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.