BBC LOOK INTO HOLES

Whilst the Con-Dems talk about protecting front line services the BBC asked Derby and Derbyshire Councils about their road maintenance budgets for next year. The answer was over £1,600,000 will be cut from their budgets. These cuts are despite surveys showing that road maintenance is one of the highest priorities for the public.
My tip is that Erewash folk shouldn't take this lying down. If there is a bad bit of road near you keep complaining officially, until it gets fixed. Don't let Tories claim they are more efficient when they are clearly just less effective.

WEST PARK GRUMBLES



WEST PARK LEISURE



At a recent Erewash Council "Executive" meeting they were patting themselves on the back about the number of complaints they had received. Apart from the complexities of the on-line complaints system, which is hard to fathom at the best of times. The smug comments that came from Councillors contrasted starkly with a tale told to me by a parent, whose offspring had been swimming at West Park, Long Eaton. His ten year old, after putting over £1 in a vending machine, making a selection and not getting what they wanted was encouraged by the father to trot up to the desk for assistance. The machines are nothing to do with us was the message. Dad intervened that can't be right he queried. You'll have to ring "the Company" he was told. Who do I complain to he said getting a little peeved. Her, said a member of staff, pointing to another member of staff, or the Manager he was told. In the end he went away without officially complaining and his child, after pressing a few more buttons, managed to get a different product. (A bit like voting Lib-Dem and getting Tory.)



The result was a very unhappy customer who was still seething about the treatment he had received over a week later. A bit of diplomacy could have won further custom. Is is right that children who lose money are told to phone a vending machine company to get help with a faulty machine? What a way to run a Leisure Centre, come back Mr Brittas all is forgiven.

P.S. Sometime when you've got half an hour to spare, log on to the Council's Web-Site and try to find the Council's on-line complaints form. What fun!

ON THE TRAIL

I went on a cycle ride up the Nutbrook Trail from Long Eaton to Shipley Park. The Nutbrook trail was a project completed last time Labour had a majority on Erewash Council. It is now part of the national cycle network. Some of it has been upgraded by British Waterways but much of it needs further work. Lots of puddles and mire particularly along the bit in Amber Valley District Council's area.

We had a positive attitude when in control of Erewash and made significant improvements along the canal side using the Erewash Groundwork Trust to design and implement a long lasting ecological improvement along the Erewash Canal.



WORK PROGRESSING ON PASTURE LOCK

 I would like to see more spurs to allow users alternative routes thereby introducing greater variety along the trail.

Cycling merrily along I first got chased by a Border Collie, then a Boxer dog and finally snapped at by an Aberdeen Terrier. Fortunately the Aberdeen was restrained by the owner otherwise a nasty nip seemed to be in the offing. What is it with these hounds? Aren't they getting enough food or is it they just can't resist my bony ankles?

  

CHURCH FARM OCKBROOK





CHURCH FARM OCKBROOK



Not much progress is being made over saving the listed building known as Church Farm at Ockbrook. Erewash Borough Council seem to have a hands off approach to heritage, except when someone else is paying. It's about time they made progress to save this building before it is too late. Already it has suffered unauthorised alterations and weather damage. Come on Erewash save our heritage.  



BATTLING BILL

County and Borough Councillor Bill Camm is ill in Hospital and I wish him all the best for a speedy recovery. Bill has always been a champion of the people and is a much respected colleague. A former Erewash Mayor and Member of the old Long Eaton Urban District Council, Bill is a credit to himself and to the area. He puts his arguments firmly and squarely and he pulls no punches but always fights fairly.  Battling Bill is pugnacious in debate and modest in demeanor.  Always sticking up for others and giving his time selflessly.

I have been hoping we could get him to accept the "Freedom of the Borough" if Labour won control of the Borough, an honour he much deserves and is long overdue.

I sincerely hope he will be back to his best as soon as possible. The man who has helped so many is in need of help himself now. Best of luck Bill.

COLD COMFORT FROM WARM WORDS

During the recent freezing weather a reasonable refuse service was delivered to Erewash in difficult conditions.  Not to say there were no bin collection problems, but this area fared better than some. Those Council's that got in the worst mess were the ones that do a weekly refuse collection, according to the Local Government Association. When Council's were doing their best to keep the service going through snow and ice all the Government could contribute was unfair criticism. What a big help!

Locally Erewash praised staff for their efforts, which is nice. It would be nicer however if they offered these praise worthy staff a job. This Council is hooked on using "Agency" workers instead of their own staff. Some of these praise worthy staff are "Agency" workers who may have worked for Erewash for years without the benefit of being offered a permanent job. If the Council really appreciates it's workers then perhaps they should give them job security not just warm weaselly words.

WINDMILL ON MY MIND



CAT AND FIDDLE WINDMILL

 The Cat and Fiddle Windmill, which is situated just outside Ilkeston, has been without it's sails for far too long. Following my recent inquiries I have learnt that the reason given by the owner for the sail shortage is that he can't source suitable pieces of wood for the sail arms.

It's high time that Erewash started helping the owner to get this Mill back to it's former glory as a lovely local landmark. At the moment it is more symbolic of the way Erewash Council drifts and slides along, more interested with it's own internal affairs than it's external effects.

I am hoping action can be taken on the Windmill as soon as practicable. If anyone wants to see how a piece of heritage can be a community asset and a tourist magnet take a look on the Web at http://www.jillwindmill.org.uk/

IT'S A CRYING SHAME

I remember David Cameron pouring scorn on the School Sports Partnership Scheme saying it wasn't working. Then he back-tracked and gave the funding back temporarily after thousands of people joined in the fight to keep the scheme going.
Erewash School Sports Partnership are striving to get funding to continue their successful efforts in Erewash Schools when the funding runs out.

• ESSP say they train over 300 Teachers and other adults per year to support quality delivery of physical education and sport in schools.
• Over 230 school club links have been created in the Borough.
• Over a thousand mini-leaders and over 100 midday supervisors have been trained.
• Over 10,360 young people are taking part in school competitions.
• Each year the ESSP provides leadership courses and volunteering opportunities for 120 young people aged 14 plus.

With that sort of track record you would think they were on a winner. With the Olympics due in London in 2012 you would have thought they would be on a winner. But no they are now having to campaign to get money to keep the scheme going in Erewash.
All the benefits both physical and psychological that sport brings plus diversion from anti-social behaviour and this fine scheme has got to go begging for money. It's a crying shame.

LONG EATON TOP HOUSE

Is The Top House set to change? The hostelry where many a good night has started, or ended for many Long Eaton folk may be set to change for ever. A Planning Application has recently been submitted to Erewash Borough Council.

The proposal is to change it to a Restaurant  and Shop plus accommodation with an extension at the rear. The application can be viewed on-line or at the Town Hall. Support or objections can be sent in to the Planning section at EBC. I don't think being "hallowed ground" would be a valid objection however.

BORROWASH SHOPPING SURVEY

The Ockbrook and Borrowash Labour Party are holding a display and presentation entitled "The need and aspiration of the residents of Ockbrook and Borrowash."  The event takes place from 10.00 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on Saturday 19th February at Borrowash Methodist Church Hall. Information and views of local residents will be shared and people can add their views. The aim is to improve the attractiveness of Borrowash Village Centre in accordance with local opinion.

I have seen some of the information already gathered and look forward to further ideas being generated at the event.

SAVE OUR HERITAGE

Behind the lovely Church of All Saints at Ockbrook lies a historically valuable timber framed building in a dilapidated state. This old building, which is called Church Farm, should be a local treasure but it is in a parlous state. It is particularly sad because of the setting, near the Church and it is also highly visible from Church Street.

The Church itself is worth a visit dating as it does from the 12th Century, with a Norman Tower and later additions and adornments. 

I have tried to get the Borough Council to use it's powers to save the timber framed building before it's too late. As usual with Erewash it's like swimming through treacle.

The other displeasing thing I noticed on my recent visit to All Saints was the use of old gravestones to stand the wheeled bins on and also other grave stones laid down as a footpath by the Church wall. Call me picky if you like but I find this practice a little disrespectful.

  

ILKESTON IRE

Ilkeston Chamber of Trade are hopping mad because they don't feel they have been properly consulted over Erewash Borough Council's 2011/2012 budget. The Controlling Conservative Group are not publicising their proposals in time to enable any meaningful amendments to be made.

The budget setting process has always given me cause for concern. According to the Council's own published Community Consultation Policy one of it's main values is "We will be open, honest, fair and realistic in all forms of engagement, and make sure we include everyone."

Unfortunately they don't seem to have implemented their own policy. Four years ago they were also supposedly developing an online consultation process, plus using e-mail or text messaging to keep in touch. Many other Council's are far and away better at consulting people than Erewash. They could learn a lot by looking at consultation methods operated by other organisations. It's time to stop being parochial and be more outward looking.

Along with Ilkeston Chamber of Trade we better not hold our breath waiting for effective consultation by Erewash Conservatives. Leopards don't change their spots.

RATS GET FREEDOM OF THE BOROUGH.

Ever wondered why sightings of rats have increased in Erewash?  It could be because Erewash Borough Council abolished their pest control service a couple of years back. Now when people ring up to complain of infestations they are told to pay a private contractor to do the job. If the infestation comes from someone Else's property then Erewash think it's not their problem, it's yours. They have granted rats the freedom of the Borough.

Worldwide rats are on the increase and they can  carry an estimated 70 different diseases many of which are fatal to man, including Weil's Disease. Weil's disease is found in this country and is passed on through rat urine. It is very debilitating and can result in death.

One cause of the rat increase could be the popularity of putting out food for birds and because rats have no bladder they spread disease far and wide whilst chomping up your bird food. So beware the common rat, don't invite him to dine.

I think it's time the Council re-visited it's role in pest control. A "Big Society" maybe alright but a big rat population is not.

LOOSEN UP EREWASH

No wonder "Green Squeeze" campaigners were hopping mad over the aborted Full Council meeting. Cut short by Cllr Corbett and his Conservative cronies because their feelings were hurt. However they did get to ask their question before the meeting was adjourned. I'm not totally suprised that they didn't go a bundle on the answer they were given. Apart from the fact it is very stressful to stand up in front of over fifty people to ask your formal written question. To top it off you are subject to an answer, often delivered in council-speak, which normally says a lot and means little. The present system doesn't allow any come-back and leaves people with a feeling of frustration and often anger. What I would like to introduce is the right to ask a supplementary question. This will put the questioner back in the driving seat where they belong and make Councillors much more accountable. Hopefully relieving some of the frustration questioners feel with the present arrangements.

CAT AND FIDDLE WINDMILL

The iconic image of Cat and Fiddle Windmill is part of our local heritage. It dates from about 1788 and is the only surviving Post Mill in Derbyshire. Standing as it does on a hill just outside Ilkeston, it is very prominent on the local skyline providing a stunning local landmark.



CAT & FIDDLE WINDMILL

 It was offered many years ago to the Conservative controlled Borough Council but unfortunately they didn't take up the offer. Yet another missed opportunity.

It could have made a good base for a field study centre and visitor attraction. At the moment this lovely windmill is a bit like Erewash Borough Council it lacks motivation. It would be nice to see it's sails back on so we can see it in all it's glory.

COPS & ROBBERS

We are being robbed of our Cops by Coalition cuts. Just by totting up the Force reductions announced by Police Authorities across the Nation Labour has estimated that we could lose over 10,000 Officers across the board. Good news for robbers, bad news for the rest of us.

I had tabled a proposal at the last Erewash Full Council meeting to get Erewash to stand up against the cuts. However Councillor Corbett threw a hissy fit and abandoned the meeting part way through thereby avoiding the issue.

These reductions will mean more crime, less detection and prevention, higher insurance costs and more accidents on the roads. Instead of paying for good Policing we will pay through the back door for the costs of crime. Less well off people will be disproportionately effected because they tend to live in the areas where the most crimes are committed. So yet again we are not "all in it together".

DESPERATE CAM

At a Security Conference in Munich this week David Cameron attacked "softies" blaming them for the rise in terrorism. This is playing dog whistle politics. With his Poll ratings plummeting it seems a blatant attempt to appeal to prejudice rather than to reason. Trying to look tough on extremism whilst at the same time forcing cuts in the Police across Britain. Cuts which will make it seem more likely that the tiny minority of extremist minded people will perpetrate outrages, the only purpose of which is to get the sort of coverage David Cameron has handed to them on a plate.

These latest outbursts are desperate measures by a desperate man. What is insulting is that Muslim immigrants tend to be the most law abiding group in British Society. Whilst many people have tried to build bridges Cameron has stuck his size 10's into a vulnerable group who in many cases feel under threat by extremists themselves. In stead of the hand of friendship, Cameron's comments must have seemed like a slap across the face to many people. Mr Cameron should resist the dog whistle style politics and treat people properly. The British way should be fair play and tolerance, not prejudice and bias. It is a sad day for Britain when a Prime Minister has to sink to the gutter to get headlines.

VICTORIA PARK POOL

I paid a visit today to see the refurbishments in progress at Ilkeston's Victoria Park Swimming Pool. Following the previous shutdown, involving asbestos removal, this latest work will disrupt swimming in Ilkeston yet again. Many people still use other pools and have yet to bring their custom back to Vicky Park following the last closure. Although the work should improve the look of the place, it is essentially just a face lift and other promotional measures are needed to up visitor numbers.

My preferred option would have been a completely new build down at Rutland Recreation Ground. That would have provided us with a wide range of facilities on one site. It would have given us a far better chance of raising usage and income all round and maintaining continuity of service.

Unfortunately the controlling Conservatives appear to be anti sport. They lack vision and ambition and have chucked away an opportunity to help create a regionally significant centre for sport down at Rutland Recreation Ground.

WINDMILLS WE DON'T MIND

Two wind turbines have been given planning permission today at Park Lane Farm, Risley, by Erewash Planning Committee. The two 30 metre high poles will generate 30kw of electricity per hour, saving 15.5 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. The decision was a trade off between care of the Green Belt and care for the environment. I think we made the right decision. When you consider the use of strings of pylons besmirching the countryside I think that wind turbines pale into insignificance. The landowner should be applauded for their initiative.
It is good to see 21st Century electricity generation coming to Erewash, albeit on a small scale. For several years there has been a low pressure hydro electric scheme at Borrowash and recently a hydro electric plant was given permission as part of the flood prevention measures on the Trent. Progress on different methods of electricity production is interesting intrinsically but actual practical application is the real test.
In future Erewash could exploit it's network of streams and waterways to generate electricity. With flooding being a real risk in the south of the Borough, using water to generate power might be a reasonable option rather than wind power and also help control flooding. It may help us turn the tide on global warming in a small way.
We particularly should also look at new methods of power generation on the Stanton site, along with ultra fast Broadband, it could kick start the Stanton redevelopment. A high tech power system and up to date Broadband could send a clear message of progressive thinking by the local Council both to local people and to investors.

ROBOCOP STRIKES BACK

The man they called Robocop when he was a Police Chief has let fly a verbal broadside at the Coalition's cuts. Ray Fallon was echoing Labours view when he said at a Press Conference "These cuts are too quick, too deep, too savage."

His no nonsense approach to Policing was a breath of fresh air at the time and helped move the debate on to new methods of combating crime.

Robocop, Ray Fallon, is now Mayor of Middlesborough. Middlesborough is having to manage massive budget cuts over the next four years. In his anger at these unfair cuts he made the following comment. "This Government doesn't understand what social deprivation looks like and they certainly don't know what it feels like."

You don't have to be a former sleuth to work out that this Government are cutting without regard to the real effects. They will undo the previous Governments attempts to strengthen the Regions in order to build a stronger job base away from the south east. Middlesborough won't be alone in suffering disproportionately from cuts in Government grant. Yet again a Tory led Government has turned it's back on the Midlands and the North.