News

SUMMER KIDZ: From schools to farms – 80,000 trees take root across Derbyshire

Tens of thousands of new trees have been planted across Derbyshire as Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest successfully completes its second planting season. Derbyshire’s Heartwood Community Forest aims to increase tree cover across eastern, north-eastern and southern Derbyshire and Derby, connecting landscapes, people and wildlife. Tree planting brings a wide range of benefits, from improving biodiversity to supporting farming, enhancing landscapes, and creating new green spaces for communities. Through this government-funded scheme, landowners, farmers, schools and community groups can access fully […]

27 July 2026 25

Renault Avantimes lined up (Credit: Conrad Longmore)

Borough Wide

French invasion as car fans have Avantime of their lives

Erewash has seen an invasion of quirky old French cars that were last made decades ago in one of its twin towns across the Channel. Proud drivers of ageing Renault Avantimes flocked to Long Eaton on Saturday 25th July, where they were joined by owners of ultra rare sporty Matras. The pilgrimage took place because the town is twinned with Romorantin-Lanthenay in the Loire. It is where the Matra factory, which also made the luxury Renault model, used to stand. […]

27 July 2026 34

Little Eaton

Body found during search for missing man

A body believed to be that of a missing Little Eaton man publicly named only as 'David' has been found. Officers made the discovery on the evening of Saturday 25th July. The 80-year-old’s family have been made aware and are being supported by specialist officers. A statement from Derbyshire Constabulary said: "Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time." There are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances. A file is being prepared for the coroner.

26 July 2026 59

Derby

Safety reassurance after PPO numbers fall in Derby

Public safety is “paramount” Derby leaders have stressed despite the number of protection officers on the city’s streets falling. Reassurances were made after a leading councillor revealed that the number of current Public Protection Officers (PPOs) serving Derby recently fell to 4.5 – that is four full-time officers and one part-time role in the city. The fall comes despite the Labour-led Derby City Council having a budget for 15 patrol officers once fully recruited. PPOs are not police officers but […]

24 July 2026 23

Scott Knowles (Credit: East Midlands Chamber)

Derby

Data reveals high cost of Iran conflict on Midlands firms

8 out of 10 Midlands businesses have experienced increased costs as a result of the Iran war, according to a survey from four chambers of commerce in the region. Manufacturers have been particularly exposed to rising energy, transport, insurance and raw material costs. East Midlands Chamber, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce and Black Country Chamber of Commerce surveyed 698 businesses. The four chambers of commerce are calling on Government to recognise the regional impact […]

24 July 2026 17

Derbyshire

County Council Cabinet asked (30th July) to approve plans to protect the environment and benefit communities

A new plan has been drawn-up by Derbyshire County Council to help it meet its environmental responsibilities while also bringing about benefits for residents and the local economy. Cabinet Members will be asked to approve the plan, called the Environmental Sustainability Strategy at a meeting next week (Thursday 30th July 2026). If the new plan gets the go-ahead, it will help the council to carry out legal duties placed upon it by the Environment Act 2021 and other legislation and […]

23 July 2026 16

Derbyshire

Derbyshire County Council plans to roll out ‘red carpet’ strategy for film industry boost to the county

Derbyshire councillors have united to help establish the county and region as a greater global base and destination for worldwide movies and television to boost jobs, economic growth and the arts. Reform-controlled Derbyshire County Council voted with opposition party councillors in favour of Cllr Sarah Reaney’s motion at a meeting on July 15th for the authority to recognise the industry as a priority sector and to develop a screen and creative industries plan while exploring a potential film or creative […]

23 July 2026 20

Borough Wide

SUMMER KIDZ: UKHSA East Midlands reminds families how to ‘Beat the Heat’ as schools break for summer

Schools out for summer and UKHSA East Midlands is urging families to take simple steps to enjoy the summer break safely and protect their family’s health. Further heat health alerts could be issued throughout the summer as temperatures rise. Particularly young children can be susceptible to the effects of heat, as well as older age groups. But anyone can be affected by particularly high temperatures and spending time outdoors, travelling and taking part in sports and other activities can increase […]

23 July 2026 27

Richard Blackmore from The East Midlands Chamber

Borough Wide

20% business rates cut for pubs and clubs welcomed by Chamber

The East Midlands Chamber has said a 20% cut in business rates for pubs and clubs is a ‘significant step forward’ but renewed its call for support for the wider hospitality sector, across manufacturing and small businesses, as part of a full root and branch review. The cut, announced by the Prime Minister, will be applied to business rates from April 2027 and follows a 15% cut announced by the former Chancellor earlier in 2026. East Midlands Chamber Director of […]

23 July 2026 12

SUMMER KIDZ: From schools to farms – 80,000 trees take root across Derbyshire

French invasion as car fans have Avantime of their lives

Body found during search for missing man

Safety reassurance after PPO numbers fall in Derby

Data reveals high cost of Iran conflict on Midlands firms

County Council Cabinet asked (30th July) to approve plans to protect the environment and benefit communities

Derbyshire County Council plans to roll out ‘red carpet’ strategy for film industry boost to the county

SUMMER KIDZ: UKHSA East Midlands reminds families how to ‘Beat the Heat’ as schools break for summer

20% business rates cut for pubs and clubs welcomed by Chamber

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