R.I.P?

If Erewash Borough Council don't get their finger out and get some repairs done, the twin Chapels at Ilkeston's Park Road Cemetery will be wrecked. Part of the roof and stone work is in a parlous state and the gate and fencing need repairing. Both the gateway and the Chapels are listed buildings. Erewash are setting a bad example to other owners of heritage buildings.

It's a shame such dignified structures are being left to rot. Erewash are responsible for protecting listed buildings but these buildings need protecting from Erewash!

CAT AND FIDDLE WINDMILL

The poor old windmill at Cat and Fiddle Lane has still not got it's sails. This iconic landmark is a Grade 1 listed building but despite this Erewash have allowed the sails to be left off for about three years. Having entreated the Council's Planning Department to act to remedy the situation they have belatedly stated that they are starting legal steps to get the sails on. I hope they will be more proactive and successful in 2012. 

EREWASH CORPORATE PLAN

Erewash have quietly slipped on to their web-site a questionnaire about the review of the Corporate Plan. If you live, work or play in Erewash your views should count. Now is your chance to have your say in what the Council does over the next few years.

Basically the plan should describe three things. 

• Where we are.
• Where do we want to go?
•  How are we going to get there?

I believe the Council should work much harder on behalf of the Public and to that end I want to encourage people to make their views known. Individuals, employees. organisations, businesses and campaign groups should put their points of view. Don't be constrained by the draft proposals or the previous plan. What should Erewash really be doing for you and your community?

This is your chance to make the Council work for you by helping shape the Corporate Plan. Don't miss this golden opportunity to have your say.

UNDER-DEVELOPED ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT.

With thousands of Erewash people out of work the local Council has failed to fill the vacant post of The Economic Development Officer.  When I say "The", I mean exactly that. Erewash has only one post dedicated to Economic Development, which has been left vacant. At a recent meeting with senior Officers of the Authority I pressed home the case for beefing up the Council's role in creating jobs. In the past they have been reactive, rather than proactive, about boosting the local economy. My recent inquiries have shown how little knowledge they possess of even a major project like the Ilkeston Railway Station.

How can the Council expect one Officer to deal with.....  

•  redeveloping Albion Centre area at Ilkeston, 
• redeveloping the Beaconsfield Street car park area at Long Eaton,
•  encourage, advise and help businesses relocating to Erewash,
• and keep up to speed on major projects like Ilkeston  Station?

ILKESTON JUNCTION FROM COSSALL TIP

Leaving the post vacant is purely dotty and not strengthening the function considerably would be setting someone up to fail. Erewash need to start being effective on economic development issues for all our sakes. Action is needed right speedily. I say to Erewash Tories stop playing Politics and start creating jobs in Erewash. Start putting people first.

ILKESTON STATION

WOT NO ILKESTON STATION?

Last night at the Full Council meeting I proposed a Motion to Erewash Borough Council that they confirm their support for a new Ilkeston Station and asking them to commit "sufficient" funds to the project. As expected the Tories couldn't swallow the idea of allocating funds so they deleted the funding bit of the Motion. But they at least continue to pay lip service to the idea of a new Station at Ilkeston. Despite it being a component of their Economic Development Plan and their Corporate Plan not one pound is in the Budget for the Station. To top it all the Tories seemed to be utterly ignorant of the details of the Station. Cllr Smith under whose "Portfolio" the project comes stated that the Station would cost £7 million. In a recent report to Derbyshire County Council their Officers estimated £4.5 to £5 million.

This is such a key component of the regeneration of Ilkeston that it is essential that progress is made now. Erewash are sleep walking regarding the Station they haven't a clue on either the costs, design or even the site. I believe much more pressure needs to be put on both Derbyshire and Erewash Council's to get tangible proposals in place.

The Erewash Tories will have to do more than issue Press Releases supporting the Station. Eventually public pressure will force them into a U-turn on funding. They can either come to that conclusion sooner or later, but they'll get there in the end.

IN A RIGHT PICKLE

Before the Tory Party Conference Eric Pickles announced a £250,000,000 gift to Council's that want to provide or retain a weekly residual waste collection. Whilst many Council's have striven to encourage the reduction in waste sent to landfill, this move goes in the opposite direction. What Council's really need is help with reducing waste, reducing landfill and developing markets for recycled materials. Locally we need investment in the development and running of processing facilities to recycle things, for instance,  kitchen waste, which can make up as much 5% of residual waste. More local processing facilities could save travel times for refuse vehicles making collection more efficient. Refuse lorries use Diesel at the rate of between 3 to 5 MPG. 

What I want is more recycled waste, not recycled Tory policies. Give us the money by all means, but let us use it to cut waste not dump it.  

BANDSTAND GOING WEST?

BANDSTAND WEST PARK

West Park's Bandstand was presented by the Long Eaton Co-op to the Town of Long Eaton in 1935. It's now hard to appreciate how much the Co-operative Movement played in the history of Long Eaton. Many local buildings were commissioned by the Long Eaton Co-operative Society. Included amongst them was "People's Hall" situated at the junction of Main Street and Station Street. As well as everything from a Bakery to a Slaughter House they also built hundreds of houses. One road, not surprisingly, was called Cooperative Street. Although subsumed into the Greater Nottingham Coop the retail side still serves Long Eaton well.

The Bandstand on West Park is a small reminder of the hey day of the Long Eaton Coop. Therefore I find it sad to see the state of it now. It was last painted about ten years ago when Labour was in control of Erewash. It now looks sad and dilapidated. Several of the ceiling boards are damaged and the paint is peeling off. This piece of Long Eaton's heritage is much in need of some tender loving care. But will it get it?

DEATH TRAP ROAD



QUARRY HILL ROAD, ILKESTON.

 I have asked Derbyshire County Council to repair portions of Quarry Hill Road at Ilkeston. Along many stretches the edges have collapsed and have just been crudely repaired leading to further collapse. This road is inadequate for both the volume and size of vehicles using it and a major remodelling is required to the local road network to provide realistic and safe routes around the Stanton site. Quarry Hill is being pounded to death and to add insult to injury maintenance has been inadequate and downright dangerous. Cyclists take their life in their hands using this route and as the darker nights arrive the danger will increase. I am calling on Derbyshire to do their job properly before someone gets killed by their incompetence.

JUNK FOOD, JUNK CULTURE.

BRAMLEY CLOSE, LONG EATON

Tarn the Terrier sniffed out this symptom of the sort of junk culture which costs Councils million of pounds in clean up costs each year. Even though a litter bin was less than thirty yards away, some careless dope dropped these junk food wrappers on the highway. Junk food goes along with junk culture and MacDonald's wrappers seem to figure highly in the litter problem. They need to get the message to their customers to use the litter bins, not the street to dump their litter.

NO AUTUMN SAILS

The Dale Windmill at Cat and Fiddle Lane, West Hallam, is one of the most prominent features on the Erewash landscape. What a pity it's languished without it's sails for several years. The prospects for an early return to normality seem remote. I have asked Erewash B.C. and English Heritage to see what can be done to hasten the process. But it looks like there will be no Autumn sails this year.

THE NEW ILKESTON STATION

The need for a Railway Station at Ilkeston is growing. With proposals for yet more houses in the area, Ilkeston needs more travel options and a Station is wanted now more than ever before.

With rail franchises coming up for grabs soon, now is the time to get a new service programed in. Together with the remodeling of the Erewash Valley Line, which has improved signaling and line speeds, the time is ripe for a new Station at Ilkeston. Derbyshire County Council and other Council's that will benefit should put money on the table now. 

So far all we have got from Erewash Borough Council up to press is warm words but very little action and certainly no money to pump prime the project. It's make your mind up time for Erewash!

IT'S THE FROZEN LIMIT!

I think that Derbyshire County Council are pushing their luck with their idea of cutting winter maintenance. After two years when they lost the plot with thousands unable to move about freely and Accident and Emergency Units cracking under the strain. They now want to cut salting and gritting even further. Businesses lost an estimated £5 million pounds per day during the worst of  last Winter. But that doesn't matter to Tory Derbyshire. What they intend to do now is to pass costs of disruption on to the public and local businesses, who will pay many times over the amount the Council will save, in extra accidents and inconvenience.  Derbyshire's daftest idea yet.

THE WRITINGS ON THE WALL

GROTESQUE M1 BRIDGE

One of the main tourist trails through our area is the canal, with people in their hundreds using the route daily. Therefore it is surprising that graffiti on a grand scale has been allowed to remain on the M1 bridge over the Erewash Canal.

Councils like to rub shoulders with potential investors and love grandiose "policies", but doing the simple well is the easy way to keep ahead of the economic development game. Clean promptly and efficiently and people will spread the word. Do the opposite and dilapidation will grow and the area's reputation will suffer.  Another "request for service" has gone in to the Council. But why haven't they acted before now?

GROT SPOTS!

I'm still trying to get more attention paid to the cleanliness of the Erewash Nature Reserve known as the Fox Covert. Judging by the muck strewn around the wrong kind of wild life is frequenting the site. I have been assured by Erewash B.C. in the past that "regular inspections" are carried out on West Park, Long Eaton. Therefore I was a bit surprised to see the large amount of litter on two areas in the Fox Covert. Both areas I have previously reported to the Council and so expected them to be put on the litter hot spot list. Another "request for service" has gone in. Hopefully action will soon ensue to cure these grot spots. I can always hope.

WALL'S END

RISLEY WALL DEMOLISHED

Despite not hearing a dicky bird from Erewash Borough or Derbyshire County Council the dodgy wall at Rising Lea Industrial Park has been removed. I was concerned the wall would fall onto a passerby and I've always believed a flat resident is not a happy resident. Having reported the wall to the relevant authorities I expected to be kept abreast of the situation, but obviously that was too much to ask. Still it is made safe and that is progress. What is singularly odd is that Erewash always collect e.mail addresses on their online complaint form but rarely use them to respond. Now there's a funny thing.

CHURCH FARM PROJECT



The Durrant family with Helen and me.

 Helen Clark the Chair of Ockbrook and Borrowash Historical Society and I visited Church Farm, Ockbrook. We met the new owners Dr Durrant and his wife Christine and were given a guided tour of the derelict building. Dr Durrant gave us a detailed description of the problems and challenges he faces in breathing life back into this historic building. Apparently the building was two cottages one built about 1650 and another about 1750 with the gap between being filled in during the 18th Century. Parts of the buildings are in a poor condition, but on closer inspection it has tremendous potential for an interesting and classy home. The grounds are quite extensive and with the existing setting of All Saint's Church it will be a delightful dwelling.

Dr Durrant is more used to high speed considerations, being a Director of Race Technology, this project should be a contrast to his usual challenges. His business provides components for racing cars, drag racing cars and boats. The Durrants live in Risley at the moment with their two girls Josie and Nicole so they are no strangers to the area. I wish them the best of luck with the restoration.

BEAUTIFUL OCCASION

In the dignified setting of Sawley Church Nigel Keen married our fellow Councillor Keri Andrews.

KERI AND NIGEL WITH PROUD DAD DAVID ANDREWS

Wearing a a gold dress Keri tied the knot in style. She arrived at the Church in a horse drawn carriage and as part of the ceremony her Brother Blaise played a melody on the trombone he had composed especially for the occasion. The happy couple had a reception at the Lock Lane Golf Club with friends and family having a fine time. Keri will now be known as Councillor Keri Keen. Here's wishing Nigel and Keri a very hearty congratulations and a long and happy marriage.

THE CALM BEFORE THE STORM

Erewash Council has "launched" it's Housing Provision Document on it's Consultation Portal. This consultation will inform the policy which could lead to thousands of new houses in Erewash. Now is the time for people to make their voices heard whilst local policies are being formulated.

http://consult.erewash.gov.uk/portal/ 

NEW URBAN SPRAWL ON STANTON LAND?

The above link should get you on to the document and enable you to make your views known before it's too late.

I have an open mind on the issue. If there is a proven need for more housing in Erewash fair enough. But that housing should be in the best possible places. Just dumping housing down at the Stanton site will add more pressure on existing town centres. I believe any new houses ought to be built where they strengthen, not weaken, the economic viability of present shopping areas. I shall certainly have my shout and I hope many others do the same.

NEW STORE FOR SANDIACRE

Tonight Erewash Planning Committee granted Planning Consent for a Supermarket, Shops and Offices to be built on a site off Station Road, Sandiacre. I was pleased with the decision because I think Sandiacre needs more jobs, better shopping facilities and this application, if implemented, could provide both. It should also raise interest in Sandiacre among other popular retailers.





Many residents came to express their views, mainly against the proposals. However some braved jeers to put forward counter arguments. I believe the right decision was reached following a good debate.

GETTING THE HUMP

WELLINGTON STREET
One of the offending humps.

A local resident has written to Derbyshire County Council about the shape three of the road humps on Wellington Street, Long Eaton. Ever since they were put in there have been numerous attempts to re-profile them following complaints from drivers. The hump pictured shows how vehicles are grounding on the landing side. I've written supporting the resident's complaints and hopefully this time the Highway Engineers will get it right and stop giving drivers the hump.  

DERBY LOUD AND PROUD

Cheryl Pidgeon and Margaret Griffiths at the Derby Rally

The Bombardier Rally in Derby was attended by about six thousand people from across the Political spectrum calling for the Government to think again. Both Trade Unions and Management were represented at the Rally all expressing shock and anger at the Government's decision. Not awarding the Thamelink contract to Bombardier could mean the death of train building in Derby. Thousands of local jobs have been put in jeopardy. There was anger but also determination to continue the fight to save local jobs and preserve Train manufacture in the area. A great Rally, a great cause, the fight must go on.

FOX COVERT PROGRESS

ONE OF THE REPAIRED SECTIONS

I have managed to generate a few repairs to the walk ways through the Fox Covert Nature Reserve on West Park, Long Eaton. There is still more work needs doing and I have made the Council aware of the problem areas, including some litter hot spots. The "regular" inspections mentioned in a missive from the Council, don't appear to be very thorough, still a bit of progress is better than none.

FOX COVERT, WEST PARK

LITTER AT FOX COVERT

Today I took the dog for a walk  around West Park including the Fox Covert Nature Reserve. Tarn the hairy hound mistakenly thought she could walk on Duck Weed. She was a bit sodden but crawled out of the Harrington Drain and frisked around in doggy delight after her minor misadventure.

A couple of weeks ago I put in a complaint to Erewash about the state of some of the steps and board walks that provide access around the Nature Reserve.  However there has been no action in response to my complaint and if anything it's got worse. In a sniffy letter I was told that Wardens regularly patrolled the area. In two spots people have littered the place badly, including broken glass, presumably the "regular inspection" missed these two areas. Another complaint has gone in.(Sigh) 

CHURCH FARM RESTORATION

The new owner of Church Farm, Ockbrook, has told me that he is fully committed to turning the building into a family home.

He already has builders tidying up the place ready for its transformation. This Grade 11 listed building has been empty for about 30 odd years and I was really concerned about its future. Now it looks like it will have a new lease of life and be maintained in a manner befitting such a setting right next to All Saints' Church.



TIMBER FRAMED CHURCH FARM



I was a bit annoyed about the lack of a proactive role played by Erewash B.C. in its preservation. Recently following my taking up the issue the Ockbrook and Borrowash Historical Society launched a petition to pressurise Erewash into action. Despite the apparent lack of concern shown by the Council and the absence of any meaningful reply to my complaints or the Historical Societies petition it seems there is light at the end of the tunnel. Good luck to the new owner of Church Farm!

ERE...WASHED UP!



BATH STREET, ILKESTON



STATION ROAD, SANDIACRE



The new Erewash economic development strategy is now stuck in limbo. The old one is out of date and the Tories can't agree on a new one. As usual dithering is their most developed attribute. According to their published plans the new strategy was due to be put before the Council Executive this month following a period of consultation. So far nothing has materialised. With Erewash suffering high levels of unemployment and with acres of derelict land crying out to be brought back into use, Tory Erewash just haven't a clue. 



IDLE STANTON LAND



So far Erewash Partnership have acted as an economic development fig leaf for Erewash Council to cover up the lack of commitment, staff and financial resources provided directly by the Borough for economic development. However the Partnership has put it's own staff on short time just when local businesses most need support. They are running out of cash and their own survival is at risk if more finance isn't found soon. Meanwhile Erewash are dithering over how to shape the updated economic development strategy. The stumbling blocks are both ideas and resources. Firstly they haven't got a clue and secondly they want someone else to fund everything. Which in this economic climate is just not going to happen. The Borough needs to put substantial funds into the process of positively driving local economic growth, if it really wants to make a difference. The dithering needs to stop and strong action is called for sooner rather than later.





BACK TO COLLEGE



COLLEGE STREET
LONG EATON

 Sometimes you have to question the wisdom of some Council Officials.

College Street, Long Eaton is in a 20 m.p.h zone. The County Council have erected a School warning sign on College Street warning motorists to slow down to..... er 20 m.p.h. when the lights are flashing. A local resident asked me why and I couldn't come up with an answer that was repeatable in front of a gentleman.
This silly sign did remind me of one solution an enterprising Company has come up with to raise awareness of school children lurking about. It was bollards shaped like children. To me they were more reminiscent of Midwitch Cuckoos. I drove by some during the hours of darkness in a country village, they looked quite spooky, staring down the road and standing to attention. One was a bit like a young David Cameron which was even spookier. I think they should go back to the drawing board before they get accused of traumatising Drivers.

Meanwhile I must think of a clean answer to why the DCC has put up a sign in the 20 m.p.h. zone saying slow down to 20 m.p.h. whilst the lights are flashing. I'll ponder on it.

HOWARD AND MARINA




SHARDLOW MARINA

 The site of the old Stanton Ironworks is crying out for reclamation and development. With a canal, ponds and river near the site water borne leisure activities would bring pleasure, leisure and jobs to the area. The Nutbrook Trail gives ready access for cyclists and walkers and more trails could be added. Preserving and enhancing habitats for wildlife should be a priority.

Public pressure needs to be applied to get Erewash and Derbyshire Councils to get their act together now to make things happen instead of standing idly by.





A "Stanton" Marina could kick start a leisure based revival of the site, bringing tourism and improving the environment into the bargain. Other local facilities like Shardlow and Sawley Marinas show how popular water based activities are, without putting undue pressure on the local road system. No to another suburban desert and yes to sensitive, sustainable and wildlife friendly restoration of the site should be the order of the day.

SAWLEY BY ELECTION

CHERYL PIDGEON

Cheryl Pidgeon the Labour Candidate won the Sawley By-Election. The Election had been called following the sad death of the long serving and popular Bill Camm. It was a very active and well fought campaign by Tories, Liberal Democrats and Labour. Typically the Lib-Dems made it a bit personal with leaflets denigrating the Labour Candidate. The Tories panicked at the last minute with a leaflet saying Cheryl would do a great job for the Unions but not for Sawley, which owed rather more to imagination than fact. Jessica Lee M.P. had her name on the leaflet along side that of Chris Corbett the Tory Candidate. However despite the cowardly antics of the opposition hard work pulled Cheryl through and she is now the County Councillor for Sawley.

Following the count Cheryl made a speech starting with a glowing tribute to Bill Camm and vowing to work hard for Sawley and Wilsthorpe residents.  Bill Camm is a hard act to follow but Cheryl is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Well done Cheryl!

A STICKY PROBLEM



LIME GROVE LONG EATON

 Lime Trees are a sticky problem at this time of year for the residents of the Lime Grove area of Long Eaton. The trees are great to look at, but don't get the attention they deserve, which makes the residue which drips on to cars even more of a pain. Also some residents live in semi-darkness due to the trees being so close to the houses. The trees need regular pruning but the County Council who are responsible for the trees don't attend to them often enough. To add insult to injury Erewash Borough Council, who are responsible for street cleaning, just aren't doing the job thoroughly. The street gullies are full of detritus from the trees. Following a complaint from me Erewash have been playing catchup in the area and today many bagfuls of twigs and rotting leaves have been gathered up. More needs doing and I hope the job will be done properly at last.

I have also asked Derbyshire County Council to prune the trees more regularly which could help minimise to problem. I like the trees but don't like the mess they cause.

RISLEY LEANING WALL



BATTLE OF THE BULGE



Having e-mailed a complaint to Erewash Borough Council about a leaning wall at Rising Lea Industrial Park I am still awaiting a response. The wall looks unstable to me and it is adjacent to a footpath which increases my concern about danger to the public. The Councils own standards say they will reply to a query within seven days. So far it has been over eighteen days and still no reply!



Another complaint going in to the Council today. Hope the wall's still staying put.

SANDIACRE SHAME

You don't get a second chance to make a first impression.



PLEASE MAKE IT VAN-ISH!

When entering Sandiacre from the Stapleford direction the first impression is one of neglect and dereliction. Shops with paint peeling off and derelict buildings offend the eye. Parked outside one unloved edifice is what looks like an abandoned van which has been stood there for over a year. 

On the other side of Station Road is a substantial building, which once housed "Duncan's Cafe" it is now a glorified pigeon loft. Holes in the roof guarantee weather damage and pigeon droppings mean other vermin will soon infest the property.



SANDIACRE'S BIGGEST PIGEON LOFT



Sadly, after spending hundreds of thousands of pounds on upgrading the street scene Erewash Council have not followed up the investment by the simple expedient of encouraging owners to keep their properties up to scratch. The abandoned vehicle is likely to permanently disfigure the block paving and Erewash just don't seem to care. It's about time they left their cosy Town Halls and took notice of the real world outside. Sandiacre needs an economic boost. It needs further investment and attention. Get weaving Erewash, make Sandiacre a gateway to Erewash to be proud of, not leave it as forlorn forgotten back door.  

ROLLING INTO OBLIVION



SAD REMINDER OF
EREWASH INDUSTRIAL DECAY



The poor old "Stanton" wagon on the traffic island at the lower end of Chalons Way, Ilkeston, could get trashed by Erewash Borough Council. The Council has left it so long the wooden sides are now see-through and they think it would be cheaper to scrap it. 

This poignant reminder of Ilkeston's proud industrial past is symbolic of the way local Tories are turning their backs on industry in Erewash. They seem determined to make the area into a dormitory for Nottingham and Derby. Their supine acceptance of plans to build thousands of houses on the old Stanton site is proof of their indifference to fostering local employment in Erewash and to saving our town centres. Included in the latest Stanton proposals is a retail development calculated to attract shoppers from Ilkeston, Sandiacre, Stapleford and Long Eaton, retail areas which are already fighting for survival. It's time to bring jobs back to Erewash and stop our Borough sleep-walking into a suburban wasteland.

NATURE RAMBLE

The Fox Covert was one of five Nature Reserves established in Erewash when Labour had the majority. Up to that point Erewash had only declared one, Forbes Hole, after a campaign by the Long Eaton Trades Union Council. 



A TRAP FOR THE UNWARY



The Labour Council declared Nature Reserves at Stoney Clouds, Pioneer Ponds, The Fox Covert, Stanton Gate and Trowell Marsh. However since Labour lost control of the Council no more Nature Reserves have been established.

A BRIDGE TOO FAR?

I had a little wander through the Fox Covert on West Park, Long Eaton, to check on this valuable local asset. I was disappointed to see the lack of maintenance of the walkways. In fact some were downright dangerous. Where raised walks once bridged portions of wetlands, now boards were missing creating serious hazards. Where steps, surfaced with wire netting, had enabled people to safely scale the flood bunds, now the covering of wire netting was worn away and rucked up causing another unnecessary hazard. One of Erewash's stated aims is to make its Parks accessible to disabled people but it doesn't say anything about disabling them in the first place! Another "request for service" is going in to the Council pronto. 

DOCTOR'S ORDERS.



Cllrs Dave Morgan and Ernie Bevan on the site at Cotmanhay, Ilkeston.



Erewash Executive Committee have agreed to flog off yet another bit of land. This time it's the site of the former Cotmanhay Community Centre. A princely sum has been agreed to sell it for a Medical facility.

Local Cllr Ernest Bevan said at the meeting "That he would have preferred a brand new community centre but a Doctor's Surgery would be his second choice. However as this is a prime site any building should be right, any old building will not do. I will be watching carefully the future Planning Application."

In a recent visit to the site with Cotmanhay Cllr Dave Morgan, Cllr Bevan (Ilkeston North) suggested that the money raised from the sale should be spent to improve facilities in the area. Cllr Dave Morgan said, "Cotmanhay and Ilkeston North are two of the most deprived Wards in the Borough and much more needs to be done to help residents improve their quality of life. A Doctor's Surgery is good, but Erewash should not be just cashing in, it should re-invest the money to help local people."

MAKE EREWASH STREETS SAFE

When Labour was in the majority on Erewash Borough Council we were concerned about the number of stray dogs that roamed our neighbourhoods. In response we set up a "chipping" service to enable re-location of lost dogs and took on two Dog Wardens. The Dog Wardens were quite effective and dogs were caught and re-homed or taken to a place of safety. 

TARN 

When the Tories took over the Council it wasn't long before they dispensed with Dog Wardens altogether. However they relented after a time and appointed one Warden to replace the previous two. A step in the right direction but not sufficient to cover the whole of Erewash. Recently the problem of stray dogs seems to be re-occurring and dog fouling is on the increase. It's about time Erewash reviewed their dog control measures particularly with regard to dog fouling with the aim of making Erewash streets safer to walk on.

FALLING LEA?

BATTLE OF THE BULGE

Rising Lea Industrial Park on Derby Road, Risley, could soon be relabeled "Falling Lea" if something isn't done soon about the retaining wall abutting the footpath. There's enough weight behind this wall to flatten somebody if it toppled. I have asked Erewash Borough Council to take action to make sure this wall is made safe as soon as possible.

OUT OF FOCUS

Long Eaton's Focus/Do it all, has finally bitten the dust. The residual stock is being sold at knock down prices. The staff will lose their jobs, that for me is the saddest part, particularly in these unstable economic times.



A SIGN OF THE TIMES



The position of this store has always puzzled me. It's poor road links and it's off centre position always seemed odd. With the old Long Eaton Advertiser building nearby having planning consent for residential use, perhaps this blow to the local economy could be turned to advantage if any further use of the site includes a better connection with Main Street and the Town Centre. In the meantime I have suggested to Erewash that the Council secure a short term lease of the car park to keep it open to the general public and to deter anti-social behaviour.

PUB SIGNS



THE WHITE LION SAWLEY



The White Lion at Sawley is now undergoing a re-vamp. Situated in the most picturesque part of Sawley not far from river and canal walks much frequented by dog walkers, anglers and boaters. The owners want to have a micro-brewery which should give them an added attraction. Good luck to the new proprietors. I hope the Lion will come roaring back.

REMEMBERANCE OF TIMES PAST

Seemly neglected and unloved is a lovely little old mill which if not by a watercourse is at least by a stream of traffic. Clearly visible from Chalons Way, Ilkeston, it's a shame it isn't in a proper state of repair. Would it be asking too much for one or other of our local Councils to use the powers they possess to save this bit of local heritage. Once little gems like this are lost they will be lost forever. I believe that would be a real shame for Erewash.

PROMISES PROMISES

The brakes are still on the renovations to the old Stanton Wagon which is stationed on the traffic island  at the bottom of Chalons Way, Ilkeston. It remains in a parlous state despite several assurances of imminent action. The wagon has that see-through look much like the Black Pearl of Pirates fame. Local Labour Councillors have raised the issue in the Council Chamber and by e-mail and have received promises but still no action has resulted.



A SAD SIGHT



I have sent in another "request for service" to Erewash and I trust other people will do the same. What should be a symbol of the Town's proud past is now a symptom of Erewash Borough's contempt for Ilkeston. Either this wagon should be given a decent burial or proper maintenance before it's too late.



ECONOMIC UNDER DEVELOPMENT

For years I told the Tories on Erewash Borough that the time to encourage economic growth in the area was when things were going well not when the economy was weak. Now we have high unemployment it is going to be so much harder to bring jobs to the area.

Tories being Tories  they are now cutting funding for regeneration projects like the Cotmanhay Enterprise Centre and Erewash Partnership. Ironically staff at the Erewash Partnership are now on short time just when their expertise is needed most!



DERELICTION AT
THE HEART OF ILKESTON



Erewash Labour will be pressing for a dedicated Erewash Economic Development Unit which can drive forward job creation in the Borough. Such a team needs resources at their disposal to proactively bring underused and unused sites back into full use. We should have been active earlier, but it's better late than never.

BIN BUT NOT GONE



NOT A PRETTY SIGHT



Two days in succession, whilst out walking the dog, I have noticed a dog droppings bin full and overflowing. A passer-by remarked that all the Borough bins were emptied by one person and he implied that wasn't enough. It does seem too much of a task and Erewash ought to look at how the service can be improved.

NAME NEW SURGERY AFTER BILL?



BILL CAMM



I suggested at a recent Erewash Planning Meeting that they add Bill Camm's name to the approved list of available Street names. I think something in Sawley should be named after Bill as a permanent reminder of his public service and dedication. There is a proposal to build a new Doctors Surgery in Sawley and perhaps the people concerned would consider naming that after Bill as well.

NO TROUBLE BREWING.

THE WHITE LION

I was interested to see a Planning Application has been submitted for a Micro Brewery at the old White Lion Public House, Sawley . It's in its early stages yet but it sounds like a good idea to me. Pubs have been having a hard time of late and this special brew could be just the lure needed to make it a successful enterprise. A new attraction in that area would be good for Sawley. (Web Ref 024819 on the EBC's Planning Portal.)

BAD MANNERS

BAD SIGN

I was taking a trip to the nearest waste disposal point when I came upon a sight to make you wince. The sign on the approach to the Manners Industrial Estate at Ilkeston, showing which Firms occupy the site is begrimed and covered with green growth and to add insult to injury, out of date. What image does that portray to visitors? On the basis that you don't get a second chance to make a first impression, the impression this sign gives is one of we don't give a damn. In the dog eat dog world of commerce and industry image and reputation matter. Whoever is responsible for this sign ought to be ashamed of themselves they are letting Ilkeston and Erewash down.  

DOG DAZE



FEARSOME BEAST



During the Borough elections Margaret and I were driving down a side street in our Ward when we were amazed to see a Rottweiler pottering along. Sniffing all the latest news from the street as you do, when you're a dog. It was being tailed by a Police Patrol car, at a respectful distance. I didn't know where the dog was from but the Police seemed to have taken the lead, so I left them to it. I've been bitten too many times, usually when electioneering. The last bite, which was last year, I can feel in frosty weather still.

TESCO'S SANDIACRE

NEW TESCO'S, STATION RD, SANDIACRE?

The TESCO planning application for a new store at Sandiacre is unlikely to be before Committee until the end of June at the earliest I am informed. I recently saw surveyors measuring up around the road junction. Presumably they will be sizing up the road proposals submitted as part of TESCO's application. There is a wealth of information that can be read online at the Erewash Borough web-site regarding the application, reference ERE/1210/0005. This proposal has already caused much debate in the area and no doubt loads of people will be coming to the Planning Committee to voice their views. I hope I can be there when it's discussed, it should be an interesting and no doubt passionate debate.