BOOZE THIEF JAILED

A shoplifter who stole over £1000 worth of alcohol has been jailed. Carl Green, 40, of  Ilam Square, Ilkeston, entered Asda in Midland Street, Long Eaton, on January 7th and stole £118 of alcohol, he returned to Asda on January 13th and stole a further £273 worth of booze. On March 19th Green carried out an assault on a shop worker when he took two bottles of rum from Lidl in Derby Road, Langley Mill. On 28th March he returned to Asda for a third time and stole £284 of alcohol. His final offence was again at Asda supermarket, this time on April 6th, when he left with another £316 of alcohol. Green pleaded guilty to five counts of theft and one count of common assault when he appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court. Green, who had a previous criminal record for similar offences, was jailed for a total of 40 weeks and ordered him to pay a £122 victim surcharge.

15 YEAR OLD DIES AFTER COLLISION

A 15-year-old boy has died following a collision in Risley last night (Saturday 25th April).

Officers were called at 9.15pm to reports that a person had been struck by a vehicle and had been seriously hurt on Derby Road, Risley.

 Adam Barry, from Sandiacre, had been riding his bike at the time of the incident and was taken to Queen’s Medical Centre but sadly passed away. The family of the 15-year-old are being supported by specialist officers and our thoughts are with them, and Adam’s friends and loved ones, at this time.

The vehicle involved in the incident was travelling from Borrowash towards Risley when the collision occurred just outside the village. The vehicle did not stop at the scene and it is believed drove through Stanton, Ilkeston and Heanor following the incident.

The road was closed as officers investigated the scene and reopened at 5am.
Officers want to speak to anyone who was in the area, or in Stanton or Ilkeston, between 8.30pm and 9.45pm – in particular those drivers with dashcam footage or CCTV that may have captured a car with significant damage to the front nearside area of vehicle.

Detective Sergeant Darren Muggleton, from the force’s collision investigation unit, said: “My thoughts are with Adam’s family and friends and I would ask that their privacy is respected at this time.

“Officers are working on a number of significant lines of enquiry, however, we still require the public’s help to secure evidence vital to our investigation.

“I would urge anyone who was in the Risley area at the times above to please contact us if they witnessed anything that may be of help. In particular those with CCTV that shows Derby Road and any drivers who may have dashcam footage that shows a car with significant damage to the nearside front.

“We also believe that, following the collision, the car left the scene in the direction of Sandiacre and drove through Stanton, Ilkeston and Heanor. My same appeal goes to anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage in those areas that may help our enquiries into this incident.

“I would like to thank the members of the public who have already been in touch with us and have passed on vital information.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact us immediately on the 101 number with reference 1422-250420.

MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLOR DIES

A mental Health Counsellor from Leicester has died of Covid – 19. Health care workers have paid tribute to Ann Shepherd, 80,  who worked at the Moir Centre. Long Eaton, for 26 years. Colleagues said she was held in high esteem by everyone she worked with and was a true professional who touched the lives of many.

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITIES

Erewash Borough Council has released funds through its Community Grants Scheme to help local voluntary groups and organisations during these difficult times. Applications for funding of up to £2,000 can be made now and the council is particularly keen to support projects and initiatives that are helping the local community face the exceptional challenges caused by coronavirus.  The grants scheme has helped hundreds of local groups and sporting organisations over the years and the release of the latest funds is to support all the vital charity and voluntary work that is going on right now in the borough. The council wants to hear from as many organisations as possible ahead of the closing deadline for applications of 5.30pm on Thursday 21st May. Grants are awarded for projects that help Erewash residents and in the past have been awarded to community groups, pre-school groups, churches, village hall charities and organisations that offer support in countless ways to the young and old. Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says:

“This funding is the first of this financial year and we have moved quickly to put it in place so we can help the important voluntary and charity work that we know is going on right now. We are well aware that many charities and organisations are facing problems, which is why we have re-acted immediately to get this funding up and running.”

Councillor Val Clare, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Community Engagement, has also sent a message to local groups:

“We want to hear from everyone, but we are especially keen to support those who are helping vulnerable people. We applaud and thank all those involved who have stepped up to the mark and are out there supporting those who are most at risk in our communities. Please apply for up to £2,000.”

All applications are welcome, but new grant requests might include projects, for example, that are providing food and necessities, support to help people deal with isolation, befriending schemes and health initiatives to help people stay mobile and active. Applications are also welcome to help cover running costs as a result of responding to COVID-19, for example the cost of recruiting, training and supporting volunteers to deliver essential services such as telephone calls, rent, gas and electricity and other costs, where this has not already been provided from another source. Full details of the Community Grants Scheme and an online application form can be found at www.erewash.gov.uk/grants 

PASS THE PARCEL

More than 50 food parcels have now been sent out in seven deliveries to some of the most vulnerable people in Erewash. Erewash Borough Council’s Neighbourhood Warden Service is delivering the emergency parcels to the doorstep of those who are registered as being isolated and medically vulnerable, at the highest risk from coronavirus. The parcels contain items that will last a week and the number of these food boxes going out weekly is expected to increase significantly over the coming weeks. Around 30 council staff have already volunteered to help with the community effort when needed. Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says:

“These food parcels are a lifeline for the most vulnerable in our borough and residents can be assured that we are getting these deliveries out as soon as we receive them at our depot in Ilkeston.”

The government scheme to provide weekly food parcels is being co-ordinated by Derbyshire County Council, which is distributing parcels to the borough and district councils to deliver to targeted residents. In Erewash, the food parcels are delivered on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The parcels are being targeted at those who have to self-isolate for medical reasons and who have registered with the DWP that they need help. Anyone who feels they need help can make a request via www.derbyshire.gov.uk/gethelp or Derbyshire County Council’s community response unit helpline 01629 535091 Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturdays 9am to 1pm. Phone lines may be busy so please be patient.

MAGGIE REQUESTS CONSULTATION SUSPENSION

Erewash MP Maggie Throup has written to the Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Cllr. Barry Lewis, to request that the Authority immediately suspends its public consultation into the closure of care homes across Derbyshire for the duration of the Coronavirus pandemic. In her letter, Maggie, who has publicly opposed the closure of Ladycross House Local Authority Care Home in Sandiacre, said that to continue with the consultation during the nationwide lockdown would put “the democratic process in jeopardy”. In addition, she also argued that the step-down beds that have been commissioned at Ladycross by Derby & Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group would become even more crucial in the weeks and months ahead. Commenting on her letter, Maggie said:

 “Life at the moment does not and should not feel normal. The Country is facing its greatest challenge since the war, and I know that Derbyshire County Council is working around the clock to help residents and businesses to deal with the effects of the Coronavirus pandemic. It is therefore only common sense to suspend the public consultation into the closure of local authority care homes across Derbyshire, including Ladycross, until after this crisis has passed. This will allow the County Council to prioritise its resources to where they are most needed and ensure that step-down beds like those at Ladycross are available to relieve pressure on our NHS, whilst also upholding the people’s democratic right to properly scrutinise their elected representatives about such an important decision.  I will continue to oppose these closures, including presenting my petition to Parliament, but this process should be conducted transparently and not behind closed doors.”

WASTE NOT WANT NOT

Local residents are being urged to back the nationwide effort that encourages people to reduce waste in these challenging times when resources are stretched to the limit. In Erewash, the borough council is focusing its efforts on household waste and recycling collections – but has appealed to residents for their help in these unprecedented times by adapting to the changed circumstances that everyone is experiencing. The challenge facing everyone is to minimise the household waste and look at ways of packing or reducing recyclable waste. By doing this, residents can make a valuable contribution to the community-wide effort to help refuse collections continue as efficiently as possible. Here are some very simple key messages where you can help:

• Please don’t put recyclable waste in black bins. This takes up space in the collection vehicles needed for general household rubbish. Crush down all recycling items you are putting in blue bins/green bags. For example, flatten cardboard boxes and plastic bottles/cartons – don’t just throw them straight in the bin. This way you will create more space.
• The government has issued a plea for householders not to burn recyclable waste.
• As tempting as it is, avoid big clear-outs at this time unless you have somewhere to store all the items you could recycle or send to a charity shop once things return to normal.
• Make the most of the food you have. Be a champion of the ‘don’t waste food’ campaign.
• Do not be tempted to use ‘waste cowboys’ to get rid of your rubbish. The household recycling centres are currently closed, so the waste will almost certainly be fly-tipped. There has been an increase in fly-tipping across the country and this is not acceptable.

 Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Environment, Councillor Garry Hickton, says:

“We do understand the challenges everyone is facing right now, day in and day out, when it comes to generating waste. It is especially difficult, we know, for family households. But I hope everybody understands why we are appealing for people to work with us and see that among their many challenges is one that requires them to reduce waste wherever they can. If we can all do our bit, it will reduce the strain on our waste collection services. We are all in this together.”

There is plenty of advice and ideas online to help meet the challenges and support the refuse collections:

www.erewash.gov.uk for an A-Z of waste and recycling.

www.derbyshire.gov.uk – under ‘environment’ you will find a range of advice, including on home composting and kitchen scraps.

www.lovefoodhatewaste.com – lots of ideas, including recipes with your leftover ingredients. 

COUNCIL TAX SUPPORT

Hundreds of people have been in touch with Erewash Borough Council asking to change their Council Tax payment method due to the difficulties faced with the coronavirus lockdown. Nearly 600 taxpayers have so far asked for help and want to take advantage of the flexible payment plans being offered by the council in these difficult times. Residents can ask to delay their payments until June, while it is also possible to apply to pay weekly, fortnightly or half-yearly. Instalments can also be stretched over 12 months rather than the usual 10. Councillor Wayne Major, Erewash Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources, says:

“We are here to offer what support we can and we hope these payment options will help those residents who may be struggling. Our team is working hard to process all the applications so residents can have their requests in place as quickly as possible.”

In addition approximately 4,500 people registered on the Council Tax Support Scheme (CTS) in Erewash will each receive up to £150 towards their payments through government funding that was released to all local authorities to help those in need. People registered on CTS will be contacted direct by the council to confirm additional support. CTS helps households of working age with low income, whether in work, unemployed or retired. The council is urging residents to register for a My Erewash account via its website where they will find full information and relevant online forms – including one to apply for CTS and a form to delay payments called ‘Council Tax - Delay Recovery Request’.

EREWASH BUSINESS

JDP FURNITURE GO INTO ADMINISTRATION

Hundreds of jobs are at risk after Long Eaton-based furniture group JDP Furniture slumped into administration. The firm a holding company for Welbeck House, Wade Upholstery, JDP Furniture, JDP Frames, Ikon by Celebrity, Cintique, Celebrity and Arlo and Jacob brands, have appointed FRP Advisory as administrators. The company who make and import furniture has a showroom in Wellington Street, Long Eaton. Three years ago, after declining sales it made 32 people redundant and put a halt to sales to the independent retail sector. Following its latest set of accounts, JDP Furniture pointed to difficult trading conditions as a reason for revenue dropping.

The company said trading conditions had been “difficult” as it reported its revenue had dropped from £43.2m to £37.6m. The company have lost a total of £5.5m over the last two years, with revenues dropping by over £10m. JDP employed 540 people at its Long Eaton plant. 

TURNOVER DOWN AT GILLS

The turnover at Gill Marine Holdings, dropped and its pre-tax losses widened during the latest financial year. The Long Eaton based firm has reported a turnover of £15.8m for the 12 months to 30th September 2019, down from £17.2m. Over the same period its pre-tax losses went from £251,401 to £1.6m. Gill producers a wide range of accessories and clothing which is exported to more than 40 countries. The figures follow YFM Equity Partners departure having sold its stake in the company at the end of 2018. The accounts were filed with Companies House on 5th April after being signed off on 13th March, while the Covid-19 pandemic was starting to hit the UK economy. A statement by the board said: "In 2019 the company has faced turbulent economic conditions including the ongoing Brexit situation. Despite this difficult environment the company has continued to invest in order to increase brand awareness. The directors are happy with the strength of the group's balance sheet and expectations are that we will see improvements and growth in 2020."

NURSERY GROUP KEEP DOORS OPEN

Children 1st Day Nurseries, which is based in Long Eaton is managing to keep its doors open for children of key workers thanks to a £1.6 million funding boost. The group has 24 sites across the Midlands and South Yorkshire and is managing to keep its sites open throughout the coronavirus crisis after securing a loan from Lloyds Bank. The family-owned business employs 600 people and has continued to provide care for children whose parents are key workers, since the Government’s shutdown of schools and nurseries. Never the less the group has faced a significant fall in revenue since the lockdown, with just 15% of around 4,000 children it usually provides care for currently attending its nurseries. Children 1st has also suspended nursery fees for parents facing financial hardship during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The popular Orchid Wood site between Breaston and Wilne has been granted Local Nature Reserve (LNR) status. On the 7th April members of Erewash Borough Council’s Executive  agreed that the area is a valuable open space for the local community and nature conservation. Orchid Wood is in a rural setting next to Church Wilne Reservoir and close to St Chad’s Water, the River Derwent and several local wildlife sites. It is a popular site with walkers, dog walkers and those who enjoy woodland settings and birdlife. Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says:

“Orchid Wood is at the heart of lovely rural and scenic landscapes and is incredibly popular with walkers. We firmly believe the site deserves to be a Local Nature Reserve to give it the protection it deserves.”

The decision, taken at a meeting of Council Executive today, follows a consultation last year with the public and key partners including Derbyshire Wildlife Trust and Natural England. The wood, which is off Sawley Road in Breaston, was formerly a gravel and sand pit which was filled in during 1997-98 and nearly 10,500 trees and shrubs planted. The site takes its name from an orchid glade within the woodland. It was decided that Council Executive should go ahead today at Ilkeston Town Hall so council business can continue, but with sensible precautions in place. A quorum of three Lead Members were able to meet safely along with the chief executive and one council officer.

FLY TIPPERS WILL BE PROSECUTED

In a plea to local residents, the council is asking people to think carefully about creating excess rubbish until a time when it can be disposed of properly. This is following recent fly-tipping incidents at Ilkeston Town Football Club and West Park in Long Eaton. Erewash Borough Council is warning people that they will face prosecution if they fly-tip and are reminded not to post on social media for ‘a man with a van’ to dispose of household waste. Only licensed waste carriers can dispose of household waste, however, given the current situation and in sticking with the Government’s Stay at Home guidelines, it is advised that people keep waste to a minimum and hold any excess until household recycling centres are reopened. If the items are instead dumped, the person who the waste belongs to and the person who dumped the waste could face prosecution. Fines are up to £50,000 - unlimited if it goes to the Crown Court, or an offender can be sent to prison. If fly-tipped waste is traced back to a particular household, the householders could be fined up to £5,000. Councillor Garry Hickton, Lead Member for Environment at Erewash Borough Council, says:

“It is disappointing to see that some people would choose to blight the borough at a time like this. We understand that people want to get rid of their waste but we would like to gently remind residents of the laws around fly-tipping. It is a serious offence which can result in substantial fines for those who are prosecuted. We would urge people to refrain from advertising for someone to dispose of their waste – if the waste is then dumped you could be the one left out of pocket.”

More information on fly-tipping can be found at erewash.gov.uk. You can report incidents of Fly-tipping via My Erewash. Garden waste collections are currently suspended to ensure that black and blue bin collections can continue at a time when resources are limited. 

LONG EATON DAD TO RUN LOCKDOWN HALF MARATHON

A Long Eaton dad plans to run a half marathon for charity after the London Marathon was postponed. Sales manager Pete Collins, 35, of Charlton Avenue has got the whole neighbourhood involved and hopes to raise more than £1,500.

The run will take place at 9am on Saturday April 11th on Charlton Avenue, Long Eaton. Pete said: I should have been running the London Marathon on April 26th but with its postponement due to the current Corona Virus situation and the subsequent lockdown we have all been placed in, this will now not happen.

I have come up with the idea of running a minimum of a half marathon (13.1 Miles) up and down my street (Charlton Avenue, Long Eaton, Derbyshire) on Saturday 11th April. This equates to running the length of my street approximately 110 times to complete the minimum distance.

I am fundraising for two charities, the first being the Motor Neurone Disease Association, for whom I should have been running the London Marathon for and to which I lost my Father and Aunty too. The second charity is Cancer Research UK. Since the lockdown, our street has become closer as a community and as such, we have a number of residents who have been affected by cancer, some of whom are currently directly affected and undergoing treatment.

To help Pete raise the money click here

STAY AT HOME

A Message Worth Repeating Is Delivered In Time For Warmer Weather

We have teamed up with partners across Derbyshire to deliver a message worth repeating: stay at home, protect the NHS, and save lives. We’re releasing this short video together ahead of the predicted warmer weather this weekend, and the Easter weekend that follows. It is our duty to try and limit the spread of coronavirus but we know that with sunnier skies comes the temptation to go out and get together with family and friends. But it is critically important that we all continue to abide by the ongoing restrictions on movement and the rules on social distancing.
Everyone featured in this video plays a role in society that means they don’t have the luxury of staying at home. They all head out to work every day to keep our society moving. So please watch the short clip and remember that we are all in this together.
We need to protect the NHS, and by staying at home and heading out only locally, we can all play our part in saving lives

This video has been created by a team including Derbyshire Constabulary, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service, Derbyshire County Council, Derby City Council, Derby Mountain Rescue Team, the Peak District National Park Authority, High Peak Borough Council, South Derbyshire District Council, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Chesterfield Royal Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, the University Hospitals of Derby and Burton, and the Central England Co-op.

You can watch the video by clicking this link:-
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5SVEJN_rLX4

Message Sent By
Carole Woodall