BOGUS BAILIFFS WARNING

Police are sharing a warning from the National Fraud Intelligence Bureau about bogus bailiffs. Action Fraud has said that it has recently received an increase in calls about fake bailiffs, requesting payments for a ‘phantom’ debt. The fraud involves being cold-called by someone claiming to be a bailiff working on behalf of a court, attempting to recover funds for non-existent debt. The caller will ask for payment by means of a bank transfer and if this is refused, will threaten to visit the premises to recover the debt that is owed. The NFIB say that several different businesses and individuals have been targeted. Although the fraud can occur throughout the UK, Action Fraud has seen a large number of reports coming from Yorkshire. We’re sharing the following advice: ·If you receive a call, confirm what the debt is regarding; bailiffs are only used to recover certain debts such as council tax, child support and compensation orders. Bailiffs are not used to recover debts relating to private advertisement – these would be collected by debt collectors, who do not have the same legal powers as bailiffs. ·If you work for a business and receive a call from a bailiff or debt collector, speak to your manager or business owner first. Never pay the debt yourself on behalf of the business. Some fraudsters have suggested employees do this, claiming they can be reimbursed by their employers. ·Double check with the court or originating company to confirm whether the call is legitimate; if you use a landline, make sure you hear the dialling tone before dialling as the caller could still be on the line. Also be sure to search independently for the telephone number to call and clarify; never use a number provided by the caller without doing your own research. ·Request details of the debt in writing to confirm its legitimacy, Don’t feel rushed or intimidated to make a decision based on a phone call. If you have been affected by this, or any other type of fraud, report it to Action Fraud by visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk or by calling 0300 123 2040.

CHESTNUT FAIR

Long Eaton will once again be host to the popular Chestnut Fair, when the town centre will light up to the sights and sounds of the traditional street funfair. This year’s fair will be held between Thursday 16th November and Saturday 18th November and will be given its usual funfair-style opening by the Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Mary Hopkinson.

Councillor Hopkinson will officially launch the 2017 event on Thursday 16th November at 6pm from the fairground favourite, the dodgems ride, which will be on Waverley Street. The Chestnut Fair is now in its 18th year and features rides and sidestalls for all ages – from carousels for the young through to the white knuckle rides for daredevil fans. It runs along Waverley Street and stretches through the High Street to the Market Place. The fair is open from 6pm-10pm on Thursday 16th November and from 1pm-10pm on Friday and Saturday. Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:

 

“The Chestnut Fair has become a wonderful, family tradition and I know that people of all ages look forward to mid-November and to welcoming this three-day fair to Long Eaton town centre. Motorists should note that there will be some disruption with Waverley Street closed to traffic and Cross Street, Union Street and the Market Place also affected."



LONG EATON BAPTIST CHURCH TREASURER RETIRES

Whispering in corners, surreptitious planning, secret invitations and stealth organisational tactics all contributed to the success of a surprise buffet lunch at Long Eaton Baptist Church for John Perry who has retired from his position as Church Treasurer after serving for over 48 years. John was astounded when it was announced at the beginning of the service on Sunday 29th October that a celebratory buffet lunch would be taking place afterwards. A gathering of forty people from the Church made this a memorable occasion for John. Pastor David Shaw presented John with a present from the members of the Church and said, “We did not believe that it would be possible to keep the lunch a secret as John generally knows about everything that happens at LEBC! I am delighted that we have been able to celebrate John’s faithful and committed service as Church Treasurer. I and many other people are very grateful for all the many hours that John has spent supporting the Church during his 48 years as Treasurer”

THE STARS AT NIGHT

Erewash Museum is hosting a FREE Astronomy Night on Saturday November 11th, when amateur astronomers can look at the night sky with the help of experts. Members of the Ilkeston and District Astronomy Society will be on hand in the museum gardens between 7pm and 9pm when visitors will get the chance to learn more about astronomy, planets and the galaxies. Interactive science demonstrations will also be taking place throughout the evening. There will also be the opportunity to use professional stargazing equipment and the museum rooms will be open for a chance to view the building and exhibitions – while the Old Stable Tea Rooms will be open for refreshments. Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:

 

“This evening event is always popular with people of all ages interested in learning more about astronomy, the planets and galaxies. There is also the added bonus of being able to use professional equipment to view the stars in greater detail.”

Please bring warm clothing and suitable footwear. Use of professional equipment is weather permitting.

Erewash Museum is located in Ilkeston town centre, a short walk from the Market Place. Opening hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm, and Monday to Saturday during school holidays. Admission is free. Contact 0115 907 1141, email museum@erewash.gov.uk or visit the Facebook page /erewashmuseum. You can also follow the museum on Twitter @Erewash_Museum, and Instagram @erewashmuseum.

LEST WE FORGET

The British Legion were selling poppy’s on the Market Place this week. Tony Bryan, (Parade Marshall), behind the wheel, said they had done very well and their boxes were full. The Deputy Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Chris Corbett, will join Long Eaton residents at the service and Mass at St Laurence’s Parish Church at 9.30am before the parade. The Long Eaton procession will start at 10.20am from West Gate and make it way to the War Memorial outside the Church for the wreath laying ceremony at 10.45am.

 

 The Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Mary Hopkinson has also given her support to this year’s Poppy Appeal: “I join the residents of Erewash in wearing my poppy with pride. I will be honoured to represent the borough at the Ilkeston Remembrance Service to pay tribute to the men and women who have given their lives in the service of their country and I know that the Deputy Mayor is equally honoured to be attending the Long Eaton event.”

TIME TO HAVE YOUR SAY

The final eight-week consultation on the proposals for new parliamentary constituency boundaries in the East Midlands opened in October and residents having until 11th December to give their views. Initial proposals have been revised following a previous public consultation earlier this year and this is now the last chance to contribute views to the Boundary Commission on the best ‘pattern’ of constituencies. The Commission is due to recommend its new boundaries to Parliament next year. Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says:

“Residents have an important role in the decision-making process so I would strongly urge everyone to get involved in this boundary review.”

All the information needed to see the proposals and contribute to the review can be found at www.bce2018.org.uk

GREEN FLAGS TO FLY HIGH

The Mayor of Erewash, Councillor Mary Hopkinson, will officially raise a Green Flag at the three sites in the borough that have been confirmed as among the best in the country. Erewash Borough Council retained its Green Flag awards for 2017 at the three sites – Long Eaton’s West Park; Straw’s Bridge Local Nature Reserve at West Hallam and Victoria Park in Ilkeston. The Mayor will be joined by members of the local Friends groups at the following flag raising ceremonies: West Park, Long Eaton – Thursday 2nd November at 2pm. Straw’s Bridge LNR, West Hallam - Thursday 9th November at 2pm. Victoria Park, Ilkeston – Thursday 16th November at 2pm.

Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:

“We know residents and our Friends volunteers share our pride in these three popular leisure sites and we all look forward to seeing the Green Flags continue to fly high above them – something which tells everyone they are right up there with the best in the country.”

THE PERFECT FITNESS GIFT

Residents looking for Christmas present ideas have the chance to give the perfect fitness gift to the women in their lives this festive season . . . thanks to a seasonal offer courtesy of Erewash Borough Council and Sport England’s ‘this girl can’ campaign. Gift-hunters can now buy a £15 fitness present that gives the lucky recipient six weeks all-inclusive membership at all four of the council’s Leisure Centres and includes the use of state of the art gyms, swimming, sauna and steam rooms, group exercise classes, and running track. There is no signing on fee and the Technogym key is included in the membership. The membership is for females aged 16 years and above. The offer is limited to 100 memberships on a first come, first served basis. Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:

“Giving someone the chance to use any of our fitness facilities and take part in workout activities for six weeks is a great and very healthy Christmas or birthday gift idea. We are grateful to Sport England and fully support the ‘this girl can’ campaign. With this in mind, we hope it would encourage women who receive this gift to carry on with a new healthy lifestyle. The gift offer is already selling fast - so get yours sorted quickly!”

The healthy gift includes a card and envelope giving all the information on how to start the membership. It is available to buy now from West Park Leisure Centre, Long Eaton; Sandiacre Friesland Leisure Centre; and Rutland Sports Park and Victoria Park Leisure Centre in Ilkeston. The gift can be activated anytime between now and 12th February 2018.

TIMES CHANGE AT FRIESLAND CENTRE

New opening hours at Sandiacre Friesland Sports Centre come into force on Monday 30th October after Erewash Borough Council approved the changes due to low levels of daytime usage on weekdays. The new hours are as follows:

· Monday to Friday Squash courts and gym 3pm – 10pm

All other activities 4.30pm – 10pm

· Saturday 8:30am – 6:30pm

· Sunday 9:30am – 7:00pm

Councillors agreed to reduce the opening hours after a report showed that over the last five years visits to the centre by residents during the day on weekdays were very low and the latest figures showed 89.87% of usage is during the evening and the weekend. A consultation was carried out on the revised opening hours, with responses from the public seeing little objection to the proposal and all comments received showed an understanding of the council’s position. Leisure facilities are on offer at nearby West Park Leisure Centre in Long Eaton for those who want to visit during the day. The move is expected to save the council just over £65,500 a year. Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:

 

“Everyone is well aware that these are financially challenging times for all local authorities and we continue to look at ways to save money and be more efficient. At our Sandiacre sports centre it is clear that the high demand to use the facilities is during the evening and weekends – and, as such, the new opening hours reflect this.”

The centre opened in 1975 and is in the grounds of Sandiacre Friesland School. A successful partnership agreement between the council and the school is in place which will see the school continue to use the sports hall and a range of facilities during term time.

TWO MEN ARRESTED FOR ATTEMPED MURDER

Police investigating an incident in Long Eaton in the early hours of Saturday morning October 14th are appealing for information. A call was received from a member of the public at around 4am reporting that a man had been injured in a car park on Orchard Street. When officers arrived an 18-year-old man was found with serious injuries and was taken to the Queens Medical Centre. West Gate and Gibb Street Car Park were cordoned off while a forensic team examined the scene. West Gate was reopened at 1pm but the Car Park remained closed. Detective Inspector Graham Prince said: “It appears that there has been some sort of altercation between two groups of men in or near to Manhattan’s bar on Clifford Street. This then continued in the car park off of Orchard Street where an 18-year-old man has allegedly been hit by a car. I would like to speak to anyone that was in Manhattan’s or around the Orchard Street area between 3am and 4am on Saturday morning who may have information that would assist with the investigation.” Two men, aged 18 and 33 both from the Nottingham area, have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder and have since been released under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 17000443076. You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. 0115