News

Families encouraged to check MMR vaccinations ahead of half term as measles cases rise across parts of the country

Families across the East Midlands are being encouraged to use the half term school break to check their children’s measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccinations are up to date. The call comes as the latest measles data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows that from 1 January to 9 February 2026, there have been 96 cases of measles in England, with 79 cases in the 4 weeks since 12th January. During the whole of 2025, there were 22 […]

16 February 2026 4

Credit: Emma Donnelly on behalf of the owners of the horses involved

Borough Wide

Horses euthanised after tragic A52 incident

Two horses have reportedly been euthanised after an incident on a busy road through the borough involving a number of vehicles. On Sunday 15th February, traffic was stopped in both directions of the A52 between the A5111 and the M1 junction 25, after the animals got on to the carriageway. A National Highways statement said that there had been a collision involving multiple vehicles and horses. The road was reportedly re-opened at around 1:30pm. A statement was posted on social […]

16 February 2026 349

Derbyshire

County Council votes in favour of urging East Mids Mayor to scrap ‘tourism tax’

By Jon Cooper - Local Democracy Reporting Service Derbyshire County Council has voted by a majority in favour of calling on the East Midlands Mayor to scrap a Government proposal for a ‘tourism tax’ on overnight visitors to the county and its Peak District National Park as part of national budget plans. The Labour Government aims to introduce the levy on overnight trips – dubbed as a ‘tourism tax’ – to help create an income for regional mayors to boost […]

14 February 2026 21

Community Notices

Giving Lottery Result for Saturday 14th February 2026

We've teamed up with The Giving Lottery to give you the chance to win up to £25,000 by playing for as little as £1 a week in their weekly draw. Prizes start at £25 for three matched numbers, £250 for four matched numbers, £2,000 for five matched numbers and if you can match ALL six numbers, £25,000 is yours! Match two numbers and get three extra tickets for the following draw! The winning numbers for Saturday 14th February 2026 are […]

14 February 2026 127

Italian jobs . . . what Treviso-based multinational’s UK factory near Ilkeston will look like when it opens at New Stanton Park – employing an expected 100-plus local workers

Borough Wide

100 factory jobs as Italian giant invests in Erewash

A jobs boost for Erewash has been given the go-ahead from the borough council – with the granting of full planning permission for an Italian-based multinational to build a major factory near Ilkeston. Millions will be spent by construction industry giant Fassa Bortolo after it launched a search for a site to house its new UK headquarters and picked a business park that is taking shape where the old Stanton Ironworks used to stand. The company, which specialises in pre-mix […]

13 February 2026 34

Derby

Huge hole fears at Assembly Rooms site as bizarre 40-minute talks held

By Nigel Slater - Local Democracy Reporting Service Fears have been raised that changes to plans to replace Derby’s Assembly Rooms could leave the city with a huge hole. Concerns were raised during a 40-minute discussion between councillors and Derby City Council officers at a planning meeting over the change of one word. Some city councillors fear the city’s Market Place could potentially be left with a big empty space for years after the Assembly Rooms is bulldozed. The council-owned […]

13 February 2026 30

Image by Clker-Free-Vector-Images from Pixabay

Derbyshire

Mobile coverage map shows most reliable network providers in Derbyshire

Residents, businesses and visitors across the county can now check which mobile service provider offers the best signal in their area following a Derbyshire County Council project to map coverage. The county council and mobile mapping specialist Streetwave worked in partnership with district and borough councils throughout Derbyshire which collected crucial data on where mobile signals fail to deliver using signal testing devices fixed to their bin lorries. Funded by East Midlands County Combined Authority (EMCCA), it is the first […]

13 February 2026 26

Derby

Making it Official: Ceremony marks new home for city Registration Services

Derby’s new Register Office was officially opened this week (12th February) in a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark its new home. The city’s births, marriages and deaths are now registered in a refurbished suite of rooms on the ground floor of Riverside Chambers. Accessibility to the site has been a priority. Through the Transforming Cities Fund, the corner of Full Street and Derwent Street has undergone significant improvements. This includes a new dedicated pull-in space directly outside the entrance for […]

13 February 2026 16

Jo Hemmings and Louis (Credit: Cats.org.uk)

News

Cat dads are the UK’s most eligible bachelors, Valentine expert claims

Proud cat dads have a head start in the dating game, with relationship experts claiming cats make the ultimate wing men. So this Valentine’s Day, animal welfare charity Cats Protection is encouraging UK pet owners to loudly proclaim their love for their four-legged friends. Jo Hemmings, psychologist, dating coach, and owner of an 11-year-old cat Louis, said: “In the often-soulless world of online dating, the presence of a cat can speak volumes. “Cat photos on your profile can elevate a […]

13 February 2026 20