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NOVEMBER 2017 A community publication for Ilkeston and surrounding area ilkestonlife.com
Windy and wet—but the Fair is enjoyed by thousands People from near and far rolled up to enjoy the fun of Ilkeston’s annual Fair. The 765th event was opened in the traditional way with the reading of the 1252 charter in front of the town hall, then the ringing of the bells by the Mayor, Cllr Mary Hopkinson. Despite ‘Storm Brian,’ the Showmen did good business as crowds enjoyed the rides, sideshows and food stalls over four days.
Community fights to save Hazelwood A
public meeting at Ilkeston Library is the next step in the fight to save Hazelwood. The care home on Skeavington’s Lane, Cotmanhay is threatened with closure by the Conservative-led Derbyshire County Council. Local Labour councillors and Action4Cotmanhay are backing the campaign to keep the well respected home for elderly people open. Thousands of people have signed petitions at shops, a school, local events and online. DCC are consulting with the local community on the possible closure of the home, which is in need of repair and refurbishment. Ilkeston South county councillor John Frudd told us: “It’s disgusting they’re proposing to close it. This is due to a change in administration at the County Council from Labour to the Tories. We did not have Hazelwood down for closure and had no intention of doing so. The community are really behind this and really want to see it kept open. The comments from everyone show how caring the staff are and so helping towards the residents.” Julie Diana posted on Facebook: “With an ageing population it's essential we keep such homes open at all costs. Nobody has a bad word to say about this home. People of Ilkeston need to get fully behind this campaign and fight its closure all the way - after all, we'll all get old one day and perhaps require such care.”
The consultation meeting takes place at the library on Thursday 2nd November between 10am and 1pm. Local plumber and Action4Cotmanhay event organiser John Allen says the group is urging people to go along and have their say. “I’m pleased people are pulling together on this. We don’t want to lose Hazelwood. It’s a precious part of our community.” Earlier, Erewash MP Maggie Throup said “When Labour left office in May, Derbyshire was left with a social care bombshell. DCC face some tough decisions over the next five years to rectify Labour’s failings whilst in office. As Erewash MP, I will continue to do everything in my power to ensure Erewash residents remain well provided for.”