LONG EATON ART CLUB

Long Eaton Art Club, March 2021

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

POLL CARDS SIGNAL ELECTION COUNTDOWN

More than 86,000 poll cards in total will be hand-delivered across Erewash between 26th March and 8th April to residents who are on the voting register. Delivery of the poll cards is the first key stage in the countdown to the local elections on Thursday 6th May, when voters in the borough will elect nine councillors to represent the Erewash area on Derbyshire County Council. They will also vote for the election of a Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner. The poll card gives electors their voter number and details of their polling station - or it will confirm details for those residents who have requested a postal vote. Residents who want to check that they are registered to vote in Erewash can ask via an online form at www.erewash.gov.uk - click on ‘The Council’ and ‘Elections’ to find the form that will be responded to within one working day.

This year’s elections will be held in covid-secure polling stations with a range of safety measures in place. The easiest way for people to cast their vote is to have a postal vote, with new applications needing to be made by the deadline of 5pm on Tuesday 20th April Anyone who needs to apply should email electreg@erewash.gov.uk  or call 0115 907 1190.

 In Little Eaton, electors will also vote on their village’s Neighbourhood Plan while in the parish wards of Borrowash East and Borrowash West voters will also be given ballot papers for Parish Council elections.

NEW HOMES YOUR VIEWS NEEDED

A second round of public consultation on Erewash Borough Council’s proposed sites for new housing over the next two decades looks set to get the go-ahead. An Extraordinary meeting of the council has been called for Thursday 25th March, when councillors will be asked to vote on a further exercise to get underway to ask the public for their views. A report going to the meeting shows that following last year’s 12-week consultation (extended to July 2020), the council has made some changes to its original preferred options for sites to meet the borough’s housing needs. The original proposals included building new homes on the Green Belt at four local sites – west of Acorn Way in Oakwood; adjacent to Cotmanhay Wood, Ilkeston; a site south-east of Kirk Hallam; and land north of Lock Lane, Sawley. However, it is recommended that Lock Lane is dropped from a new revised list of options for housing growth, with the council’s report saying no solutions have been found to development issues caused by the busy low level freight rail crossing near the site. Councillors will be advised that another proposed Green Belt site would replace Lock Lane in the next round of consultation – a site on the borough’s boundary with Derby City north of Spondon alongside Spondon Wood.

The report also outlines further proposed changes to the earlier preferred sites:

·         An extension to the original development at Kirk Hallam, due to a now reduced area of housing capacity on four fields north of Cotmanhay and west of Cotmanhay Wood. The owner of land east of the Wood, which was also included in the original consultation, has said they do not wish to develop their land for housing.

·         It says extension of the site south west of Kirk Hallam would sit alongside land within the proposed Kirk Hallam Relief Road and help with the go-ahead of that road.

The brownfield Stanton Regeneration Site will remain as a proposal for a 1,000 home community south of Lows Lane. This follows the sale of half of the former Ironworks site to the north of Lows Lane for employment development. Councillor Michael Powell, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration and Planning, says: “The reality is that we have to meet the housing needs for the residents of our borough, initially over the next five years, and then the next, nearly two decades. This process is vital in meeting the targets the government has set and we thank everyone for giving us their views so far. We have listened to comments, reviewed them in detail and made changes as we move forward. A second round of consultation, if agreed, would be so important to ensure that we can start to see much-needed house building in our borough.”

A report to the Extraordinary meeting says it is hoped a second consultation would lead to a full proposed Core Strategy by September this year and that initial house building would begin, at the earliest, by 2022/23. All relevant documents, full details of the sites and an on-line form to submit views can be found at www.erewash.gov.uk/localplan  Printed copies can also be requested by calling 0115 907 2244. Responses can be submitted by email to planningpolicy@erewash.gov.uk or by post to: Planning Policy, Long Eaton Town Hall, Derby Road, Long Eaton NG10 1HU. The virtual Extraordinary meeting of the council is on Thursday 25 March at 6pm. Residents can view the meeting at https://youtu.be/aNaxWVy5fOs

COUNCILLORS ASSIST SILVER PRIZE BAND

 

EBC Councillor’s Kewal Singh Athwal, Chris Corbett and Michael Powell have jointly decided to assist Long Eaton Silver Prize Band with a Grant donation of £250 from the EBC Member’s Grant Scheme. Long Eaton Silver Prize Band have entertained local residents in Erewash with their music for many years but like most organisations their performances have been curtailed by the current pandemic over the last year. Sharon Stansfield, Chairperson of LESPB Said;

“Thank you so much for this £250 grant, it will give both bands a real boost when we are able to get back together. We really do hope that we soon will be able to perform in and around the borough of Erewash and entertain our audiences with new music. The Band also actively encourages members from all aspects of the community irrespective of ability, age or position to take part in the enjoyment that is making music and with this in mind in 2002 a training band was established, which encourages all members to learn brass instruments. This group now has approximately 40 members and free tuition and equipment is provided to all”

Cllr’s Kewal Singh Athwal, Chris Corbett and Michael Powell Said; “We are delighted that we could assist this long established local band with a £250 grant to purchase new music to entertain our local residents. When the current situation allows, with the general public, we also look forward to hearing their music to lift all our spirits”

A CLEAN SWEEP

The streets of Erewash will be soon be given a new shine thanks to the purchase of a new road sweeper by Erewash Borough Council. The new cost-effective addition will help bolster the efforts of the council’s cleaning teams and be out and about in towns and villages in a bid to clean up the borough. While we all appreciate having pavements and roads that are clean and litter-free,  there is so much more to sweepers than keeping public areas tidy and safe. By clearing debris and natural waste, sweepers contribute to a healthier world. 

Road sweepers help contribute to a safer environment by collecting debris such as sediment, rubbish, metals, petroleum products and other waste – reducing the likelihood of these pollutants entering our storm water systems. In addition, by keeping the gutters and drains clear, sweepers reduce the risk of flooding in the event of heavy rain. A clean street means that a road gutter or storm water runoff is generally free from dirt, leaves, and litter. This creates a more effective purification process – and tap water that is safe to use. Lead member for Environment, Councillor Garry Hickton, said:

“The new road sweeper will benefit both the environment and our long term health, the old appliance had reached the end of its operational life so we needed a replacement that offered efficiency, low maintenance, economical running costs and lower water usage. It also limits the amount of dust kicked up during the sweeping process – leading to less air pollution.  It will be a great asset to the cleaning team helping to keep Erewash clean and tidy.”

SKATE PARK REVAMP

The skate park at West Park in Long Eaton has been given a makeover, with new fencing being installed just in time for spring. New bow-top fencing has been fitted which is more appealing and isn’t as high which will help to make the skate park more welcoming and inclusive. The fencing matches the park’s colour scheme and there are also new self-closing access gates, which are brightly coloured to help those with visual impairments. Leader of Erewash Borough Council, Councillor Carol Hart, said: “The skate park at West Park is extremely popular and attracts riders from a wide area but regular visitors would have noticed the state the old fences were in, damaged and untidy, but thanks to Erewash Borough Council the new fences and access gates have given the area a new lease of life and will hopefully attract more skaters to visit the park and use the facilities in the future when it is safe to do so.”

West Park is a ‘Green Flag’ park and the largest park in the borough, boasting an extensive range of sports and recreational facilities including field sports, tennis, outdoor gym, splash pad, play areas and a café, and is enjoyed by thousands of visitors every year.

TWO ARRESTED AFTER STAPLEFORD FIGHT

A man suffered a deep gash above his eye after police were called to reports of a street fight in Stapleford. Officers were called to the disturbance in Hickings Lane at around 7.30pm on Thursday (11 March 2021). They swiftly arrived on scene and following enquiries two men, aged 24 and 26, were arrested on suspicion of affray. Both remain in custody. Neighbourhood policing sergeant Ali Bryan, of Nottinghamshire Police, said: "Incidents of violent disorder such as this will not be tolerated in our communities. I'd like to reassure people that we are unrelenting in our approach to tackling behaviour which causes concern to the local community, we will act on information we receive and take robust action against individuals suspected to be involved in criminality. Thankfully the victim in this incident wasn't seriously injured and following our swift response to the report we are now questioning two suspects in relation to it."

Incident Number: 

0652_11032021

GETTING IN TOUCH

Erewash Borough Council says it expects a sharp rise in residents trying to get in touch over the next week as more than 60,000 Council Tax and business rates letters drop through letterboxes from 15th March. High volumes of phone calls will usually result in delays in speaking to staff and the council has advised residents to use its website and register for a My Erewash account, which answers many of the questions that people want to ask. Visit www.erewash.gov.uk where residents can set up a My Erewash account and join more than 37,000 others who are already making use of their accounts. Councillor Wayne Major, Erewash Borough Council’s Deputy Leader and Lead Member for Resources, says:

“This is going to be an extremely busy time for our team so I would urge anyone that doesn’t yet have a My Erewash account to set themselves up with one. My Erewash aims to make it as easy as possible for people to find information, make use of our services and find answers to their questions. If you do use the telephone, there will almost certainly be delays and we do apologise for any inconvenience.”

In a bid to also cut down on the number of enquiries, the council also wants to make it clear that it cannot deal with any issues relating to the Council Tax charges for Derbyshire County Council and Adult Social Care, Derbyshire Police, Derbyshire Fire Authority and Parish Councils. Erewash is the collecting authority for the area, but only 11% of the total council tax bill that residents pay goes to the Borough Council. The rest is for services provided by the other authorities and Erewash has no control over the charges set by these organisations. My Erewash customers can view their accounts, submit forms, make requests, make payments, ask questions, provide information, claim Council Tax Support or other discounts and see copies of bills and other notices. A call back request can also be arranged as soon as possible if it is made through My Erewash.

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