News

Richard Blackmore from The East Midlands Chamber

Inflation rise to 3.4% will add to pressure on business and could lead to price rises says Chamber

East Midlands Chamber has renewed calls for greater support for the region’s businesses as it warns firms could look to increase their prices after inflation rose more than was expected by economists to 3.4%. The latest annual inflation data from the Office for National Statistics is the first rise in inflation in five months, up from 3.2% in November. East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: “While inflation is generally expected to ease later this year, […]

21 January 2026 9

Derby

Major step forward for regeneration of Derby’s Market Place

Plans to regenerate Derby’s Market Place have now been submitted, marking a major milestone for the site, which includes the former Assembly Rooms. The proposals, which are being brought forward by VINCI UK Developments and ION Developments, working in partnership as preferred developer with Derby City Council, follow two rounds of public consultation. Both rounds of engagement included consultation events, including sessions held at Derby City Lab, a consultation website and discussions with key stakeholders. The emerging proposals include new […]

21 January 2026 14

This e scooter was seized by Derbyshire police - one of hundreds its taken in over a year. Image by Derbyshire Police (Mercia and Hilton Police SNT).

News

Police abused after taking teen’s Christmas gift e-scooter for crushing

Parents of a teenager “abused” police officers when they seized the youngster’s “dangerous” e-scooter – one of hundreds in more than a year. The incident happened last Thursday (January 15th) after officers saw the vehicle being ridden illegally. They were told it had been brought as a Christmas present, despite warnings issued weeks ago not to. Derbyshire police warned people during the festive period not to buy them as gifts as they are illegal to use on public roads. Officers […]

20 January 2026 16

Community Notices

Derbyshire mum urges parents to vaccinate children against flu to protect the vulnerable

A Derbyshire mum is calling on parents to make sure their children get the flu vaccine this winter, after her son Finley endured a terrifying battle with respiratory illness. Jess Lynam’s son, Finley, was born prematurely, weighing 4lb 6oz, and faced severe complications, including a respiratory infection that led to intubation, a pneumothorax, and an 11-minute cardiac arrest. He now lives with tracheomalacia, which means his windpipe sometimes collapses while breathing. He also has asthma, meaning even minor illnesses can […]

20 January 2026 15

News

Chamber calls for skills investment after East Midlands unemployment hits 6%

Flexible skills funds for SMEs and a ‘single skills portal’ for firms to access apprenticeships are among measures that would support getting people into jobs, East Midlands Chamber has said, after unemployment among over 16’s in the region reached 6%. The latest estimated figure from the Office for National Statistics covers the three months to November 2025 and is the highest level since the last three months of 2020. East Midlands Chamber Director of Policy and Insight Richard Blackmore said: […]

20 January 2026 7

Credit: Assets Publishing Service for DEFRA.

News

Clean water, clear expectations, as Government unveils the biggest overhaul in a generation

A new once-in-a-generation plan to overhaul the water system and protect households from disruption has been unveiled. The Water White Paper sets out clear powers for the new regulator, delivering tougher oversight and stronger accountability for water companies. For the first time in two decades, a Chief Engineer will sit inside the new single water regulator. Their job is to bring back the hands-on checks of water infrastructure Ofwat has failed to provide, ending the days of water firms marking […]

20 January 2026 7

News

Police statement issued following HSE investigation after officers injured in training incident

Derbyshire Police Chief Constable Rachel Swann has issued a statement following the completion of an inquiry by The Health Safety Executive into the injuries to four police officers during a training exercise in February 2021. The statement said: “The injuries were suffered when the officers were involved in public order training which required the deployment of so-called ‘petrol bombs’. “The injuries to the officers were serious and that officers were harmed during their training is something that has been taken very […]

20 January 2026 6

Ilkeston

People power puts a swift end to hole pole

People power has swiftly brought familiarity back to a much-loved Ilkeston landmark after change was suddenly noticed. The 'Hole In The Wall' near to the Bath Street branch of the Nat West Bank, has been such a major part of local life, that it remains highly ranked on location review website TripAdvisor. The first review was reportedly left on the platform as far back as 2018, with additional entries helping lift its ranking on the website listings for local and […]

20 January 2026 26

Active Lives winner Susie with Erewash Mayor Cllr Harry Atkinson (Credit: EBC)

2

Borough Wide

Brave Susie is among stars at council ‘Oscars’

A woman who has overcome a life-changing brain injury to selflessly help others was among the stars of an awards night staged by Erewash Borough Council to salute local people who inspire fellow citizens to get fit and healthy. Susie Lambert was honoured by the Mayor in the 2026 Active Lives in Erewash Awards for her tireless work organising activities in the community. Her traumatic injury led her to launch support groups for residents living with long-term illnesses – but […]

20 January 2026 20 2

Inflation rise to 3.4% will add to pressure on business and could lead to price rises says Chamber

Major step forward for regeneration of Derby’s Market Place

Police abused after taking teen’s Christmas gift e-scooter for crushing

Derbyshire mum urges parents to vaccinate children against flu to protect the vulnerable

Chamber calls for skills investment after East Midlands unemployment hits 6%

Clean water, clear expectations, as Government unveils the biggest overhaul in a generation

Police statement issued following HSE investigation after officers injured in training incident

People power puts a swift end to hole pole

Brave Susie is among stars at council ‘Oscars’

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