Erewash Borough Council responds after anonymous campaigner claimed residents demand action to restore green spaces

A spokesperson for Erewash Borough Council has issued a response after an anonymous local campaigner who uses a characterisation and pseudonym claimed that residents across Erewash were demanding the return of flower beds, hanging baskets, and proper maintenance of public parks, alongside a claim that there had been "more than a year of visible decline."

The campaign and a petition calls on the authority to act. It is led by a local person who goes under the psuedonym of 'Ilson Gnome;, who describes themselves as a 'community-led voice highlighting local pride and public issues', adding that they use a platform to champion issues that matter to residents.

The “Bring Back Our Blooms” petition was launched recently in response to what is claimed to be "growing frustration over the state of parks and green spaces from Ilkeston to Long Eaton". A statement claimed that contributors had said that "the borough’s once vibrant outdoor areas have become neglected, impacting civic pride, mental wellbeing, and the identity of local communities."

The statement also said that, in 2024, the borough council introduced its “Wild About Erewash” policy — a rewilding strategy it said had "removed established flower beds, scrapped hanging baskets, and significantly reduced upkeep of green spaces."

But the anonymous campaigner said: “This isn’t just about budgets — it’s about the pride we take in where we live. The council calls it rewilding, but what people are seeing is overgrown parks, flowers replaced with grass, and a lack of care. We’re not against nature — we’re asking for balance, and now that the council has announced a £2 million fund to improve the borough, this is the perfect time to invest some of it back into the green spaces people actually use and love.”

Supporters say that the matter isn't just about appearance.  The statement from Ilson Gnome said it is about: "...mental health, community safety, and helping people feel proud of where they live." The petition gained more than 200 signatures in its first 48 hours.

The campaign is calling for four key actions:

• The return of flower beds, hanging baskets and seasonal planting schemes
• Proper and regular maintenance of parks, verges, and green spaces
• Support for volunteers, schools and community groups to help enhance local planting
• A clear commitment to use part of the £2 million “Investing in Erewash” fund to visibly improve parks and planting

Erewash Sound contacted the Borough Council for its response to the anonymous campaigner's statement.

Councillor Mark Alfrey, Lead Member for Environment, said: “The council launched a programme last year to modernise how green space is managed and maintained by adopting a more ecological and wildlife friendly approach. This aims to support native plants, boost bees and butterflies, and increase biodiversity. 

"The recent opening of the Pewit Coronation Meadows Local Nature Reserve in Ilkeston is a great example of this in action, and there are examples of wildflower and grassland meadows in the borough which are now flourishing. 

“The council continue to engage with residents as the programme develops and is happy to work with people who want to sponsor sustainable flower displays. We always take the concerns of residents on board.”

“The council is always seeking to strengthen community engagement, adding further to the existing volunteer network which includes volunteer tree wardens and numerous ‘friends of’ groups across the borough.”

The Erewash Investment Fund will see investment in several vital areas within the borough, including improvements to the town centres. This money has already been allocated to projects and agreed by Council Executive.