News

Housing masterplan described as “deeply flawed” and “unfixable” scrapped after seven years of work

By Eddie Bisknell - Local Democracy Reporting Service A Derbyshire council’s “deeply flawed” and “unfixable” 7,000-home masterplan has been scrapped after seven years of work. At an Erewash Borough Council meeting on Thursday (January 22nd), councillors voted to withdraw the authority’s plan to earmark land for more than 7,000 homes by 2040. This followed a direct “ultimatum” from a Government planning inspector that the council either choose to scrap its plan or face it being judged “unsound” and rejected. Council […]

23 January 2026 29

Derbyshire PCC Nicolle Ndiweni Roberts and Derbyshire Chief Constable Rachel Swann. Credit: BBC LDR Jon Cooper.

News

Police officials united on maximum council tax precept increase to protect public

By Jon Cooper - Local Democracy Reporting Service Derbyshire Constabulary’s Chief Constable and the county’s Police and Crime Commissioner showed a united front as they justified a maximum council tax rate increase by blaming unprecedented financial demands, limited funding and the need to balance a budget while providing safety for residents. Chief Constable Rachel Swann and Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts sat shoulder-to-shoulder at a Police and Crime Panel meeting at County Hall, in Matlock, on January 21, in […]

22 January 2026 14

Borough Wide

Challenging times continue as county council considers budget (29th January)

Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet will meet next week (Thursday 29th January) to consider measures to support the setting of a balanced budget Councillors will be asked to consider the Revenue Budget Report 2026-27 which includes how the authority will manage and spend a proposed net budget of £812.2m in the coming year. The report to be discussed also includes new budget savings proposals of £44.9m for the next financial year together with a recommendation to raise council tax by 4.90%. […]

21 January 2026 18

Recovered, previously stolen tools - are any of these your property? (Credit: Derbyshire Police)

Borough Wide

Police appeal to help trace owners of stolen tools

Derbyshire Police have issued an appeal for help from the public to trace the owners of a number of tools which have been recovered from across Erewash and South Derbyshire. The items (pictured) have been recovered during an operation to target thieves who stole from vans on more than 130 occasions. Items include a Makita hammer drill, a De Walt nail gun and a Makita grinder. Officers have also found a number of other tools which do not have distinguishing […]

21 January 2026 28

News

Panel approves Police and Crime Commissioner’s budget plans

Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Panel has given PCC Nicolle Ndiweni Roberts’ budget plans for 2026–27 full and final approval, noting both the financial challenges facing the Force and the strong public support for paying more to protect local policing. At the Panel’s meeting held on 21st January, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Chief Constable presented the proposed budget for policing, community safety and victims’ services across the city and county. This included the recommended amount local households contribute […]

21 January 2026 20

Community Notices

Turrets or trees? Vote for new kids’ fun zone

A castle-themed design and a woodland-style haven are the two contenders for a new £75,000 fun zone that Erewash Borough Council is planning to build – with residents being invited to pick the one their children would prefer. The vote is the third of its kind to be held in the borough over the past two years. The first was for a showcase playground in Long Eaton’s West Park. Next came a thrilling fun zone at Ilkeston’s Wash Meadows, which […]

21 January 2026 22

News

More help for residents to get online and go digital across Derbyshire

A £50,000 funding boost will help Derbyshire residents get online, stay connected and access vital services Derbyshire County Council is strengthening its commitment to tackling digital exclusion by investing an extra £50,000 to help residents get online, build confidence and access essential health and support services. Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Health and Communities, Councillor Dawn Abbott said: “As more services become “digital by default” thousands of residents risk being left behind - particularly older people, those with disabilities, […]

21 January 2026 16

Kirk Hallam

Get active in Kirk Hallam, by taking a borough council survey

A community initiative that aims to bring residents in one of Erewash’s neighbourhoods together is being backed by Erewash Borough Council – with the authority launching an official online survey to learn how it can boost the health and wellbeing of locals. Kirk Hallam Connect says its mission is to create positive change. One way is to get people of all ages to take part in increased physical activity – and the council wants to find out what might be […]

21 January 2026 15

Sawley

Man jailed for 12 months after being found in possession of a knife

A man has been jailed after being caught in possession of a knife. After a 999 call was made to Police detailing the matter on a local bus in Sawley, local Safer Neighbourhood Team officers responded immediately, making their way to Tamworth Road. Lee Foster of no fixed abode, was detained and stop-searched, upon which time, officers found the bladed item - a retractable 'Stanley'-style knife, in a trouser pocket. After appearing before Southern Derbyshire Magistrates Court on 19th January, […]

21 January 2026 49

Housing masterplan described as “deeply flawed” and “unfixable” scrapped after seven years of work

Police officials united on maximum council tax precept increase to protect public

Challenging times continue as county council considers budget (29th January)

Police appeal to help trace owners of stolen tools

Panel approves Police and Crime Commissioner’s budget plans

Turrets or trees? Vote for new kids’ fun zone

More help for residents to get online and go digital across Derbyshire

Get active in Kirk Hallam, by taking a borough council survey

Man jailed for 12 months after being found in possession of a knife

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