STICK TO COVID RESTRICTIONS

All households across Erewash will soon receive an information pack from local MP Maggie Throup, including a letter and a booklet explaining the Government’s plan to ease lockdown and stressing the importance of sticking to the current ‘Stay at Home’ restrictions. This latest public awareness campaign has been designed by Maggie in response to concerns that case numbers across Erewash remain stubbornly high and are not falling at the same rate as seen elsewhere in Derbyshire or indeed across the country. Launching her Roadmap Campaign, Maggie said:

“Having monitored COVID infection rates closely over the course of the pandemic, it is clear that cases of COVID remain stubbornly high in many parts of Erewash and are not reducing at the rate we would expect. 

“Whilst this trend cannot be attributed to one single cause, having investigated the situation with senior officials from both National and Local Government, including Derbyshire’s Director of Public Health, it appears that it can, in part, be explained by an increase in household mixing resulting in community spread. I have therefore taken action to remind residents of the importance of continuing to comply with the current lockdown rules, as well as to explain the route back to freedom in more detail. We have come too far and made too many sacrifices to fall at the final hurdle, and whilst there is light at the end of the tunnel thanks to the successful rollout of the vaccination programme, for now, I must urge everyone to continue to remain at home, protect our NHS and save lives.”

Maggie added: “This campaign has only been possible as the result of the excellent work of local printers, Jenson Press, based in Ilkeston who turned around the printing in record time.”

LONG EATON ART CLUB

A Message from Long Eaton Art Club. As we see the first signs of spring the desire to pick up the paint brush must be stirring all over the county. But with our clubs and exhibitions still closed how do we show each other our work. Well you can use your own front window. In the Derby and down our street in Long Eaton, we have been displaying our pictures of daffodils, and nationally there has been the ‘Great Big Art Exhibition’ idea of showing your art work in your front window or porch. Sky Arts have been doing the Portrait Artist of the Week again and promoting the idea exhibiting your work in your windows as well as online. So don’t be despondent, get painting and drawing and show the world your work and be ready for when the art clubs are back. Daffodils, along with snowdrops and crocus’s can provide inspiration for us all. Clare Devlin from Derry Girls was the first subject in the latest series of Portrait Artist of the Week.

Cliff Dowler Long Eaton and District Art Club.

MAN STABBED IN STAPLEFORD

A man has died following an incident in Stapleford. Emergency services were called to an address in Moorbridge Lane shortly before 6.20am on Wednesday March 3rd after a man suffered stab wounds. Raymond Dixon, 77, died of his injuries shortly afterwards. Ann Dixon, 48, of Moorbridge Lane, was charged with murder on Thursday afternoon and remanded into custody. She appeared at Nottingham Magistrates Court on Friday morning. Detective Chief Inspector Rob Routledge, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: “This was a tragic and distressing incident in which a man has lost his life. As our investigation continues we are also working to support the victim’s family at what we know will be an incredibly difficult time.”

MAKING BUSINESSES COVID SECURE

COVID-19 ‘spot checks’ will begin on 8th March on businesses in Erewash to ensure they have the proper safety measures in place to help tackle the virus. Erewash Borough Council is working with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and local public health authorities to track and understand any patterns in confirmed coronavirus cases in the area – with the main aim being to provide guidance to manage risk and to protect workers, customers and visitors. However, businesses are warned that immediate action will be taken against those found not to be properly managing this. This can range from giving specific advice with follow-up visits, issuing enforcement notices, stopping certain work practices until they are made safe and, where businesses fail to comply, it could lead to prosecution. Councillor Garry Hickton, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Environment, says: “We will be working with our partners to visit and inspect sites around the borough to assess how they are managing risks. This means we will be continuing to talk to our business community and highlighting the legal duty it has to protect workers and others from harm. We will work with them and impress on them the importance of adapting procedures where necessary to ensure their safety and that of the wider community here in Erewash.” Nationally, the HSE has found common issues during spot checks to be a failure by businesses to monitor, supervise and maintain social distancing and the lack of an adequate cleaning regime, particularly during busy times. Councillor Carol Hart, the Leader of Erewash Borough Council, has given her support to the start of the spot checks next week: “This is all about being supportive to businesses, their workforce and our residents – with the overall aim of ensuring the best safety measures are in place to benefit the health of everyone and, of course, support the local economy. We are well aware that the vast majority of businesses have been very responsible. Where failings are found during checks we will give advice, but I can assure everyone that action will be taken if necessary.” Being COVID-secure means that businesses need to put adjustments in place to manage the risk and protect workers and others from coronavirus. For the latest information and safer business guidance, visit www.gov.uk

COUNCIL TAX 21-22

A recommendation that Erewash Borough Council raises its share of council tax for 2021/22 by 2.61% - £5 per annum for a Band D property - is expected to be sent to the council’s budget setting meeting on 4th March. A meeting of Council Executive on Wednesday 24th February looks set to send a recommendation to next month’s Full Council that the proposed £5 increase would mean that the council’s charge for a Band D property would increase from £191.59 to £196.59 per annum. If agreed, that will mean an increase of 10p per week on the council’s charge for a Band D property. The council has worked hard to keep the proposed increase in its share of the Council Tax bill to a minimum despite the financial challenges that have faced all local authorities in recent years and the severe global impact of the COVID-19 pandemic over the last year. A report that is expected to go to full council on 4th March says that based on current assumptions, up to £1m of further savings may need to be found in 2022/23 to achieve a balanced budget - but that the council’s record in achieving savings over the last decade suggest that, with adequate planning, it is an achievable task. Councillor Wayne Major, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources, says: “We are proud of our record of being a robust council that works hard to provide the best front-line services for our residents. We strive to find the best ways of meeting the continuing financial pressures and we know there are very tough challenges still ahead – but Erewash remains strong.” Only 11% of the total council tax bill that residents pay goes to the Borough Council. The rest is for services provided by Derbyshire County Council, the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner, Derbyshire Fire and Rescue and Parish Councils – Erewash has no control over the charges set by these organisations. The virtual meeting of Council Executive is at 10.30am on Wednesday 24th February. It will be live-streamed on YouTube via a link from the council’s committee pages at www.erewash.gov.uk

BLOOMING LOVELY

Local businesses, parish councils, community groups and residents are once again being invited to show their pride in Erewash by sponsoring colourful flower baskets to put the feel-good factor in the borough over the summer. The award-winning summertime planting and floral displays, attached to lamp columns, are always hugely popular with residents and help brighten up the towns and villages ensuring that the borough blossoms throughout the summer months. The sponsorship fee is currently £102.00 per year (based on a 3 year contract) and covers everything from the cost of the basket and plants, through to watering, maintenance and an optional sponsorship plaque. Leader of Erewash Borough Council, Councillor Carol Hart, said: “The sponsorship scheme offers businesses, parish councils and our residents the chance to play their part in helping Erewash bloom and support Pride in Erewash. When the flowers have blossomed the baskets look stunning, and this year they will help symbolise what we all hope will be a brighter summer for us all.” Anyone interested in sponsoring a flower basket should complete and return an application form by Wednesday 31 March 2021. Forms can be obtained from the Green Space & Street Scene Team by emailing parks@erewash.gov.uk or telephone 0115 907 2244. Due to limited availability, applications will be dealt with on a first come, first served basis.

NUISANCE MOTORCYCLISTS

Appeal after nuisance motorcyclists filmed in Long Eaton The incident occurred at around 12.50pm on 15 February on the canal path off Bennet Street. The pair were videoed riding on the path and, when they were videoed by a member of the public, they became aggressive and attempted to grab the woman’s phone. Anyone who recognises the pair, or has any information about them, is asked to contact Derbyshire police using any of above methods, including reference 21*091639

MOTORBIKE RECOVERED AND MAN ARRESTED IN STAPLEFORD

A stolen motorbike was recovered and a suspect arrested after police were called to a break-in. Officers were called to Ryecroft Street, Stapleford, at around 2.45am on February 23rd after a resident disturbed two people attempting to start a motorcycle in his garden. When challenged the suspects abandoned the bike and ran off towards Central Avenue. A 22-year-old man was later tracked down by a police dog and arrested near Mackinlay Avenue on suspicion of theft. He remains in police custody. The bike was found to have been taken from a garden shed in neighbouring Welch Avenue. Inspector Simon Riley, district commander for Broxtowe, said: “This was a good bit of work from officers who were on the scene extremely quickly. The suspects fled through back gardens but one of them was unable to avoid the attentions of the police dog that sniffed him out. “Nottinghamshire Police takes all theft offences extremely seriously and will always respond quickly when offences are in progress. I am delighted that on this occasion we were able to return this bike to its rightful owner.” If you have any additional information that may help police track down the second suspect, please call 101 quoting incident 43 of 23 February.

APPEAL FOLLOWING ALLEGED LONG EATON ROBBERY

The incident happened around 6 pm on Friday 19 February on College Street, near the Peking House Chinese takeaway. A teenager was allegedly threatened and injured with a knife and a designer scarf was stolen. The offender made off towards Long Eaton town centre. Inquiries have been ongoing and officers are releasing the images in the hope the someone may recognise this person. They would also like to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time, or with information, who officers have not yet spoken to. Do you have any ideas who the person in the image could be, or were you in the area? If you have any information which you think could help with our inquiries, please contact us on the methods below quoting reference 21*100184 and the name of the officer in the case PC Adam Hebbron. • Facebook– send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary • Twitter– direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact • Website– complete the online contact form derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us. • Phone – call us on 101. You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

FOR WHOM IT TOLLS

A celebration to mark the start of work on Ilkeston’s iconic 1930s crescent-shaped Toll Bar building will take place on Tuesday 16th February at 12noon – a project that will bring new opportunities for small businesses in Erewash. The Leader of Erewash Borough Council, Councillor Carol Hart, and Councillor Michael Powell, Lead Member for Regeneration and Planning, will join contractors to celebrate the launch of work on one of Ilkeston’s most distinctive buildings. Toll Bar House sits alongside Ilkeston’s White Lion Square roundabout at the gateway to the town centre and, now owned by Erewash Borough Council, it was originally built for Nottingham Electric Power Company.

Erewash Borough Council and its partners have now started work to upgrade, redevelop and revitalise the landmark building as part of a £850,000 environmental project to transform it into an energy and water efficient building to help combat climate change. The refurbishment of the art deco landmark will house accommodation suitable for small and growing companies where office space is constrained in Ilkeston.

The project will include creating 22 offices, shared meeting rooms, kitchen and bathroom facilities with the flexibility to combine spaces to create larger letting units and the development of old garages to form workshop space. D2N2 - the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham and Nottinghamshire - has allocated £425,000 from its Local Growth Fund allocation towards the refurbishment.

Councillor Michael Powell, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration and Planning, says: “In these challenging times that we still face, this is such good news and we thank all our partners for getting this vital project underway. Toll Bar House is such a landmark building and it is a credit to all involved that work has started in these difficult times to transform it and offer high quality office space and allow the opportunity to attract new businesses to our borough. It is difficult to put a price on this project – it will be priceless to local business.”

YOUR MUSEUM NEEDS YOU

Erewash Museum is encouraging its supporters and visitors to have their say on how they would like to see the hugely popular museum develop over the next few years. The award-winning museum is asking the public for its help by completing a short online survey to help shape the museum and also to understand what visitors would like to see once its doors are open to the public again. The museum welcomes visitors of all ages and runs events such as the Beach during the summer, themed activity weeks during the school holidays, plus a variety of exhibitions showcasing local talent and historical times. 

By filling in the survey people will have the chance to have their say in helping the museum to plan for even more exciting events and unique exhibitions. Complete the short survey at www.erewash.gov.uk/community/consultations before 5.30pm on Wednesday 24th February to share thoughts and ideas. Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, says: “Erewash Museum is a much-loved attraction in the boroug, and it is a vital part of Ilkeston’s heritage. I urge all of you to spend a few minutes completing the online survey to have your say in the future of our fantastic museum.” 

For more information about the survey please contact Helen.Martinez@erewash.gov.uk EBC's Museum Service Manager. 

CAT CHARITY TO SPEAK AT CONFERENCE

AdvoCATS, a Long Eaton-based cat charity has been invited to participate in a Zoom conference, hosted by Romford MP Andrew Rosindell, on February 26th. The event will discuss legislation the MP is proposing that would place strict limits on the ability of landlords to include “no pets” policies in rented accommodation.  His Bill, called “Jasmine’s Law”, had its first reading in Parliament last October. Co-founder of AdvoCATS, Jennifer Berezai, will provide a presentation on pet damage insurance options for landlords and tenants, and, additionally, describe how the charity’s free practical support and advice service to tenants and landlords has, in many instances, resolved the problem of a ban on pets in rented properties.  Only around 7% of landlords currently advertise their properties as being suitable for pets, and many of them charge a monthly “pet rent” top up.  

 The deposit cap imposed by the Tenant Fees Act 2019 wiped out the scope for a landlord to request a pet deposit from animal owning tenants, and with that, most landlords opted for blanket “no pets” clauses in their rental contracts. Now real change is likely - with last month’s new Model Tenancy Agreement and the #JasminesLaw campaign – however, landlords have concerns about being able to recoup any damage costs caused by pets they were reluctant to allow in the first place. Pet damage insurance could be an acceptable solution, believes Jennifer Berezai. “For far less than the extra "pet rent" charged by some landlords, tenants could obtain more cover for damage to a landlord's property by a pet or pets than the pet deposit ever provided. While currently there are few such policies, and there is a significant lack of publicity around them, greater awareness and a change in the law would lead to more being developed.

 

“We see this as an absolute game changer for the landlord/tenant/pet relationship, and if a landlord's right to request that such insurance was held was enshrined in law, it would go a very long way to allowing tenants to keep pets they have or adopt for the first time. We'd therefore like to see the Tenant Fees Act's secondary legislation, the List of Permitted Payments, amended to include pet damage insurance. Many pets that had loving homes are being surrendered to shelters, abandoned - or worse, being put to sleep - because of ‘no pets’ clauses faced by people moving home. It's time to put an end to responsible pet owners being refused permission to keep their human and furry family together, and we will continue to support Andrew with his Bill as it progresses through Parliament. Change is long overdue, but change which is fair to all parties has a greater chance of success.”

 

* The title of the webinar is  #APetInEveryHome - Jasmine's Law and pets in an age of lockdown and the speakers are listed in the link:

https://parliament-uk.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_QB-ky2nxRbqE2BjscSbPDQ

 *Tenants or landlords seeking to resolve an issue with keeping a pet in a rental property can contact AdvoCATSeastmids at advocatsem@gmail.com or visit the website at www.advocatseastmids.org.uk for further information.

CLAP FOR TOM

Firefighters stood outside their station in Long Eaton, while lights flashed from a fire engine and clapped in memory of the 100-year-old World War Two veteran who died from Covid-19 while in Bedford Hospital on Tuesday, February 2nd. They joined the nation in a clap at 6pm on Wednesday February 3rd, organised by Prime Minister Boris Johnson, to honour the life of Captain Sir Tom. In the lead up to his birthday Sir Tom raised almost £33m for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden during the first lockdown. In Twitter post which included a video of fire workers, Long Eaton On-Call Fire crew said: “We salute you Captain Tom!

LONG EATON BURGLARIES

A 31-year-old man has been charged with three burglaries in Long Eaton. Robert Moss was remanded to prison after being charged with three burglaries in the Long Eaton area. He is alleged to have burgled homes in Parkside Avenue on 1st January, Curzon Street on 6th January and Springfield Avenue on 27 January. Robert Moss, of Upper Wellington Street, appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates’ Court on 29th January where he was remanded to prison.

Inspector Ed Browne, who leads the policing team in Erewash, said: “In the three cases detailed above - a number of allegedly stolen items have been found behind walls, in bushes and around bins.  “I would therefore ask that people in the Long Eaton area keep their eyes open to items such as bags, wallets or jewellery that appear to have been abandoned in unusual areas. If you do find anything that may be of interest please contact the force.”

Anyone who has found something that may be of interest to officers is asked to contact Derbyshire police using any of the below methods, including reference 21*009894:

           Facebook– send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary                                Twitter– direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact                           Website complete the online contact form police.uk/Contact-Us.                                 Phone – call us on 101.

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111 or by visiting www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

We’re sharing this as part of Operation Derbyshire, a dedicated operation which sees staff and officers highlighting the excellent work that is going on to tackle certain crime types which you, our communities, told us you wanted to hear more about via the Police and Crime Commissioner’s public consultation.

These crimes include speeding; wildlife, heritage and rural crime, and community crimes like anti-social behaviour.

Operation Derbyshire runs until the end of May and will also showcase the work that we and our partners do to support victims and bring offenders to justice.

You can follow our work on social media by following #OpDerbyshire.

ALCOHOL SEIZED IN LONG EATON

More than a dozen cans of Carling were seized from youths who had gathered in Shakespeare Street Long Eaton. Local PCSOs had been called out after reports of youths damaging a defibrillator. The youths thought they could run away along with their box of Carling but PCSOs soon caught up with them and seized the alcohol. The incident occurred at 1.50pm on Friday January 29th. A spokesman for Derbyshire police confirmed no damage was found to the defibrillator and that warnings were given for behaviour and coronavirus-related issues. There were no arrests and parents were informed.