ARE YOU REGISTERED

Canvass teams have delivered around 24,000 reminders to households in Erewash where residents have not responded to the household enquiry forms that confirm they are registered to vote. Those residents who have received reminders are now urged to confirm their details or make any changes as soon as possible.  It is quick and easy to confirm your details with three options available – visit www.hefresponse.co.uk; telephone 0800 025 3145 or 07507 319 820 (text only). When confirming your details you must have your household form and the 10 digit security code and 8 letter password on it to hand. Councillor Gerri Hickton, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Community Engagement, says: “If a reminder has been dropped through your letterbox, we urge you to take action straight away – please don’t put the form to one side and forget about it. The forms give clear instructions on what to do. Don’t lose your right to vote!” Erewash Borough Council has issued a plea for those people to take action now ahead of the start of a door knocking phase during October when home visits will be made to anyone who has still not supplied the information. The council’s elections team can help with any enquiries. Email electreg@erewash.gov.uk or call 0115 907 1190

FRIGHT NIGHT AT MUSEUM

A limited number of tickets are now on sale for a ghost hunt and paranormal investigation at Erewash Museum on Saturday 28th October. The ghost hunt events at the Museum are always extremely popular and tickets get snapped up very quickly – so residents with a fascination for all things ghostly are urged to buy their tickets before they sell out. The event is strictly for adults only as it is a serious late-night investigation, taking place from 8pm through to 1.30am, with previous event visitors claiming to have experienced mysterious happenings. Professional ghost hunters will attempt to uncover the secrets of the Museum – which is housed in Dalby House at Ilkeston, a late Georgian building with Victorian extensions – and those taking part will be given professional ghost hunting equipment to record any activity in private areas of the museum building. Tickets are £28, which includes refreshments.  Over 18s only.  Contact the museum to book your tickets - 0115 907 1141. Councillor Mike Wallis, Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Culture and Leisure, says: “These Ghost Hunts really are extremely popular, but remember, it’s not for the faint-hearted …. it is a serious paranormal investigation and most people who have taken part say they experienced some form of ‘ghostly’ and unexplained activity.” Erewash Museum is located in Ilkeston town centre, a short walk from the Market Place. Opening hours are Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 10am-4pm, and Monday to Saturday during school holidays. Admission is free. Contact 0115 907 1141, email museum@erewash.gov.uk or visit the Facebook page /erewashmuseum.  You can also follow the museum on Twitter @Erewash_Museum, and Instagram @erewashmuseum.

MAN CHARGED WITH MURDER

The man found dead in Long Eaton on Tuesday, August 29th has been identified as 63-year-old Nigel McGurk. Officers were called to West Park Court at 11.05am in the morning to reports that a man had been injured. When police arrived, a man was found with fatal injuries and he was pronounced dead at the scene. The post-mortem examination indicated that the victim had been stabbed.

Jeffery Beers, who is 46 years-old from West Park Court, Long Eaton has tonight been charged with murder. He will appear at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court tomorrow, Thursday, August 31st.

Inspector Stephen Shaw said: “As our investigation into this incident continues, we are particularly keen to hear from anyone who had contact with Mr McGurk during the 24 hours leading up to his death. Information in relation to comings and goings from the victim’s home address, 16 West Park Court, during that period would also be very welcome.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact us on 101 quoting reference number 17000369614.

Alternatively, get in touch online by visiting the Contact Us section of our website www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.

You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

LONG EATON MURDER

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after an incident at West Pak Court flats in Broad Street this morning. Officers were called to the flats at 11.05 today following reports that a man had been injured. Officers arrived and found a man with fatal injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A 46 year old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and has been taken into custody where he will be interviewed. Anyone with information should ring 101 quoting incident number 288 of August 29th.

WALKING FESTIVAL

Do join us to celebrate our annual Autumn Footprints Amber Valley & Erewash Walking Festival. Set in the heart of picturesque Derbyshire, enjoy sixteen days of walks, Saturday 9th September to Sunday 24th September 2017.

This Walking Festival offers a range of 43 guided free walks over 16 days. The Walking Festival has proved to be very popular with both inexperienced and experienced walkers. The walks, led by volunteers and staff from over 20 organisations, will take place in Amber Valley and Erewash. These two areas are well known for their natural beauty, superb scenery, industrial heritage and attractive towns and villages.

The Walking Festival will begin on Saturday 9th September 2017 at 9.45am, with a launch event at Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre, everyone is welcome. This is followed by a circular walk (3 miles) at 10.30am which looks at the recent history of Shipley Country Park.  

Walking Festival Co-ordinator Marion Farrell from Groundwork, said:
“Taking part a guided walk is a really good way of finding new footpaths and learning some fascinating facts. As many of our volunteer walk leaders lead walks regularly this an ideal way to meet the various groups and learn what other walks are taking place throughout the year “

All the walks are free of charge, and will take place in areas of local heritage and natural history interest, taking walkers alongside rivers and canals as well as through towns and villages. The walks are of varying lengths and gradient, ranging in length from one mile to eleven miles, offering something for everyone no matter what their interests or abilities. They are all led by knowledgeable local people who are enthusiastic to show off their local patch.

This ever popular festival is jointly organised by Erewash Borough Council; Amber Valley Borough Council; Derbyshire County Council, several parish councils, community groups and Groundwork Creswell, Ashfield & Mansfield.

Some of the walks taking place are:
· Heritage walks –  5 walks  which highlight the Pentrich Revolution march taken 200 years ago  In the Footsteps of the Pentrich Rebels of 1817 - Pentrich (5 miles) on Tues 12th Sept, Ripley (4 miles) on Thurs 14th, Alfreton (3 miles) on Sat 16th, South Wingfield (5miles) on Wed 20th,  and Heage and Lower Hartshay (6 miles) on Sun 24th
· Other Heritage walks – Smalley & Horsley Castle (8 miles)  on Tues 19th, Butterley: A Walk Through Industrial History (2 miles) on Sat 17th , .Risley - Ockbrook Circular Heritage Walk (4.5 miles) on Fri 22, ,  Risley Historical Walk (2 miles) on Sun 24 Sept
· Wildlife walks include “A walk in the Clouds, Sandiacre (2 miles) on Sun 10 Sept at 10am
· Walk that include a railway journey – Walking the Ecclesbourne Way (11 miles) on Sun 10 Sept – return by train.
· Walk with a literary theme Stepping out with Young Bert Lawrence (6 miles) on Mon 11th – for those interested in D H Lawrence.
· Health Walks and short strolls include Horsley Woodhouse & Horsley (3.5 or 2.5 miles) on Wed 13th, Scenic Riverside Walk (3 miles) on Thurs 14th, Crich Walking for Health (Tues 19th) and Belper, River Derwent and Wyver Lane (3 miles) on Wed 20th.
· Country walks include – Ilkeston, Shipley & Smalley (8 miles) on Sunday 10th Sept, A walk on the Western Side of Amber Valley (7 miles)  on Wed 13th , By Stanton By Dale (8 miles) on Tues 14th, Three Morley’s and the Mound (8.5 miles) on Sun 17th, Holbrook, Milford & the Chevin Round (6 miles) on Thurs 21st Sept, and West Hallam and Mapperley Circular (6.5 miles) on Thurs 21st Sept.

Pick up a free comprehensive guide detailing all the walks and events from Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre or Telephone 01629 533 991 and it will be posted to you. Alternatively log onto www.autumnfootprints.co.uk to download the full leaflet from the bottom of the homepage.

FURTHER INFORMATION …
For further information about this project please contact Marion Farrell at Groundwork Creswell, Ashfield & Mansfield Tel. 07801 122 494. Please see attached pdf of full leaflet or alternatively take a look at the website www.autumnfootprints.co.uk  If you would like a hardcopy of a leaflet of the festival leaflet please contact call 01773 533991 (Shipley Country Park)
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES …
Photo opportunities will be available throughout the festival for further details please contact Marion Farrell, at Groundwork Tel 07801 122 494.
ABOUT AUTUMN FOOTPRINTS …
‘Autumn Footprints’ is the annual autumn walking festival, held in the Derbyshire boroughs of Amber Valley and Erewash. A partnership between Groundwork, Amber Valley Borough Council, Erewash Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council. ‘Autumn Footprints’ provides a varied programme of walking activities, from gentle family rambles, to more strenuous hill walks for the more experienced walker. Both boroughs have extensive ranges of countryside walks leaflets, created in partnership with Groundwork.

Pick up a free comprehensive guide detailing all the walks and events from Shipley Country Park Visitor Centre or Telephone 01629 533 991 and it will be posted to you. Alternatively log onto www.autumnfootprints.co.uk to download the full leaflet from the bottom of the homepage.

CONTACT INFORMATION …
Groundwork Creswell, Ashfield & Mansfield
Tel: 07801 122 494 – Marion Farrell (Based in Ripley Town Hall)
Amber Valley Borough Council:
Tel: 01773 841 485
Erewash Borough Council:
Tel: 0115 907 22 44
Derbyshire County Council - Shipley Country Park:
Tel 01773 533 991

A HIGH STREET DIARY

A couple of years ago I found myself annoyed by the lack of cleaning in Long Eaton High St. I tracked down a group of councillors at a Town Hall surgery. (these don't happen now in LE, sometimes though in Ilkeston) They made me welcome, offered coffee and listened to my complaints with sympathy, but little empathy as it turned out. They had a plan to walk through the town that very day and look at various things so I felt encouraged and left them to it. We know that local authorities need time to act sometimes so this year when I noticed the High St was even dirtier another complaint seemed appropriate. I selected six Cllrs. from the central area to contact. Emails seemed the first good move but two of the Cllrs use an awkward thing called a V card which led me nowhere so they were eliminated. Week 1, June 16th four emails sent, no replies. Week 2, a worker on a machine sprayed a lot of the town and the High St with weedkiller. Week 3, decided phoning would be better, two numbers were never answered but defaulted to voice mail, I see that as another blind alley but after a few attempts I actually spoke to a Cllr who apologised for not responding to my Email, his smart phone was under repair and he hadn't accessed his Email for a fortnight, would I send the message to another address? I did so, he mailed me back, very courteous and interested but nothing since. Week 4, 6th July I struck the lode. A different Cllr answered my call and was very concerned, would ask some questions of relevant people. Wonderful! During this same week I noticed a team of council workers cleaning along Tamworth. Was this the start of a town-wide campaign? And another call from the Cllr, words had been had and a meeting arranged for next week (5) Week 5 even more cleaning, near the railway station, 3 pickup trucks and many workers, cobblestones revealed where I had never noticed any before, 14th July I walked through an Eric Sykes sketch (it seemed) at Wyvern Ave where two council workers were still at it. One was blowing the last leaves around with a machine and the second was cleaning a litter bin using an aerosol and ;;; wait for it;;;; a pink wiper!! I phoned the Cllr and we shared the disbelief. I also learned that the official at the promised meeting would be "looking into it all". The Cllr had demanded a conclusive reply within a week. So that would run out about Week 7, the High St awaits. Week 8 2nd Aug, a quick text from the Cllr, away for a break, will be back on the case soon but no news, no input. Week 9 I am away to see Old London. The Tower is windswept, The Eye is rain-swept, Leicester Sq is well swept. Week 10 back to familiar surroundings. The High St is still there, the cigarette ends, the chewing gum and the weeds are fresh and green. The more so around the pigeon droppings.

Leopold Street

LONG EATON BURGLARY

Have you recently been offered designer shoes and jewellery in an unofficial way or circumstances that made you suspicious? You may be able to help police solve a serious crime. A burglary was reported to have taken place at a house in the Derby Road area of Long Eaton on the afternoon of Thursday, August 10th. Gucci and Chanel ladies’ shoes are believed to have been stolen during the incident, together with some Tiffany jewellery.

If you have any information, however insignificant it seems, please contact DS James Bolus on 101 quoting reference 17000341721.

Alternatively, send him a message online by visiting the Contact Us section of our website www.derbyshire.police.uk/Contact-Us.

You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

NEW LONG EATON BOOKSHOP

A new bookshop has opened in Long Eaton Market Place with the aim of providing great books at low prices. ‘Books at The Well’ is located above ‘The Well Coffee Shop’ (Formerly known as Andersons Coffee Shop) at 30 Market Place, Long Eaton. All the books are brand new and are priced at ‘Any 3 books for £5.00.’ The shop has plenty of fiction books with non fiction lines like biographies, history and recipe books. The bookshop is a humble start-up with plans to add extra shelves and more variety of books over the coming months.

The bookshop has been opened by local man 25-year-old Luke Wilkins, who at the age of 18 became the UK’s youngest Parliamentary Candidate to stand in a UK General Election when he stood as an Independent Candidate in Erewash in the 2010 Election. In a statement Luke said, “The bookshop is an addition to the coffee shop, providing a great environment to sit, enjoy a coffee whilst browsing books. For local readers, this will be a great source to pick up some fantastic reads at low prices.” Luke has ambitions to expand the business model into other towns and to create a mobile coffee/book shop on a double decker bus which will visit a different town each week. According to statistics the UK physical book market appears to be on the rise, as 'Screen fatigue' sees UK e-book sales plunge 17% as readers return to print.

POLICE REACT TO A REPORT OF AN INCREASE IN CRIME

Officers from the Long Eaton Rural Safer Neighbourhood Team have reacted to reports on social media that crime in the area is on the increase. PCSO Karen Pykett, from the team, said: "We have been aware of certain reports on various social media outlets such as ‘spotted’, of some concerns that crime in the Draycott area is on the rise and we are keen to state that this is not the case. The largely rural area of Draycott, Breaston, Ockbrook and Borrowash remains a lovely, safe place to live and visit and whilst of course it is not problem free we have not seen any significant rise in reported crime. The team works hard to be as visible as possible in the area and are never complacent.”

The team held an event on Saturday, July 29th, outside the shops on Priorway Avenue, Borrowash where they were available to provide crime prevention advice, hand out free crime prevention equipment and property mark belongings.
Karen added:
“Social media is a great way of spreading messages quickly and we have had some very positive results using it. I would suggest that those with an interest in policing in the area follow the force’s social media outlets on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and also our own twitter account which we update regularly with things that are happening on our patch.”
To see the work of the team follow them on Twitter @LongEatonRural.
You can also follow us on Twitter @DerbysPolice, like us on Facebook at derbyshireconstabulary and follow us on Instagram at derbyshireconstabulary.

PHONE STOLEN IN LONG EATON

A man has been robbed of his mobile phone in Long Eaton. Police are appealing for witnesses to the crime, which took place at around 4pm on Tuesday, July 25th. A 20-year-old man was walking along the railway footbridge at Midland Street when a man approached him and hit his case, causing his phone to fall out and land on the floor. The thief picked up the phone and walked away. The victim followed him but the robber then punched him and the pair grappled on the floor before the robber walked off.
The robber is described as white, 6ft 3ins tall and of large build. He was in his mid-20s to mid-30s and spoke with a local accent. He wore a green t-shirt and grey jogging bottoms and had a white mountain bike with blue and black lines on.
Witnesses or anyone with information should call DC Mark Walker on 101, quoting reference 17000317635. Alternatively, send him a message online by visiting the Contact Us section of our website here.
You can also call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.