Bath Street train replacement suggested as part of successful funding bid plans

Plans to bring a shuttle vehicle back to Ilkeston Town Centre form part of plans after the borough council successfully bid for £2.8m in funding from the Government's Shared Prosperity Fund.

The funding is available to help finance community and business projects over the next two years.   The Council Executive is set to approve receipt of the money at a meeting to be held on 21st February.

The grant will be invested in our communities in a number of exciting projects including: 

• a community shuttle forming a temporary and trial project for a vehicle to carry passengers up Bath Street – this would help to improve the accessibility of Bath Street for people with walking difficulties.
• a 3G pitch project at Rutland Sports Park: a third generation artificial grass pitch will be introduced to promote engagement with sport.
• a Bennerley Viaduct Study: a project to establish options improving access to the viaduct.
• a Golden Hello Scheme: This aims to encourage new businesses opening in empty shops by providing a start-up grant for new signage and marketing.
• Ilkeston Nature Reserve: Enhancement of the wildlife value and public amenity at the former Pewit Golf Course and Manor Floods LNR, including substantial tree planting to help address the impact of climate change.
• a Cultural Events Programme: Increased awareness of and engagement with the Erewash Museum through a programme of enhanced events.

Other projects, to be rolled out over the next two years, include an enhanced community grant scheme; a community carbon grant for energy efficiency improvements for eligible households,  a manufacturing Research & Development grant for local manufacturing businesses and, a project to back Erewash Partnership  and their support for existing and new business start-ups.

A project to replace the existing play equipment at West Park, improving the play offer in Long Eaton, and a Visit Erewash Campaign to promote recreational use of the Erewash countryside also formed part of the successful bid.

Councillor Carol Hart, Leader of Erewash Borough Council, said: “These are exciting times for Erewash. This funding will allow the council to invest in our communities through a range of innovative and forward-thinking projects, which are set to be of great benefit to residents in the borough.”