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.