APPEAL AFTER BIKE THEFT

Police investigating the theft of two bikes in Long Eaton have released a CCTV image of two men they would like to speak to. The incident took place on Wednesday 30th March between 4.20pm and 5pm outside West Park Leisure Centre, Wilsthorpe Road, Long Eaton.

One of the bikes is described as an all-black Carrera Vengeance 27.5 inch frame with a green cap on the tyre and the second bike is described as a green Carrera Vengeance 27.5inch frame.

Officers would like to speak to the men in the picture who may be able to help with their investigation. If you were in the area at the time or have information relating to this, please contact us using any of the below methods and quote references 22*182246 and 22*182254:

·         Facebook – send us a private message to our Facebook page

·         Twitter – direct message our contact centre via @DerPolContact

·         Website – We have several crime reporting tools on our website or use our online contact form

·         Phone – call us on 101

You can also anonymously contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111, or by visiting the CrimeStoppers website  

MAN DIES AFTER LONG EATON COLLISION

Police are appealing for information after a man died in a collision in Long Eaton last Monday afternoon. They received a call at 2.50pm on 13th December to report a collision in Wilsthorpe Road, in which a grey Skoda Octavia had left the carriageway and collided with a tree. The driver of the Skoda was taken to the Queen’s Medical Centre where he later died. His family have been made aware and our thoughts are with them at this sad time. The road was closed for several hours whilst collision investigation worked and vehicle recovery took place. Anyone with information, or dash cam footage showing the incident is asked to contact Detective Staff Investigator Pavan Nizzer quoting reference number 21*724791. 

• Facebook – send us a private message to /DerbyshireConstabulary 

• Twitter – direct message our contact centre on @DerPolContact 

• Website – complete the online contact form https://www.derbyshire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/ 

• Phone – call us on 101. 

You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. If you have footage that may be useful for officers, please ensure it is securely downloaded to another device and kept safely for them to view. 

MAYORS CHRISTMAS MESSAGE

It is my absolute honour, as the Mayor of Erewash, to share a Christmas message with everyone, in all corners of our wonderful borough. I am acutely aware that we have faced such difficult times, particularly at the height of the pandemic – times we could never have imagined. My heart goes out to all those who suffered and are still suffering from the effects of COVID-19. We all have to continue to be aware of our responsibilities, especially as we now face the challenges of the Omicron variant.But I would like to focus on the positives that this year has brought and the hope and light that Christmas can bring.The festive period is a special time of year and it is my dearest wish that this year families and friends can be together to celebrate and enjoy a safe and peaceful time.

We have seen a gradual return to being able to live our lives again and I have seen first-hand the rich community spirit we have in our communities. I have met many people and attended events that have created memories I will remember forever.  I hope you will join me for the return of our Civic Christmas Eve Carol Service at Ilkeston Market Place at 7pm - I look forward to sharing the Christmas message with you all on this occasion.

I would like to thank all those who are working for us throughout the festive period, the NHS, the emergency services, our armed forces and all who keep us safe and secure. My gratitude as well goes to the volunteers and carers who give their time all year round to make such a positive difference to the lives of so many of our residents.

On behalf of the officers and members of the Borough Council., I should like to wish you all a very happy Christmas and send our very best wishes to you all. Stay safe.

With best wishes to you all.

Councillor Donna Briggs 

Mayor of Erewash 2021-22

BREASTON CANNABIS FACTORY

Hundreds of suspected cannabis plants have been found at a house in Breaston. Officers attended a house in Wilsthorpe Road on the night of Monday 6th December and found almost 400 plants growing in five rooms. A Vietnamese man was found at the house, whom officers believe to be a victim of modern slavery. He was taken to a place of safety and is being supported. The investigation into the grow is ongoing. 

Spotting the signs of a potential cannabis grow: 

Strong, sickly smells 

Windows constantly covered 

Excessive security 

High levels of condensation 

Lots of visitors - often at unsociable hours 

Lack of snow frost/snow on roofs in times of cold weather 

Bright lights on in the house during the day and night 

Constant buzz of a ventilation system 

COUPLE JAILED AFTER ARMED ROBBERIES

A couple have been jailed for nearly 20 years for their parts in a string of armed robberies across Erewash. Mark Hamlet used a handgun to demand cash, tobacco, and alcohol from terrified shop keepers during a campaign of robberies in the June and July of 2019. The 37-year-old carried out the first two offences on consecutive days – striking first on June 23rd, at the Co-op in College Street, Long Eaton, where his partner, Rebecca Monk, had gone inside to recce who was in the shop prior to the robbery. 

The following day Hamlet struck again at the Select Convenience Store in Stanton Road, Sandiacre. The final two incidents took place at the Texaco petrol station, in Nottingham Road, Spondon, on July 3rd and the Post Office in College Street, Long Eaton, on July 4th. Following the robbery of the Post Office officers attended the couples’ home in Grasmere Road, Long Eaton. The pair refused to come out of the house and a 14-hour armed standoff ensued – before they were both safely arrested. Inside the house officers found the handgun used in the robberies hidden inside a Mr Kipling cake box. Hamlet was charged with four counts of robbery, one count of attempted robbery and one count of threatening a person with a blade in a public place. 

Monk, 50, was charged with one count of robbery – in relation to the incident at the Co-op in College Street, Long Eaton. Both denied the offences but were found guilty after a trial at Derby Crown Court. On Friday 10th December, at Nottingham Crown Court, Hamlet was jailed for 15 years and six months, with Monk handed four years and three months for her part in the College Street robbery. 

DC Gavin Owen, who was part of the team that brought the pair to justice, said: “Incidents such as these are thankfully rare in our county – but in many ways that makes the actions of Hamlet even more shocking. The offences took place in small towns and villages and left those involved in understandable fear for their lives. That nobody was hurt during the offences is only due to the sheer good luck. CCTV footage of the incidents showed Hamlet pointing a gun, and in one case a knife, in the face of his victims. In one case the terrified shop worker heard the gun click and thought she was about to be shot. The victims in these incidents bravely gave evidence during the trial which was vital in securing this conviction. I cannot thank them enough for their support and strength since the offence took place.” 

DESIGNING THE FUTURE

Erewash residents have the chance to decide on a brand new look for a popular play area. Erewash Borough Council won an external funding bid for £70,000 for the refurbishment of Larklands Play Area inIlkeston. Two artists’ impressions of different play areas have been put forward and residents are being invited to pick their favourite with the most popular design selected to create a fantastic new play area for children to enjoy.

The ambitious project will see a range of exciting new play equipment installed, as well as new safety surfacing and fencing. The play area will be fully accessible and will cater for a wide age range and it is hoped that completion will by the end of this year.

 Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, Councillor Paul Maginnis, says:

“This is a fantastic opportunity for the local community to have their say in the design of the new play area. Both designs offer a multitude of fun play equipment and, whichever one is chosen, this will benefit children and families for years to come, so please take the time to choose your favourite!”

External funding has come from FCC Communities Foundation, which is a not-for-profit business that awards grants for community projects through the Landfill Communities Fund. The bid for funding was supported by Ilkeston Parents for Play and Kensington Junior Academy in Ilkeston, with the council also contributing to the project. To take part in the online survey visit erewash.gov.uk/larklands where the two designs can be viewed, or email parks@erewash.gov.uk with your decision, ‘Option 1’ or ‘Option 2’. Please mention ‘Larklands Play Area Consultation’ in the subject field of your email. The consultation closes at 9am on Wednesday 4th August 2021.

MAN DIES AFTER COLLISION IN BREASTON

Police are appealing for witnesses after a man sadly died in a collision last Sunday night 18th July. The incident occurred just after 8.10pm on Draycott Road near the junction of Marlborough Road. Emergency services were called and Draycott Road was closed while they were in attendance. Sadly, a man aged in his 30s died at the scene. Police would like to hear from anyone who was travelling in the area at the time and witnessed the incident, or who may have dashcam footage which could help with their inquiries. If you have any information which you think may help please contact us on one of the following non-emergency methods, quoting reference number 1136-180721.

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/ContactUs. 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.

PARKING PAYMENT UPGRADE

A further seven contactless payment machines have been installed in some Erewash town centre car parks to make life easier for drivers. The new machines were installed by Erewash Borough Council this week - with upgrades in Ilkeston to the two payment machines at Club Row and one at Lower Bath Street. In Long Eaton, the two machines at Beaconsfield Street are now contactless and upgrades have also been made to the Long Eaton Town Hall machine and at Waverley Street car park. The move is part of an on-going programme to provide the contactless option in the council’s car parks. Councillor Michael Powell, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Regeneration and Planning, says:

“This is good news for drivers using our town centre car parks. The new machines will make life easier and also provide a covid-secure contactless payment option. However, there is still the option to pay by cash for those that prefer to pay that way.”

Contactless payment has been available since 2019 at Ilkeston town centre’s Albion Centre Pimlico, Queen Street and South Street car parks. It is also provided at Long Eaton Train Station.

TWENTY SIX TOWNS TO SHARE 600MILLION

Investment will boost local economies, create jobs and new homes, and improve skills. Plans will transform public spaces, deliver green transport links and revamp cultural and tourist attractions. Part of government’s multi-billion levelling up programme 

 TWENTY-SIX TOWNS in England will share over £610 million to boost their local economies, create jobs and help them build back better from the pandemic. These new Towns Deals range from seaside towns like Hastings and Hartlepool to the historic market towns of Long Eaton and Bishop Auckland. The money will help them to grow their local economies, while also carving out new opportunities to reshape the look and feel of their areas. The Deals will help breathe new life into neglected areas or unused buildings by creating vibrant spaces for businesses, community events or much needed new homes. Sustainability is at the heart of many of the schemes with new greener transport infrastructure including cycle paths and pedestrian walkways that will connect areas in the greenest way possible. The Deals will also create thousands of jobs, with many towns investing in opportunities to improve skills through new vocational training hubs that will support high skilled and higher paid jobs in the area for local people. These landmark deals will see hundreds of millions of pounds invested in projects across England including £24.8 million for Long Eaton which includes:

Tackling the eyesore of Galaxy Row, Creating better connections between the town centre, Erewash Canal and West Park, Making better use of the park and the canal Making the Box Office into a cultural hub, Addressing the traffic issues at The Green

Local Member of Parliament, Maggie Throup said: “This £24.8 million is fantastic news for the residents and businesses of Long Eaton and represents the largest investment in regeneration that our town has ever seen. This award follows a tremendous amount of hard work by a dedicated group of volunteers, councillors and council officers and I was proud to be part of the bid. I would like to pay special tribute to Richard Ledger who gallantly chaired the group, ensuring we were able to submit a high quality bid which has now paid dividends.”

Communities Secretary Rt Hon Robert Jenrick MP said:  “We are levelling up towns and cities across the country by building stronger and more resilient local economies, boosting prosperity and opportunity in our communities, and helping them build back better from the pandemic.Today I am announcing new town deals in 26 areas, backed by over £610 million investment from the Towns Fund. This will support locally-led projects to transform disused buildings and public spaces, deliver new green transport and create new opportunities for people to develop new skills. This is a boost for communities and businesses across England.”

 Today’s announcement means that 79 Towns Deals have now been agreed - totalling over £2 billion investment in communities across England. This is part of comprehensive action by the government to level up opportunity and prosperity across all areas of the country, including through the £4.8 billion Levelling Up Fund, the £220 million Community Renewal Fund and the £830 million Future High Streets Fund. Building successful, thriving communities is at the heart of the Government’s levelling up agenda.  As well as creating town centres that people want to work, rest and play in, the government is delivering the homes that people need where they need them, making home ownership a reality for many young people and key workers in the places they want to live. Last Friday the government announced the First Homes programme which provides a 30% discount to first time buyers.

MAGGIE THROUP URGES TESTS

• As half term comes to an end, Maggie is urging students to take a Covid test as they return to the classroom
• Regular rapid testing twice a week remains the best way to find asymptomatic cases of Covid-19

 Local MP Maggie Throup is urging students to take a coronavirus test before returning to school this week following the half term break. A major testing programme has been in place for students since schools returned in March to identify asymptomatic cases and isolate them as quickly as possible, helping to keep schools open in Erewash. The success of students and staff in building regular twice-weekly testing into routines is testament to their dedication to keeping the virus out of schools and colleges. Rapid testing continues to help find the one in three people with Covid-19 who show no symptoms, allowing them to isolate rather than unknowingly spread the virus, preventing outbreaks from taking hold. Maggie said: 

“I urge all children and families in Erewash to test themselves on ahead of schools returning, and then twice weekly to keep their friends and families safe.

Rapid tests are available to everyone free of charge and by using them regularly, you can find cases of infection that wouldn’t otherwise be found and help stop the infection spreading. One in three people with Covid-19 have no symptoms so can go under the radar without testing. We can all do our bit to keep our schools and communities safe as school starts again.

Secondary schools and colleges across Erewash continue to provide packs of tests to their students so they can take two tests a week. Primary schools are also providing packs to their staff. Everyone is encouraged to test twice a week, with one of the two tests at the weekend to catch cases before starting the new school week. Positive cases identified by rapid testing are confirmed with a PCR test, meaning nobody has to worry about isolating unnecessarily following a positive rapid test result.

 

BUS STOP

Major news this week is that CT4N have issued a new timetable leaflet for the 29 and 16 (renumbered from S16). No change in the 29, but the 16 now runs only on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday. On the trains we retain our hourly service to London, gain a Newark-Crewe service, and the Matlock service now terminates at Nottingham (new times to learn there). The Nottingham- Birmingham & Cardiff route goes at the same times. Over 3 weekends, starting Saturday 5th June, Ashbourne Road in Derby will be closed for resurfacing. This will affect the Swift. The Notts & Derby X52 (Nottingham-Derby-Ashbourne-Alton Towers) does not accept card payments. It is cash only. Nottingham City Transport note that the Department for Transport has produced Safer Travel Guidance for Passengers. The £500m. Newark By-Pass plans are being debated. Euston has become the 1st station to display information in British Sign Language, via touch screens. The Great British Car Journey museum at  Ambergate, has opened. Domestic Abuse Counsellors are to patrol railway stations to spot children involved in County Lines drug dealing. The ITV 'Tonight' programme highlighted what a major nuisance E-scooters have become, where they are being trialled, which round here means Nottingham. There are calls for an incident with a concrete lump falling off a lorry, where a driver was killed, not to happen again. A 71-year old cyclist was killed in an incident on the A52 slip road at Spondon on Sunday 30th May. Midlands Connect are looking at better rail services from Leicester to Coventry. 

 

FIGHTING FUND FOR COVID-19

Erewash Borough Council is expected to confirm its receipt of £100,000 towards the ongoing public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A report going to the council’s Executive next week (9th June) says the funding has been provided by Derbyshire County Council, which has also awarded grants to the other districts in the county, to support the public health response in the event of a localised or wider outbreak of COVID-19 in the community or in workplaces. Erewash will use the funding to recruit an Environmental Health Officer on a temporary contract to support the team in its COVID-19 work, including reacting to any outbreak, helping trace contacts and making sure that local businesses are following COVID-19 regulations.. In addition, the post holder will be able to help maintain other environmental health duties, from food safety inspections and food business advice through to responding to food outlet complaints. Councillor Garry Hickton, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Environment, says:

“Erewash continues to work together with all out partner councils in Derbyshire to ensure we remain on alert to respond to COVID-19 issues. This funding is vital to enable us to recruit an additional Environmental Health Officer for nearly two years. The pandemic has been a busy time for our team, which is already investigating suspected workplace-related outbreaks of COVID-19. Since March last year, more than 350 such requests have been investigated in addition to nearly 400 other enquiries not related to the virus.”

 The meeting of Council Executive is at Ilkeston Town Hall on Wednesday 9th June at 10.30 am.