FIRE AT STANTON

LOWS LANE FIRE

I've written to the relevant Government Minister regarding the fire at Lows Lane, Stanton By Dale. The fire involving 8,000 tonnes of wood chippings interests me greatly because of the effects of the water run-off on the Erewash Canal. The Firefighters originally poured water on the fire. The water and ash seeped into the Canal took oxygen from the water and killed thousands of fish. At first it was said it would take several days to put the fire out. It took two months before a solution was found, which involved burying the ashes.

Now there is talk of prosecutions, but what about the Environment Agency that licensed the site for tipping? Will they be held to account, and who pays for the damage caused?

ILKESTON STATION UNDER THE WIRES

Erewash Railways

The fight for an Ilkeston Station goes on with a recent visit by Lillian Greenwood M.P. to a possible site at the old Ilkeston Junction highlighting the issue. Meanwhile the additional long running campaign to get the Midland Mainline Electrified has been recently raised in Parliament by Labour M.P.'s Lillian Greenwood and Jon Ashworth.
With the HS2 Project already given the go ahead railways could have a renaissance in the Erewash area which could create and sustain hundreds of much needed jobs.

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.