News - Ilkeston - Latest and archives

Matthew Fretwell: wanted for questioning following a burglary in Ilkeston Credit: Derbyshire Police.

Appeal to find wanted man Matthew Fretwell for questioning after Ilkeston burglary

An appeal has been issued along with a photograph in a bid to find a man wanted for questioning in connection with a burglary in Ilkeston on Wednesday 21st October. Despite extensive enquiries, Police officers from the town have so far been unable to local Matthew Fretwell, who is of no fixed above, but who has links to both Ilkeston and Long Eaton. An image has been released showing Mr. Fretwell wearing a cap and a Motherwell FC fleece. Anyone […]

6 November 2026 2

Poppy Express volunteers (Credit: Northern)

Ilkeston

Veterans selling poppies on Northern trains say support from passengers has been ‘heartwarming’

Veterans who have been selling poppies on Northern trains, which runs services through Ilkeston Railway Station as well as regionally, say it has been “humbling and heartwarming” to receive so much support from passengers. Collections are being made by a team of 15 volunteers taking part in what is being described as 'The Poppy Express' - an annual fundraising project which raises money for the Royal British Legion – a charity that provides support to Armed Forces personnel, veterans and […]

6 November 2026 23

Ilkeston

Male arrested and charged for a string of offences around the Ilkeston area

Police Officers from the Neighbourhood Acquisitive Crime Team have arrested and charged a male for a string of offences around the Ilkeston area.Matthew Oakes of no fixed abode was initially arrested for going equipped and theft from a motor vehicle by officers from the local Policing Unit based in the town.Whilst reviewing these offences, officers were able to link him to further crimes and he has been charged with:- Theft from a motor vehicle Attempt theft from a motor vehicle […]

5 November 2026 35

Derbyshire

Nine new on-call firefighters join stations across Derbyshire

Derbyshire Fire & Rescue Service (DFRS) has collectively celebrated the achievements of nine new on-call firefighters at a pass out ceremony attended by their family and friends. On Sunday 1st November 2026, Derbyshire’s Chief Fire Officer/Chief Executive (CFO/CE) Michael Sharman hosted the event which marked the successful completion of several weeks of intense training for firefighters from course 2-26, formally welcoming them to the Service. The ceremony featured the presentation of certificates, special awards, and operational displays for the assembled […]

1 November 2026 28

Government Chancellor John Healey Was Joined By East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward At The Autumn Budget Announcement. Courtesy Of East Midlands Combined

Borough Wide

Derbyshire council argues Chancellor’s budget offers ‘crumbs’ despite claims of ‘fresh hope’

Derbyshire Labour MPs and the East Midlands Mayor welcomed the Chancellor’s autumn budget with ‘breathing space’ and ‘fresh hope’ but the county’s Reform UK council has accused John Healey of offering only ‘crumbs’ in a failed bid to tackle big issues like the economy. Chancellor John Healey’s budget on October 28th offered relief on energy bills and business rates, support for mayors and apprentices, and £1.5bn of funding for social or council housing and affordable homes, as well as support […]

29 October 2026 28

The cast of the six-part BBC Three documentary - 'Brickies' on which, Ian played a major part.

Borough Wide

Ilkeston-based construction boss devastated as BBC show DIY SOS is ‘shelved’

Ilkeston DIY SOS Project Manager Ian Hodgkinson says he is devastated by the decision to ‘rest’ the BBC programme, warning its impact goes far beyond renovating houses. The Project Manager and construction industry champion says the show is more than bricks and mortar giving struggling families independence, dignity and hope. He said: “My heart also goes out to the real stars of each show and that is the trades, the suppliers and volunteers who day after day make the build […]

26 October 2026 18

Borough Wide

Shoplifter wore wig to try and disguise himself

A prolific shoplifter wore a wig in an ill-fated attempt to disguise his identity while he stole meat from an Ilkeston store. Warren Medcroft donned the long brown wig when he stole £44.70 worth of mince meat, beef steaks and beef burgers from the One Stop store in Nottingham Road on 4th October. But the wig was not enough to stop the 39-year-old being identified as the person responsible for the theft as he was instantly recognised by an officer […]

26 October 2026 5

Starting line: young athletes hoping to emulate Jessica.

Athletics

Olympian Jess’s Erewash athletics club is named the best in the East Midlands

A booming Erewash athletics club has been named the best in the East Midlands for how volunteers help to boost the community – as it continues to celebrate Great Britain hurdler Jessica Turner becoming its first member to go to the Olympics. Amber Valley and Erewash Athletics Club – based at Ilkeston’s Rutland Sports Park – is where the Tokyo Games star honed her prowess over 400 metres. It was voted Club of the Year as England Athletics held an […]

23 October 2026 11

The proposed care home in Wardlow Road, Ilkeston. Image from KWL Architects.

Borough Wide

75-bed care home could be built on former public open space in Erewash despite sustained opposition

A 75-bed care home could be built on former public open space in a Derbyshire town “disposed of” in a council “fire sale” three years ago despite a sustained wave of opposition. In 2023, Erewash Borough Council disposed of an innocuous 1.4 acres field off Wardlow Road in Ilkeston, to the rear of The Rutland Cottage pub. This move, finalised by Labour and started by the former Conservative administration, sought to fill a budget gap by bringing in much-needed money […]

21 October 2026 37

Ilkeston

Appeal to find wanted man Matthew Fretwell for questioning after Ilkeston burglary

Veterans selling poppies on Northern trains say support from passengers has been ‘heartwarming’

Male arrested and charged for a string of offences around the Ilkeston area

Nine new on-call firefighters join stations across Derbyshire

Derbyshire council argues Chancellor’s budget offers ‘crumbs’ despite claims of ‘fresh hope’

Ilkeston-based construction boss devastated as BBC show DIY SOS is ‘shelved’

Shoplifter wore wig to try and disguise himself

Olympian Jess’s Erewash athletics club is named the best in the East Midlands

75-bed care home could be built on former public open space in Erewash despite sustained opposition

103.5 & 96.8 FM

LOVE MUSIC

LOVE EREWASH