there is one Independent councillor and one Liberal Democrat.

The overall turnout was 33.72 %.

Elections were held for some Parish Councils and Parish Wards within the borough. The results of these elections in Ockbrook and Borrowash Borrowash East parish ward, Borrowash West parish ward, and Ockbrook Parish Ward can be found on the council’s website www.erewash.gov.uk The remaining Parish Councils were all uncontested.

EBC election results

This guide shows the full results for each of the 19 wards in the 2023 Erewash Borough Council elections, held on May 4.

Voters elected 47 councillors across 19 wards. The results list the votes cast for all candidates. Labour are now the controlling group of Erewash Borough Council with 28 councillors, a majority of nine. The Conservatives have 16 councillors, the Green party, Independents and Liberal Democrats all have one councillor each.

The turnout was 33.72 % overall. 24.39% voted in person. 71.46% were postal votes.

Long

Little

More Council Tax help

Those eligible will be awarded up to £35 from the Council Tax Support Fund, which is funded by the Government.

Council Executive approved receipt of the £218,349 Council Tax Support Fund scheme at its April meeting.

The council will also receive New Burdens Funding from the Government to fund the costs of administering this scheme.

Energy Bills Support

Erewash Borough Council will award £400 in Energy Bills Support Scheme Alternative Funding grants to eligible households.

Council Executive approved the receipt of the £458,000 from Government for the scheme at a meeting in April.

Additional council tax support is now available for Erewash residents who have an outstanding balance after receiving Council Tax Support.

Erewash Borough Council has made it a priority to help vunerable residents with the increasing cost of living by providing additional funding towards their outstanding council tax.

Residents in receipt of Local Council Tax Support will not need to make a separate claim for a reduction under this scheme. The council will assess who is eligible for support and automatically apply the discount.

Residents can access their council tax account by logging into My Erewash. You can also find more information at erewash.gov.uk

Alternative Fuel Payment

The vast majority of eligible households will receive the payment automatically through their energy supplier.

A small number of households will be required to apply to the scheme due to the method used to target payments and because some households will not have a direct relationship with an energy supplier.

The grants are for households who do not have a direct relationship with an energy supplier, such as park home residents and some housing association tenants who did not qualify for the Energy Bills Support Scheme.

Residents can apply for the EBSSAF grant via Gov.uk. The council will be responsible for distributing the payments to eligible applicants.

Erewash Borough Council has awarded a total of £9,233,981 in household support provided by the government since April 2020.

First R&D Grants

Grants have been awarded to the first three successful bidders to Erewash Borough Council’s new Research and Development Grant Scheme.

Eligible Erewash households can apply for a £200 Alternative Fuel Payment Fund grant.

Council Executive approved receipt of £35,000 for the Government funded scheme in April.

The Alternative Fuel Payment provides a payment of £200 for households that use alternative fuels such as heating oil, biomass and liquefied petroleum gas as the main source of heating.

Individuals can apply for the AFP via Gov.uk. The council is responsible for distributing support payments to eligible applicants.

The distribution of the AFP supports the council’s Corporate Plan priorities by providing help and advice in partnership, by targeting those most in need and vulnerable.

Residents can find out more about the grant and apply online at gov. uk/get-help-energy-bills/alternativefuels

Precision Motorsport Components in Breaston; Medigarments in Long Eaton; and Comfa in Little Eaton were awarded the grants by a public and private sector panel chaired by the council’s Lead Member for Regeneration, to help them develop their innovative projects.

The Grant scheme has been designed to support local manufacturing enterprises in developing and piloting new products to help improve their businesses.

Erewash based businesses can apply for grants of between £5,000 and £20,000 and are required to provide 33 per cent match-funding of the total value of each project.

Ashmere is a family run business providing the very best care across Derbyshire. Our ethos is that we are here for everyone, from our residents right through to the families too When the time comes to find a care provider we know that there are many questions that need to be answered and our personal approach ensures you get the opportunity to speak with our care team directly and addresses all the questions you may have.

"When my mother went to live at Heanor Park Care Home, I don't think any of us realised just how very poorly she was Three months on, and she is a different person Surrounded by a team and genuine carers, with good food, the friendship of other residents, and a safe, warm, calm environment and the resources to recover - such that she now plays an active part, at times able to give back for her new friends As she put it - "this is Derbyshire, this is me, and I am very happy here"

-Review from carehome co uk October 2022

Our Homes and Contact Information

Matlock, DE4 3BN

Service for WW1 war hero

A rededication service has taken place for a First World War soldier who was buried in an unmarked grave in an Ilkeston cemetery.

The service for Private (58483)

Herbert Henry Tingle, 10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters, was held at Ilkeston Park Cemetery.

Private Tingle was a Former Assistant Master of Granby Junior School in Ilkeston from 1914, when it was Granby Boys School.

He joined the British Army in 1916 and was eventually posted to the 10th Battalion Sherwood Foresters Regiment, serving on the Western Front. After contracting Rheumatic Fever while on active service in the trenches, he was demobilised in April 1919. He returned home to his teaching post, though due to his illness he was not able to take up the role completely. He died at the age of 31 on January 16, 1920 and was buried in Park Cemetery in an unmarked grave.

Thanks to the efforts of Councillor James Dawson and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission, Private Tingle now lies in a marked grave.

The headstone was unveiled by Herbert’s great niece Yvonne, and school councillors from Granby Junior School.

The service, attended by representatives of the Mercian Regiment as the successor to the Sherwood Foresters, and the Royal British Legion, was conducted by The Reverend Father Julius Anozie from All Saints Church, Kirk Hallam.

Hard work of tree wardens

wardens cleared the path by the water’s edge and made progress pruning the hedgerow along the railway.

Other projects have seen them clear back vegetation at Orchid Wood Nature Reserve in Breaston, and plant trees at West Park, Long Eaton and Sawley Park.

The Erewash volunteer tree wardens have undertaken a number of projects over the past year.

Erewash Tree Wardens are volunteers that care about trees, woodlands and the environment. Anyone can become a Tree Warden, as long as they want to work to conserve and enhance trees and woodlands in their community.

Recent projects have taken place at Forbes Hole Local Nature Reserve, Long Eaton, where the volunteer

Their hard work was recognised when green flag status - which is presented to parks, nature reserves and green spaces that have excellent facilities and are well maintainedwas awarded to both Forbes Hole Nature Reserve and Pioneer Meadows Nature Reserve in Kirk Hallam.

For further information about Erewash Tree Wardens contact jaimey.lim@erewash.gov.uk

The Long Eaton Mess Collectors

in keeping their local community litter free. Schools from Long Eaton, Sawley and Toton benefitted from the equipment.

The council’s Arts Development team wants to hear from residential care homes for a special project.

Last spring the team worked with digital artist Graham Elstone to deliver an experimental storytelling project called ‘Touch Hear’ at Dallimore Primary School, Hallam Fields Junior School and St Thomas School.

The Long Eaton Mess Collectors are a voluntary litter picking group of more than 860 people operating around Long Eaton, Breaston, Sawley and Sandiacre.

The Mess Collectors used funds donated by the Sawley Community Forum and local businesses to purchase litter picking equipment.

This was then gifted to seven local schools to help them to take pride

Children from Brackenfield School said they loved going into the community and helping to keep it clean, helping the environment and local wildlife. The children like to litter pick during their travel training lessons around Long Eaton, especially around West Park and Petersham Park.

Regular group litter picks are organised and members are encouraged to adopt their local street and commit to keeping it clean.

If you would be interested in becoming a member, head to the Mess Collectors Facebook or Instagram page.

Children researched 70 years of popular culture to better understand the significance of the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II. Graham recorded children as they talked about dates spanning the seven decades, up to the current day. Then, children from Hallam Fields and St Thomas, helped to transform their findings into mobile suitcases packed with their drawings and own soundbites.

Phase three is now being developed, which links to the Coronation of King Charles III. The Arts Development team would love to hear from people who want to share their Coronation stories so that similar themed suitcases can be taken to care homes.

It is hoped that children from each of the schools will attend too and share their stories. A fourth case will then be created, with storytelling across generations, ready for the final phase when all cases are available for loan to be enjoyed with groups in our community.Contact ArtsDev@ erewash.gov.uk to get involved.

Parties fit for a King

These pictures show residents from across Erewash having a right Royal time.

People across Erewash celebrated the Coronation of King Charles III with street parties.

Many communities benefitted from grants provided by Erewash Borough Council to enable them to celebrate the occasion in style. The grants paid for party items such as bunting and table cloths.

Residents were able to apply for grants of up to £100 from the council. The scheme was a great success with more than 70 applications received.

Markets at heart

The markets in Ilkeston and Long Eaton have been at the heart of the Erewash communities for a number of years.

A wide range of quality goods are available with stalls including a fish monger, a baker, a fruit and veg seller and a florist .

Other products available at the markets include eggs, mens workwear, womens clothes, cleaning products and sweets.

Ilkeston Market is held every Thursday and Saturday, 9am to 3pm. Long Eaton Market is held on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday, 9am to 3pm.

A special Easter market held in April was a huge success and saw families enjoy face painting and free chocolate eggs from the Easter bunny. Further specialist markets are planned.

Erewash

VIDEO PRODUCTION

Volunteers drive charity

EVA’s services

Home from hospital

Helping people leaving hospital or those living at home but at risk of being admitted.

erewashvoluntaryaction.org.uk/ home-from-hospital

Derbyshire Mental Health Forum

A vital Erewash charity that has a thriving community of volunteers marks two major milestones this year.

Erewash Voluntary Action is a community voluntary service which also runs a Volunteer Centre on Granville Avenue in Long Eaton.

This year the voluntary centre, which opened in 1983, celebrates its 40th year. In September, the charity itself, Erewash Voluntary Action - CVS, celebrates 25 years.

There are more than 150 volunteers who give their time across Erewash, in many different settings. They help EVA to run a shopping service for people who might not be able to get out and about. The people they support feel they are more independent with the help of the volunteers and less isolated. Its shopping service is also bolstered by two members of staff who help to coordinate the service.

Volunteers are matched with individuals and groups interested in volunteering with opportunities in the local community. EVA offer potential volunteers support and advice, matching their motivation to volunteer with the right volunteering opportunities.

Erewash Voluntary Action promotes the effectiveness of local voluntary and community groups by providing them with a range of services.

Its core services are jointly funded by Derbyshire County Council and the Integrated Care Board, also known as the CCG. The centre is also used by many community groups from across Erewash, including the U3A.

Stella Scott, Chief Executive Officer, said: “We work in close partnership with statutory, voluntary and private sector agencies as well as community groups and faith groups to develop local volunteering opportunities.

“We understand the potential offered by the local communities and work with them to realise this potential. We will target specific groups which face barriers to volunteering. We work creatively to develop imaginative, non-formal opportunities for potential volunteers.”

EVA also runs services, including: Home from hospital: Helping people leaving hospital or those living at home but at risk of being admitted.

Derbyshire Mental Health Forum: This project provides support to voluntary sector organisations working to improve the mental health of people in Derbyshire.

This project provides support to voluntary sector organisations working to improve the mental health of people in Derbyshire. Including our Mental Health and Suicide Awareness project.

erewashvoluntaryaction.org.uk/ dmhf

Community Development

Supporting local voluntary and community groups by providing training, networks, and funding advice.

erewashvoluntaryaction.org. uk/community-developmentsupport

Social Connectedness

To reduce isolation and loneliness in Erewash.

erewashvoluntaryaction.org.uk/ social-connectedness

Signposting

Your link to the Health and Care Voluntary & Community Sector.

erewashvoluntaryaction.org.uk/ signposting

Social Prescribing

Help to find local groups, social activities and support in your community to reduce isolation and loneliness in Erewash.

erewashvoluntaryaction.org.uk/ social-prescribing

(From Left to Right) Pippa Goodwin - Volunteer, Brian Parker - Volunteer, Dave Martin - Volunteer, Pete Pheasant - Volunteer, Jenni Alsbury - Home From Hospital Co-ordinator and Stella Scott - Chief Executive Officer

A vital advice service

Citizens Advice Derbyshire Districts has reported a dramatic increase in the number of people in Erewash needing its services.

It has also seen a sharp increase in families needing charitable support or help with paying their energy bills.

Its Impact Report 2022/23 for Erewash shows that from April 2022 to March 2023 it provided advice to 2,612 people with more than 22,500 issues. More people have approached the service for help with crisis support, energy problems and not having enough money to make ends meet than ever before.

The most significant area for advice has been benefits, with sickness and disability benefits accounting for the majority of issues. However, it saw an increase in people seeking advice on general benefit entitlement to check they are receiving everything they are entitled to because of difficulties arising from the cost of living.

Melanie Mallinson, Senior Operations Manager at CADD, said: “As prices rise, people make more and more difficult decisions about what to cut back on and where they need to rely on community support, because they don’t have enough to live on.

“Rising energy costs are forcing lower income families onto more expensive prepayment meters which is particularly concerning, as we are also seeing more people who can’t afford to top up their energy prepayment meter - effectively disconnecting themselves.”

During the 2022/23 period CADD helped 103 people in Erewash to address their rent arrears, and 90 people approached them for advice about divorce and separation.

Melanie added: “Our work in Erewash serves some of the most economic and socially challenged wards in Derbyshire. Many people seeking our help face challenges to their physical health and mental wellbeing which are making everyday life hard.

“Our amazing team of staff and volunteers remain reliably committed to help the residents of Erewash through a difficult year ahead.”

Advisers can help you find a way forward with advice on energy, benefits, debt and money issues, housing, access to grants, schemes, and other support.

More information can be found at citizensadvicederbyshiredistricts.org. uk

An open door on the high street - We provide weekday appointments at our Erewash advice centre Ilkeston: Castledine House, Heanor Road, Ilkeston DE7 8DY

Help and support in the heart of your community - Our outreach advice service is one of the largest and most comprehensive in the country with more than 80 outreach locations across Derbyshire Districts.

In Erewash we run 19 advice sessions a week in GP surgeries, and community facilities in Cotmanhay, Ilkeston, Kirk Hallam, Long Eaton, Sandiacre and West Hallam.

For advice or to book an appointment call the Derbyshire Districts Advice line: 0808 278 7954 (Monday to Friday, 9am to 4pm, free phone service).

Staff from Citizens Advice Derbyshire Districts celebrate the organisations 80th anniversary.

Stanton development

Work has started at the former Stanton ironworks site, now known as New Stanton Park.

The 180 acre site, acquired by Verdant Regeneration - a partnership between Ward Recycling and Trust Utilities, is a key part in the council’s long-term plans to restore the area and create jobs.

Verdant Regeneration is working with the council and stakeholders to provide an environmentally friendly site. The new development plans will reintroduce the use of the railway line whilst developing a range of units that will total two million square feet of industrial space.

Contractors have now broken ground to bring forward the full development. John F Hunt are on site delivering the ground and infrastructure works that will see three serviced development plots delivered, capable of accommodating buildings from 11,000 square feet up to one million square feet, with a dedicated rail hub.

David Ward, a director at Verdant said: “This is a great news story for the local area with New Stanton Park now really gathering momentum and becoming a reality. Ultimately the scheme will deliver large scale job creation and transform this former industrial site into a high quality environment with the aim of

Sign up to online panel

Residents are being encouraged to join the council’s online consultation panel to have their say on council services.

The online panel sees Erewash residents sign up to take part in online surveys. If you live in the borough and want to have your say on council services you can register and join the panel.

The council is keen to encourage more people to sign up to take part in the surveys.

The information will be used to produce anonymous reports. Individuals cannot be identified from this.

Online panel members can request their data to be deleted at any time.

delivering a blend of industrial, warehouse and manufacturing.”

The New Stanton Park rail has a direct link to the midland mainline, allowing it to become a key distribution point for materials being imported and exported efficiently throughout the UK and beyond.

Production at Stanton Ironworks in Ilkeston ended when the last pipe was cast on May 24, 2007, and the last of the 185 production workers at the pipe-making factory walked out of the gates for the final time. For more information visit verdantregeneration.co.uk

An artist’s impression of how the New Stanton Park site will look once it is complete

Sunday 23 July Sounds

Erewash Borough Council presents Victoria Park, Ilkeston

3pm: 50s rock n roll from Alan Becks

4pm: Marti Pellow tribute

5pm: Kylie tribute

6pm: Take That tribute

Jolly Jingles the clown, face painting, stalls including food and drink.

Bring a blanket and picnic.