News

First of 10 new Elizabeth line Alstom trains enters service

The first of 10 new Elizabeth line trains built by Alstom in Derby has entered service. The first Class 345 Aventra train, built at the firm’s Litchurch Lane Works, has begun passenger service in London, following an extensive period of testing on the mainline railway by Alstom, Transport for London and the operator GTS. The new trains, delivered with Government funding, will support increased passenger demand, including at HS2’s Old Oak Common railway station when it opens. Nimesh Tailor, project […]

8 September 2026 10

News

Young wheelchair users still missing out on key school experiences

The UK’s leading charity for young wheelchair users is warning that young wheelchair users are still being shut out of key parts of school life, as its latest frontline data shows satisfaction with school-related activities at just 2.5 out of 10 before they receive the right wheelchair. With an estimated 75,000 young wheelchair users across the UK, the charity says children continue to face barriers to experiences including getting around school independently, PE, school trips, clubs and opportunities to prepare […]

8 September 2026 19

Borough Wide

Only half of East Midlands primary school children had flu vaccine last year – leaving thousands unprotected

East Midlands parents are being urged to protect their children against flu and keep more vulnerable family members healthy this winter by getting their children vaccinated. Last winter (2025-26), only 52.8% of primary school children in the East Midlands received a flu vaccine – slightly down on the previous winter (2024-25), when uptake was 52.9%. Nationally, just 55.5% of primary school children - around 2.5 million out of a total of the 4.5 million eligible - were protected from flu […]

7 September 2026 23

The Derbyshire LGR decision map. Image from One Derbyshire Two Councils.

Borough Wide

Local Government Reorgnisation ‘pause’ for Derby and Derbyshire heavily criticised

A Government “pause” on scrapping Derbyshire’s 10 councils and replacement with new ones has been heavily criticised with questions asked about the cost of the proposals. Today (September 7th) the Labour Government has announced a pause to local government reorganisation – that would see Derbyshire’s 10 councils and replaced with two for the north and south – following “legal advice”. Angela Raynor, Secretary of State for housing, communities and local government, said she was asked to “look again” at the […]

7 September 2026 33

Borough Wide

Plans to replace 10 Derbyshire councils with 2 new larger ones, to be paused for a “rapid review”

A major Government decision to scrap Derbyshire’s 10 councils and replace them with two new, larger councils from 2028 is to be paused for a “rapid review”. Sources have confirmed to the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the decision to pause follows judicial reviews brought over the four council reshuffles agreed by the Government earlier this year. The 14 decisions made in July, including the reshuffle for Derby and Derbyshire’s 10 councils, will now be paused for a review, the […]

7 September 2026 26

Borough Wide

Local Government Reorganisation plans paused for Derby and Derbyshire and neighbouring counties

After the Government launched a review of local government reorganisation, it has been revealed that plans in Derby and Derbyshire are amongst a list of areas where plans are to be paused. In some areas of the country, plans have been withdrawn completely. Communities Secretary, Angela Rayner was expected to announce the plans in Parliament later on Monday 7th September, although Ms Rayner has already been quoted as saying that she wants to be satisfied that the right process is […]

7 September 2026 30

Derbyshire

Derbyshire police officer sacked for ‘racist and sexist’ comments

A Derbyshire police officer has been sacked after repeatedly making offensive “racist and sexist” comments on social media – despite several warnings. Police constable Stefan Downs made a number of discriminatory comments in reference to black people, a misconduct hearing found. The hearing’s report said one of his comments “condones violence to be used against a child”. Derbyshire police’s top officer said PC Downs “was given a number of opportunities to change his behaviour” but he “failed to do so”. […]

7 September 2026 18

Borough Wide

Derbyshire ranked 2nd in new data showing where Britain’s roads are in the worst condition

A new study has revealed the UK areas with the worst road surfaces, with Derbyshire only beaten by West Northamptonshire. The analysis, conducted by field management software Re-flow Field Management, examined road condition data from the Department for Transport, looking at the percentage of roads given 'red' status, indicating surfaces in poor condition that may require immediate maintenance. Derbyshire showed a percentage of A-roads in a red status; as 20.4%, in amber, 44%, B and C roads in red status […]

7 September 2026 19

Derbyshire

Derbyshire County Council supports care leavers into the world of work

Young people leaving care are being supported by Derbyshire County Council to take their first steps into employment, apprenticeships and higher education. The authority’s Leaving Care Service is working with employers across the county, local authorities and schools to offer more opportunities for young people. Care experienced young people often face additional barriers to finding jobs, work experience and apprenticeships. Statistics show that around 40% of care leavers aged 19 to 21 are not in education, employment or training (NEET) […]

7 September 2026 16

First of 10 new Elizabeth line Alstom trains enters service

Young wheelchair users still missing out on key school experiences

Only half of East Midlands primary school children had flu vaccine last year – leaving thousands unprotected

Local Government Reorgnisation ‘pause’ for Derby and Derbyshire heavily criticised

Plans to replace 10 Derbyshire councils with 2 new larger ones, to be paused for a “rapid review”

Local Government Reorganisation plans paused for Derby and Derbyshire and neighbouring counties

Derbyshire police officer sacked for ‘racist and sexist’ comments

Derbyshire ranked 2nd in new data showing where Britain’s roads are in the worst condition

Derbyshire County Council supports care leavers into the world of work

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