TOWN CENTRE CRUSADE

Erewash Council is supercharging its crusade to rejuvenate its town centres as locals mourn the collapse of Wilko. The authority is offering grants to attract new stores into empty retail units. The initiative was featured by ITV News as camera crews covered the last day of trading at Wilko in Long Eaton. 

Days later Erewash’s other Wilko store – in Ilkeston’s Bath Street – was also shuttered (Monday, September 25). Under the Empty Shop Signage Grant scheme, new stores opening in both main towns can get money to fund appealing frontages. Councillor Alex Breene, who is Erewash’s Lead Member for Town Centres, Regeneration and Planning, said:  “We are determined to tackle the blight of retail units in our towns lying empty – and understand setting up a new shop is expensive.This scheme will help improve the attractiveness and vibrancy of our town centres – and shows that Erewash is well and truly open for business.” 

The grants are not coming out of Council Tax but from government money allocated to the borough for levelling-up. The Shared Prosperity Fund cash has to be spent on promoting growth and “pride in place”. The shop sign grants are worth up to £2,000 each and aim to “enhance the street scene” as well as attracting new businesses. Details of how to apply are on the Erewash Borough Council website. 

ROAD CLOSED IN LONG EATON

Wilsthorpe Road in Long Eaton was closed following a fire at a 5G mast. The incident occurred at 11.40pm on Thursday 28th September. Police were called by Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service to Wilsthorpe Road at Long Eaton due to concerns that a 5G phone mast may have been unsafe following a fire. After initial investigations at the scene police said they were treating the fire as suspicious.They would like to hear from anyone in the area around the time who may have noticed anything suspicious to contact them on the details below, quoting reference 23000604452: 

• Website – We have crime reporting tools on our website: use our online contact form 

• Facebook – send us private message to the Derbyshire Constabulary Facebook page 

• Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact 

• Phone – call us on 101 

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity CrimeStoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website  

COST OF LIVING

 Maggie welcomes cost of living support for the most vulnerable in Erewash as next payment dates announced 

Maggie Throup, Member of Parliament for Erewash, has welcomed the announcement that the next cost of living payment, worth £300.00 for 11,500 vulnerable and low-income households in Erewash, will be made between 31st October and 19th November 2023. This is the second of three payments totalling up to £900.00 for those eligible and on means-tested benefits, such as Universal Credit, Pension Credit, or tax credits, and will help families affected by global inflation caused by Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine and the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic. Details about the third cost of living payment will be announced in due course. 

Maggie commented: “We must continue to do everything we can to support households across Erewash with global inflation caused by Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine and the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic.The record levels of financial support over the past year and a half have already supported families across Erewash, and this latest £300.00 Cost of Living Payment for 11,500 eligible households will make a huge difference to the most vulnerable and those on the lowest incomes this autumn.The Government rightly remains committed to halving inflation, which is the best way to help everyone across Erewash with the cost of living.” 

These payments build on the Cost of Living Payments made last year worth up to £1,200.00, and form part of the Government’s record financial support for the most vulnerable, worth an average of £3,300.00 per household. 

The £300.00 Cost of Living Payment will be sent out automatically and directly to eligible households, so there is no need to apply. Eligible pensioner households will also receive a further £300.00 payment later this year as an addition to the Winter Fuel Payment. The Government is supporting people with the cost of living right now, whilst working to deliver on its priorities to halve inflation, grow the economy, reduce debt, cut waiting lists and stop the boats. 

 ISUZU FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round draw 

Long Eaton United have been drawn at home to Stourbridge in the ISUZU FA Trophy Third Qualifying Round. The match will take place at Grange Park on Saturday the 7th of October.