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