EXTENSION GRANTED

Long Eaton Safer Neighbourhood Team have attended court to seek a further three month extension to an order for an initial closure on a property on Trafalgar Square, Long Eaton. A Police spokesperson said:  As a result of this closure order, we have reduced anti-social behaviour at this location dramatically, with no related anti-social behaviour/crime reports since it's implementation. The extension was granted.  

COUNCIL U-TURN

 Maggie forces Erewash Borough Council into U-Turn over Ferrestone House demolition 

Maggie Throup, Member of Parliament for Erewash has welcomed the news that, thanks to her intervention, the Labour-run Erewash Borough Council has made a dramatic u-turn and has now issued a Building Preservation Notice* delaying the potential demolition of Ferrestone House.  Ferrestone House, built in 1875, is a Victorian Gothic Revival Style building located in Draycott. It has extensive grounds and is valued at almost £1.3 million. As the building did not hold a listed status or lie within a conservation area, there were plans for it to be bulldozed on 1st November 2023.  Maggie was contacted by concerned Draycott residents and urged Erewash Borough Council to intervene. Despite the Labour-run Borough Council’s initial reluctance to prevent the demolition of this building, thanks to Maggie’s pressure, they have now issued a six-month Building Preservation Notice which has delayed the proposed bulldozing of Ferrestone House. 

It is hoped that the six-month period will allow a successful application to be made to Historic England making Ferrestone House into a permanently listed building and securing its long-term future. Maggie commented: “After originally making it clear to me that Erewash Borough Council were unwilling to intervene in the planned demolition of Ferrestone House, I am delighted to be able to let  residents know that after putting considerable pressure on the Borough Council they have now agreed to my request and have issued a six-month Build Preservation Notice on the property. I hope that this will provide sufficient time for an application to be made to Historic England, making Ferrestone House a listed building and securing its long-term future. Although we have successfully managed to delay the proposed demolition of Ferrestone House, I will continue to fight for the preservation of this building. I have already written to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities and the Secretary of State for Culture, Media & Sport to lobby them for a favourable outcome in relation to the listed status application.” 

 

HOLE IN THE WALL

The Hole In The Wall pub, in Regent Street, Long Eaton which closed in September 2022, and was origionally listed on the market for £300,00, has had its asking price cut for a second time in four months. 

By June Long Eaton-based estate agent, Wallace Jones, dropped their asking price down by £40,000 bringing the price of the pub down by more than 10 per cent. It has now had its asking price reduced by a further £10,000, with offers  being considered in the region of £250,000. 

NEW LIGHTING FOR WEST PARK

A £245,000 mission to improve an Erewash park will get under way this autumn after the council awarded a contract for new lighting. The improvement to Long Eaton’s West Park will see the installation of 42 lampposts. This will mean an extra 1,215 metres of pathways are illuminated. The investment is part of Long Eaton’s £24.8million Town Deal – which is money the council secured from the government for regeneration in the town. The West Park project aims to boost walking, running and cycling – even though the lights themselves are low energy. Two gateways are among previously unlit sections of the park that will be illuminated. The new lighting will complete a figure of eight pathway through the park. Power will also be installed at the bandstand to encourage more use of it. 
 
Councillor Alex Breene, who is Erewash’s Lead Member for Town Centres, Regeneration and Planning, said: “The council is determined to ensure the people of Long Eaton all benefit from the investment that comes with the Town Deal – which is money that Erewash fought extremely hard for.” 

 Work is expected to start in November after the contract was awarded to E.ON Lighting and Grid Energy Infrastructure Services. Richard Ledger, chair of the Long Eaton Town Deal board, said: “This is all brilliant news – in more ways than one. West Park is a much-loved amenity, and this project means local people can make even more use of it.” 

EREWASH MUSEUM

Museum extension

Residents proud of Erewash’s rich history are being invited to help trumpet it – by getting involved with the borough’s much-loved museum. The call has gone out from the volunteer group that has been deeply involved with the award-winning local heritage attraction for the past 42 years. The Friends of Erewash Museum devote time to all aspects of the museum’s operations and have been pivotal to it becoming a treasured institution. They are determined to see it go from strength to strength – as they play an even bigger role amid the continuing squeeze on Erewash Borough Council’s finances. Oliver Watts, who chairs the Friends group, said: “We would love more people to join us in helping the museum have an exciting future. It is rewarding work that benefits the whole community.” 

The Erewash Museum is in the centre of Ilkeston near the town’s Market Place. Housed in a handsome Grade II-listed building that was once a family home, it has scooped Derbyshire Museum of the Year four times since 2011. The innovative museum is not only an exhibition space but a community hub for children and adults of all ages, offering cultural and heritage experiences. It hosts a range of events throughout the year and even boasts its own beach during the summer. Councillor Becca Everett, who is Erewash’s Lead Member for Community Engagement, said:  “The Erewash Museum is a beacon for the borough and its success is a testament to the dedication of all those involved – not least the army of volunteers. I would urge all residents keen to put something back into the borough to consider signing up to the Friends group.” 

Oliver added: “There has never been a better time to invest in a £10 annual membership, so if you are interested don't hesitate to email friendsoferewash@gmail.com.”