MP expresses delight as PM Andy Burnham choses Ilkeston for his first stop on a UK tour

Erewash MP Adam Thompson (Credit: Adam Thompson/LDRS)

Erewash MP Adam Thompson was delighted to welcome Prime Minister Andy Burnham to Ilkeston on Tuesday 11th August as the first stop on his tour of the country, where he met with local residents, businesses and community groups to discuss the future of Britain’s high streets.

The visit follows the Government’s latest announcement to give local communities a greater say over what happens on their high streets and provided an opportunity to showcase the excellent work already being undertaken by the Erewash Labour team at Erewash Borough Council to improve Ilkeston town centre, including through its shop signage grant scheme and the use of Section 215 clean-up orders to tackle neglected and poorly maintained buildings.

The Prime Minister was joined by Angela Rayner MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward at The Hub in Ilkeston, where they met with local residents and members of the Friends of Ilkeston Town Centre.

The Government’s new measures will give councils and local communities greater control over what businesses open on their high streets. New planning rules will mean that vape and betting shops can’t simply open without greater local scrutiny, while communities will have stronger powers to prevent vape shops from opening near schools.

The measures will also give police and local authorities greater powers to tackle rogue operators and premises linked to organised crime.

The changes form part of the Government’s wider plans to revitalise Britain’s high streets, support local businesses and improve the appearance and feel of town centres.

For Adam Thompson MP, the visit was an opportunity to put Ilkeston’s town centre firmly on the national agenda and ensure the views of local residents and businesses are reflected as the Government develops its longer-term plans for Britain’s high streets.

Adam said: “It was fantastic to welcome the Prime Minister Andy Burnham, Angela Rayner MP and Mayor Claire Ward to Ilkeston today. The Government’s new measures are a significant step forward, giving local communities and councils a real say over what happens on their high streets.

“For too long, residents have had to put up with businesses that do little to contribute to the future of our town centres.”

“I was also pleased to showcase the brilliant work being led by the Labour team at Erewash Borough Council, including the introduction of shop signage grants and the use of Section 215 clean-up orders to tackle neglected buildings and improve the look and feel of our town centre.

“Having the Prime Minister hear directly from local residents and the Friends of Ilkeston Town Centre was a great opportunity to put their views directly into the national conversation.”