LONG EATON ART CLUB

A Message from Long Eaton Art Club. As we see the first signs of spring the desire to pick up the paint brush must be stirring all over the county. But with our clubs and exhibitions still closed how do we show each other our work. Well you can use your own front window. In the Derby and down our street in Long Eaton, we have been displaying our pictures of daffodils, and nationally there has been the ‘Great Big Art Exhibition’ idea of showing your art work in your front window or porch. Sky Arts have been doing the Portrait Artist of the Week again and promoting the idea exhibiting your work in your windows as well as online. So don’t be despondent, get painting and drawing and show the world your work and be ready for when the art clubs are back. Daffodils, along with snowdrops and crocus’s can provide inspiration for us all. Clare Devlin from Derry Girls was the first subject in the latest series of Portrait Artist of the Week.

Cliff Dowler Long Eaton and District Art Club.

MAN STABBED IN STAPLEFORD

A man has died following an incident in Stapleford. Emergency services were called to an address in Moorbridge Lane shortly before 6.20am on Wednesday March 3rd after a man suffered stab wounds. Raymond Dixon, 77, died of his injuries shortly afterwards. Ann Dixon, 48, of Moorbridge Lane, was charged with murder on Thursday afternoon and remanded into custody. She appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court on Friday morning. Detective Chief Inspector Rob Routledge, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a tragic and distressing incident in which a man has lost his life. As our investigation continues we are also working to support the victim’s family at what we know will be an incredibly difficult time.”

MAKING BUSINESSES COVID SECURE

COVID-19 ‘spot checks’ will begin on 8th March on businesses in Erewash to ensure they have the proper safety measures in place to help tackle the virus. Erewash Borough Council is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local public health authorities to track and understand any patterns in confirmed coronavirus cases in the area – with the main aim being to provide guidance to manage risk and to protect workers, customers and visitors. However, businesses are warned that immediate action will be taken against those found not to be properly managing this. This can range from giving specific advice with follow-up visits, issuing enforcement notices, stopping certain work practices until they are made safe and, where businesses fail to comply, it could lead to prosecution. Councillor Garry Hickton, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Environment, says: “We will be working with our partners to visit and inspect sites around the borough to assess how they are managing risks. This means we will be continuing to talk to our business community and highlighting the legal duty it has to protect workers and others from harm. We will work with them and impress on them the importance of adapting procedures where necessary to ensure their safety and that of the wider community here in Erewash.” Nationally, the HSE has found common issues during spot checks to be a failure by businesses to monitor, supervise and maintain social distancing and the lack of an adequate cleaning regime, particularly during busy times. Councillor Carol Hart, the Leader of Erewash Borough Council, has given her support to the start of the spot checks next week: “This is all about being supportive to businesses, their workforce and our residents – with the overall aim of ensuring the best safety measures are in place to benefit the health of everyone and, of course, support the local economy. We are well aware that the vast majority of businesses have been very responsible. Where failings are found during checks we will give advice, but I can assure everyone that action will be taken if necessary.” Being COVID-secure means that businesses need to put adjustments in place to manage the risk and protect workers and others from coronavirus. For the latest information and safer business guidance, visit www.gov.uk

COUNCIL TAX 21-22

A recommendation that Erewash Borough Council raises its share of council tax for 2021/22 by 2.61% - £5 per annum for a Band D property - is expected to be sent to the council’s budget setting meeting on 4th March. A meeting of Council Executive on Wednesday 24th February looks set to send a recommendation to next month’s Full Council that the proposed £5 increase would mean that the council’s charge for a Band D property would increase from £191.59 to £196.59 per annum. If agreed, that will mean an increase of 10p per week on the council’s charge for a Band D property. The council has worked hard to keep the proposed increase in its share of the Council Tax bill to a minimum despite the financial challenges that have faced all local authorities in recent years and the severe global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic over the last year. A report that is expected to go to full council on 4th March says that based on current assumptions, up to £1m of further savings may need to be found in 2022/23 to achieve a balanced budget - but that the council’s record in achieving savings over the last decade suggest that, with adequate planning, it is an achievable task. Councillor Wayne Major, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources, says: “We are proud of our record of being a robust council that works hard to provide the best front-line services for our residents. We strive to find the best ways of meeting the continuing financial pressures and we know there are very tough challenges still ahead – but Erewash remains strong.” Only 11% of the total council tax bill that residents pay goes to the Borough Council. The rest is for services provided by Derbyshire County Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue and Parish Councils – Erewash has no control over the charges set by these organisations. The virtual meeting of Council Executive is at 10.30am on Wednesday 24th February. It will be live-streamed on YouTube via a link from the council’s committee pages at www.erewash.gov.uk

BLOOMING LOVELY

Local businesses, parish councils, community groups and residents are once again being invited to show their pride in Erewash by sponsoring colourful flower baskets to put the feel-good factor in the borough over the summer. The award-winning summertime planting and floral displays, attached to lamp columns, are always hugely popular with residents and help brighten up the towns and villages ensuring that the borough blossoms throughout the summer months. The sponsorship fee is currently £102.00 per year (based on a 3 year contract) and covers everything from the cost of the basket and plants, through to watering, maintenance and an optional sponsorship plaque. Leader of Erewash Borough Council, Councillor Carol Hart, said: “The sponsorship scheme offers businesses, parish councils and our residents the chance to play their part in helping Erewash bloom and support Pride in Erewash. When the flowers have blossomed the baskets look stunning, and this year they will help symbolise what we all hope will be a brighter summer for us all.” Anyone interested in sponsoring a flower basket should complete and return an application form by Wednesday 31 March 2021. Forms can be obtained from the Green Space & Street Scene Team by emailing parks@erewash.gov.uk or telephone 0115 907 2244. Due to limited availability, applications will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis.