DOG OWNERS BEWARE

To all dog owners, please see the below warning from Trading Standards:-

Trading Standards are warning residents to be vigilant after an incident that occurred in Long Eaton.  A resident was called upon at home by a man who told her that her dog, a pedigree, needed to be taken into quarantine for a couple of days because it could pass on the Coronavirus.  This was an attempt to steal a valuable and loved pet. 
You can report incidents at trading.standards@derbyshire.gov.uk, or via the Citizen’s Advice helpline on 03454 04 05 06 or by contacting the police on 101.

101 CALLS ARE NOW FREE

Calls to the police non-emergency 101 number are now free of charge following a public campaign. The move was announced by the Home Office and comes as police forces across the UK prepare for the peak of the coronavirus pandemic. Previously, people who used the non-emergency police number were charged 15p per call. From April 1st the Home Office will cover the £7m per year it costs to fund the service. Welcoming the move, Derbyshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Hardyal Dhindsa said: "This is a positive development and ensures victims of crime including the most vulnerable in our communities will no longer have to pay for reporting crime or information.”

WEBSITE EXTRA TO GO WEEKLY

Due to the present pandemic and the suspension of advertising it was no longer viable to produce the paper in print. It was also considered unsafe to make deliveries to our 32 outlets (if open), especially as many of our readers were isolated in their homes.  So instead we published the last edition (Issue 261) on the website, where the paper started. Due to the high numbers of visits to the site the Long Eaton Website Extra has decided to publish weekly. The next edition Issue 262 will be online on Wednesday April 8th. The deadline for classified ads, family announcements and letters will be 6pm on Monday April 6th. Please contact the paper via longeatonweb@gmail.com or ring 0115 9731957 mob: 07504 691201 We will return to publishing the paper in print as soon as conditions allow.

GRANT SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES

Erewash Borough Council will confirm details of how new business rates support grants will be provided within the coming days. The government announced that it was providing extra support for business ratepayers and local authorities have been waiting to receive the government funding along with final guidance on the temporary measures in response to the Coronavirus. The council confirmed today that all business ratepayers who have a direct debit set up will be paid the grants automatically very shortly. Others will be contacted by letter, text or post with a form also available on the council’s website to complete a declaration and provide bank details.

The government announced a package of temporary grant funding measures aimed at supporting businesses through the disruption. These include small business grants of £10,000 for all businesses in receipt of small business rate relief or rural rate relief. Other support includes grants for businesses in the retail, leisure and hospitality sector of up to £25,000.  Councillor Wayne Major, Erewash Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources, says: “This is a fast-moving situation, with local authorities having to react and put measures in place across all service areas. As soon as the Chancellor announced the measures, we have been taking on board the guidance and will be in a position shortly to provide the grant support that we know so many businesses need at this time.”

Full details of the government’s business support measures can be found at gov.uk and the council will keep businesses informed locally through direct communication and via updates on its website and social media channels. 

DOMESTIC ABUSE MESSAGE

We are raising awareness of how you can contact us, or local support services, if you are experiencing domestic abuse. With increased measures to restrict the spread of coronavirus, many people in our communities are now isolating within their homes. Sadly, this means that we may see a rise in cases of domestic abuse as families and couples are spending more time in close quarters than ever before. We are committed to supporting anyone who finds themselves experiencing domestic abuse; being in isolation doesn't mean you're on your own. Domestic abuse is never ok. We also want to remind people who are worried about their own behaviour or actions that there is a support line available.

DCI Brian Bilby, from the force’s Public Protection Unit, said: “We know that ­coronavirus will have a serious impact on the lives of anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse. Fears over jobs, financial pressure, school closures, working from home and all the other current changes to our daily lives could result in an increase in domestic abuse incidents. If you’re already living with domestic abuse, then the current restrictions on movement to slow the spread of the virus have probably left you fearful of being isolated in the house with your abuser and as if there is nowhere to go for help. You may not be able to see the friends and family who usually support you, and some of the places where you go for help or treatment may be closed or offering a reduced service. Please remember that you can still call 999 if you or someone else is in danger.”

DCI Bilby said that while some domestic abuse support services are not currently offering face-to-face meetings, advice and support is still available on the phone or online.

In Derbyshire, the following services are available;
Derby City Domestic Abuse Service – 0800 085 3481
Derbyshire Domestic Abuse Service – 0800 019 8668
National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0808 200 0247
Men’s Advice Line – 0808 801 0327
National LBGT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline – 0800 999 5428
Rape and Sexual Violence Services – 01773 746 115
Sail Derbyshire – a variety of numbers are available via the website Sailderbyshire.org.uk

If you’re a child or young person and domestic abuse is happening in your home or relationship, then call Childline on 0800 1111.
If you are worried about hurting the ones you love whilst staying at home, call the Respect Phoneline for support and help to manage your behaviour, 0808 8024040.

BIN COLLECTION PROBLEMS

Because many people are working from home and self-isolating there are far more cars parked in the streets than normal. This has resulted in access being blocked to bin men which has resulted in some bins not being emptied. Erewash Borough Council has said: “Please park considerately. If our bin lorries can’t get down your street, they can’t empty your bins. Some bins in the following Long Eaton streets have been missed due to parked cars blocking access: Sandford Avenue (6 onwards); Friar Street (bottom half); and Gladstone Street. Bins have also been missed at Buller St, Ilkeston due to parked cars.”

PARKING CHARGES SUSPENDED

Erewash Borough Council has suspended all parking charges in its car parks with immediate effect. This means that parking is now free for everyone and parking charges have been suspended at all of the council’s car parks, including Long Eaton Train Station. Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says:

“Whilst there was already free parking for NHS workers, social care workers and NHS volunteers we have now decided to extend the free parking to all of our residents in all of our car parks. Parking will be free in all of the council’s car parks including the one at Long Eaton Train Station.”

The council is working extremely hard to protect key services in support of our residents and businesses, however there is likely to be some disruption due to the impact of the coronavirus.

 A list of all of the council’s car parks can be seen on the council’ website at erewash.gov.uk where you can also find updates to council services as a result of the Coronavirus.

PARKING CHARGES SUSPENDED

Erewash Borough Council has suspended all parking charges for NHS staff and key workers in its car parks with immediate effect. The move is aimed at helping and showing appreciation for key workers who need to park in the borough’s car parks for long periods as they continue to provide vital services. NHS health workers, social care workers, NHS volunteers and other key public workers will be able to park for free. The council is working extremely hard to protect key services in support of our residents and businesses, however there is likely to be some disruption due to the impact of the coronavirus. A list of all of the council’s car parks can be seen on the council’ website at erewash.gov.uk where you can also find updates to council services as a result of the Coronavirus.

PAPER TO GO ONLINE

LONG EATON WEBSITE EXTRA

The paper will not be published again in print until the present pandemic is over. However it will be published online and can be read on phone or computer by googling Long Eaton Website extra. The next issue no 261 will be online on Wednesday April 1st 2020.

FREE PARKING EXTENDED

Erewash Borough Council will delay the new car parking fees that were due to be implemented on 1 April until 1 September 2020 when the position will be reviewed. The decision to delay the charges has been taken to assist people who may be collecting items in Ilkeston and Long Eaton town centres on behalf of vulnerable people that may be in self-isolation due to the coronavirus.  The new charges were designed to encourage people to stay in the towns for longer and this would clearly be inappropriate in the current circumstances.  Councillor Michael Powell, Lead Member for Regeneration and Planning, and Councillor Dan Pitt, Lead Member for Town Centres at Erewash Borough Council, say:

“We realise that this is a difficult time for everyone so we are trying to make it easier for Erewash residents to help vulnerable people in the community. The hour of free parking will remain in place until further notice so that people can help those who may be self-isolating by picking up any items from the town centres that they may need.”

The council’s website will be updated with any changes to services as a result of the coronavirus -  erewash.gov.uk/serviceupdates. There will be no change to parking charges at Long Eaton Railway Station commuter car park.

NEW PUB RESTRICTIONS

Further to yesterday’s post about pubs still being able to serve alcohol on a strict takeaway basis, we would like to make people aware of a further change. As you know, the Prime Minister last night announced restrictions on movement across the UK in order to stem the spread of coronavirus among the population. Those tightened restrictions now mean that pubs can no longer serve alcohol even on a takeaway basis. Pubs can only remain serving food on a takeaway basis and only if they have a restaurant facility as food has been classified by the Government as the essential item – not alcohol. Restaurants and cafes can continue to serve takeaway food only.

We know that the vast majority of pub managers and licensees across Derbyshire are already abiding by the Government sanctions in the wake of COVID-19 and we would like to thank them. We are also aware that some pubs have continued to open and our licensing teams, together with local authorities, are already gathering information about them. Those who flout the regulations may face unlimited fines and the potential revocation of their license further down the line. This post is a reminder to people that unless they are included in a very specific list of businesses that can still operate, they must close.

That list can be found here, along with any exemptions: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/further-businesses-and-premises-to-close?utm_source=77e9a975-dcba-4146-b1f9-d36e8d01465f&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=govuk-notifications&utm_content=immediate

We also want to reassure the public that we are taking their reports seriously.

By taking this action and abiding by the social restrictions instigated by the Government, we can all try and stop the further spread of the coronavirus. Please stay home, and help us save countless lives together.

COVID 19

You will be aware that, as of 8.30pm last night, further measures have been put in place across the country to limit the movement of people, to help stop the spread of the coronavirus.
The new directions from the Prime Minister are that you may only leave your house for:
• shopping for basic necessities;
• one form of exercise a day;
• any medical need;
• travelling to and from work when “absolutely necessary.”
People are warned that:
• They should not meet friends or family members who they do not live with
• Shopping is only permitted for essentials like food and medicine, and people are advised to do it “as little as you can.”
Officers will disperse groups of more than two people who do not live in the same household, but we would anticipate that the vast majority of people will follow these new directions.
These are unprecedented steps for our county, region and country and we would urge everyone to help protect themselves, their families and the whole nation, by following the direction of the Prime Minister.
For further detail on these restrictions, see the Government’s guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others/full-guidance-on-staying-at-home-and-away-from-others

REASSURANCE FOR PEOPLE ACROSS EREWASH

 Government sets out £350 billion package to support businesses in wake of Coronavirus outbreak

People across Erewash are being given reassurance in the wake of the Coronavirus outbreak as the government sets out a £330 billion package of loans and guarantees to support businesses and a further £20 billion for business rates relief and grants. The measure is part of the Government’s ongoing response to Covid-19 to help support the economy. Local MP Maggie Throup said:

“We need to get behind businesses at this difficult time, so I am pleased that these measures have been put in place to support them.”

As well as business support, it is vital that people are made aware of the Government’s health message, which is designed to save lives and minimise suffering.  Maggie added:

“Healthwise, it’s so important that people stop non-essential contact with others and all unnecessary travel. This advice is particularly important for people over 70, for pregnant women and for those with some health conditions.  As the Prime Minister said, combating this virus will require a huge national effort. We must do all we can to save lives, protect our NHS and keep the most vulnerable people in our society safe.”

As part of the measures the Government has advised that people should work from home where they possibly can, and avoid pubs, clubs, theatres and other social venues, such as gathering with families and friends outside their own home. If anyone finds they have a high temperature or a new and continuous cough, then they should stay at home for fourteen days. That means that if possible, you should not go out even to buy food or essentials, other than for exercise, and in that case at a safe distance from others. If necessary, you should ask for help from others for your daily necessities. And if that is not possible, then you should do what you can to limit your social contact when you leave the house to get supplies. Maggie went on to say:

“It is vital that people carry on taking certain measures, such as hand washing. The advice from the NHS is that wash your hands with soap and water often, for at least 20 seconds and if soap and water is not available, use hand sanitiser gel.  You should also always cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze. Simple advice, but advice which can save lives. I know these are difficult times and everyone is worried, but I would like to reassure people here in Erewash that the Government is doing everything it can to keep everyone healthy and financially secure.”