New Investment in Swadlincote

Over the last few months we have been working hard to bring forward plans that have been around for a few years to enhance and re-vamp the commercial/retail side of Swadlincote.

I was delighted when the Plans were passed and now, as reported in the article first printed in the Burton Mail 23 September 08, this old neglected end of town looks close to starting to get to get developed.
The credit crunch is no joke but I am determined to bring as much exciting new economic investment to South Derbyshire, in the appropriate places as possible.

Photo of Heather at the old Hepworth site taken by Neil Barker Burton Mail

Retail park talks at advanced stage
by LAURIE DEVITT
SEVEN high-profile retail stores are in 'advanced' talks with developers to fill units at South Derbyshire's multi-million pound leisure complex, it has been revealed.Negotiations between the as yet unnamed stores and developer Rokeby (Swadlincote) Ltd to fill retail space at the 3.6-hectare former Wraggs Pipes and Hepworth site, in Coppice Side, Swadlincote, are nearing completion, say scheme leaders.In July, the Mail revealed how ambitious plans to create a multiplex cinema, bowling alley and dozens of shops, restaurants, cafes and bars - incorporating four of the site's historic buildings - had been approved by South Derbyshire District Council's planning committee.The scheme, which will boost the town's economy by £21 million pounds a year, has made a major potential stumbling block removed after the Government Office of the East Midlands (GOEM) has decided it will not 'call in' the scheme.This is a process whereby the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, Hazel Blears, can decide to conduct a planning inquiry if she feels any major scheme conflicts with national policies, could have significant effects beyond its locality, or raises significant architectural and urban design issues.However, Rokeby can now press ahead with the scheme without delay.While the firm's managing director, Adrian Goodall, has declined to name names until the deals are signed and sealed, he told The Mail: "We are obviously very pleased with the Government's decision not to call the scheme in.
"This news gives further confidence to push on with our efforts."Our agents are working very hard to secure tenants and are in detailed discussions with seven different parties."A spokesman for the firm said if the scheme had been called in, it would have almost certainly spelled disaster for the site, meaning 'advanced' negotiations with retailers would have to be abandoned and started from scratch.District council leader Heather Wheeler said the news gave hope for the site's future."While it recognises how difficult economic times are, our council works very hard with partners to bring the best results for everybody in the area," she said."It is this 'can do' attitude that means we are so far bucking the trend and are being successful in welcoming new investment to the area."We very much look forward to this development starting as soon as possible."

Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning

The local Citizens Advice Bureau, with CVS, invited me along to their office in Swadlincote for the ‘Macmillan World’s Biggest Coffee Morning’ Friday 26th September.
Graeme Royall, the Manager and the team of volunteers welcomed everyone to this very special event which I was happy to support.

Being even handed later in the day I popped into the event being held at the Pirelli Stadium and met up with more generous South Derbyshire folk, all happily giving their time and money for this good cause.

Well done to everyone involved.

Visit to Barry and Angela Sargent’s farm in Ashe, near Etwall

Baldfields Farm

Angela invited me for a farm walk and to talk through issues local farmers are worrying about here in South Derbyshire. She and Barry have around 250 acres to farm and choose to vary each year between arable, pasture and rearing beef, sheep and pigs.

In an idyllic setting Angela also finds time to write articles on farming life and is building up a ‘buy their meat business’ too. As well at that they are heavily involved with the local NFU and following this visit I have been invited to attend their NFU meeting in the future.

Locally we have lived through Foot & Mouth, TB rearing its devastating head and blue tongue too. Farming the land means so much to Barry and Angela that when another load of regulation drops onto them from Europe, gold-plated by Westminster, they almost despair but carry on because it is the right thing to do.

Because we care about where we live, how we live and husbandry of stock have a look at their website http://www.baldfields-farm.co.uk/ and see how special their products are.


Barry and Angela SargentBaldfields Farm, Ashe Lane, Etwall

Website: http://www.baldfields-farm.co.uk/Quality assured, home bred and reared beef and lamb

Suppliers of Prime Local Beef and Lamb in Southern DerbyshireMember of the Countryside stewardship Scheme

South Derbyshire farmers are made of strong stuff, aren’t we fortunate.

St John’s Church Newhall

Sunday saw a special service with Bishop Alistair (The Right Reverend Dr. Alastair Perkins Bishop of Derby) joining the Rev Bob Hollings to celebrate the 175th anniversary of St John’s Church Newhall and in particular the new disabled entrance, ramp and seating.
Friends from the surrounding Chapels joined the congregation for this special event.
The changes are quite remarkable, all the old pews gone now in the main part of the Church. Certainly the congregation were very welcoming and the disabled access made entering the Church very easy.

Hilton Village Celebrates in Autumn sunshine

What an excellent atmosphere on Saturday when I visited the celebrations round the Village Hall and play area.

From Hilton Harriers, the Rotary, the bowls club to the Village Hall Management Team themselves (and many others) everyone was having a good time.
When Bob and I arrived we were told of and could see the crowds of children who had thronged to the open day with face painting, laser games and fun put on with the aid of volunteers and the District Council’s Sports and Youth officers.

Hilton is coping with a huge population growth. It is great to see the community building together to make it a village people really want to live in.
Thank you to the volunteers and particularly my co-councillors Julie and Amy for all their hard work.

HERITAGE WEEKEND

HERITAGE WEEKEND

In South Derbyshire we are very proud to be involved with the English Heritage sponsored ‘Heritage Weekend’ Events were taking place all over the Constituency and I managed to visit a few this time in Swadlincote, Church Gresley and Melbourne on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Friday took me to our Catholic Church St Peter and St Paul's, in Darklands Road, see the report that appeared in the Burton Mail below. On Saturday I visited the ancient church, based on an 11century Priory in Church Gresley (volunteers are hoping to have the Church open regularly on Saturday mornings in the future) and then on Sunday I spent a wonderful few hours on the Festival Trail in Melbourne.

We have so much to be proud of in South Derbyshire. This weekend showed us off at our best, our heritage and the enormous stock of volunteers that make us tick.

This is the report that appeared in the Burton Mail (15/08/09) about Friday’s event in Swadlincote.

Church helps celebrate town's heritage
by JAMES BRINDLE

A SWADLINCOTE church celebrating its 50th anniversary has taken part in a national scheme aimed at promoting English Heritage.St Peter and St Paul's Catholic Church, in Darklands Road, has opened its doors to all-comers during the National Heritage Open Days.Visitors have been able to experience the splendid architecture of the church and visit its war shrine, which dates back to the late-1800s and is still in use for services to the present day.Displays of the parish's history have taken place, as well as walks back through time to discover the church's early origins and what life was really like back then.Younger visitors have had the chance to take part in a history activity quiz based on things they had to look for in the church.Simon Thomas, chairman of the church's jubilee committee, told The Mail the church had seen a lot of visitors, including South Derbyshire District Council leader Heather Wheeler.He said: "It has been absolutely brilliant and it has all gone very well indeed. There has been lots of interest in the church and the community. Visitors have learned a lot by looking at the pictures and displays we have had of the church and the town since the 1800s."We are one of the only churches taking part in this national event in the region, so it is quite unusual. Even more significant for us is that it is the church's 50th anniversary this year."

Generous people – part 2

This time in Repton and this time for Marie Curie On Tuesday 9th September very kindly Sue and Bill Auden hosted a charity fund raiser jazz evening picnic in the marquee at their home in Well Lane, Repton.

The charity was founded 60 years ago with the proceeds of the sale of a donated diamond ring. On hearing the story and from Sue’s many friends a kind person donated another ring for this event’s raffle prize.
The raffle alone raised over a thousand pounds.

A great night, wonderful company, brilliant jazz and gracious hosts that believe in the good cause of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

Ladder to success

I get to be involved in many aspects of life in South Derbyshire but recently with Councillor John Bladen I launched a “replace a dodgy ladder” scheme.

This campaign to save the lives of workers in South Derbyshire by replacing their dodgy ladders has been a success into its second week.
Photo Burton Mail 13th September 2008
Ladder Exchange 2008 has had enquiries about new ladders and general ladder safety since its beginning on September 1.The aim of the campaign is to highlight the risks associated with using a dodgy ladder as well as giving employers the chance to exchange any faulty ladder for a new one, with discounts of up to 50 per cent.Enforcement officers from South Derbyshire District Council are also visiting premises to check ladders and offer advice on ladder safety.I am very pleased that the message is getting through, it is one that could save lives. Organised by the Health and Safety Executive, Ladder Exchange is designed to educate and we much prefer that to enforcement.Falls from height continue to be the main cause of death - and one of the main causes of serious injury - in the workplace.Ladder Exchange hopes to reduce the fatal injury figures which totalled 24 in 2005-06 and 3,351 major injuries as a result of falls from a great height before it ends at the end of the month.Any South Derbyshire employers wishing to find out more about the scheme can contact environmental health technical officer Ruth Boam on 01283 221000

£25m for flood defences in Derby – what does it mean for South Derbyshire

More news on what is happening with new flood protection schemes.
Up by Great Wilne the Trent and the Derwent converge. Because of recent history the Environment Agency have just launched their Strategy to deal with this stretch. It has a huge impact on Shardlow and Ambaston as well as Great Wilne.
FROM 1965 to the present day, the Lower Derwent has a well-documented history of flooding.
But with £25m, the Environment Agency hopes that the havoc wreaked when the 17-mile stretch of water bursts its banks will soon be a thing of the past.
The cash is to be ploughed into flood defences along the Lower Derwent, which runs from Milford to where it meets with the River Trent in Great Wilne.
Work is due to begin in five years and over the next three months the Environment Agency hopes to arm itself with ideas on how to spend the money from people living in the communities affected.
Yesterday, about 80 people attended a meeting to hear more about the Lower Derwent Flood Risk Management Strategy.

We will be putting forward suggestions to ensure people living in the affected areas of South Derbyshire eg Shardlow and Ambaston would be protected from future flooding.
My first impression from the information provided by the Environment Agency was its main priorities seemed to be protecting 3,000 plus homes from the Lower Derwent in Derby city.
As far as south Derbyshire is concerned, we will send in robust replies to this consultation.
This will be done to make sure residents in Ambaston and Shardlow gain as much benefit and do not lose from the proposals.
The existing flood defences along the banks of the river are mainly made up of walls and embankments that were built in the 1960s and 1970s.
There are as yet no firm plans as to what the Environment Agency will do with the £25m.
But among the suggestions it has put forward include increasing the amount of woodland, so the trees can naturally help drain excess water away, replace and raise existing defences, improve the flow of water through railway bridges and improving the existing flood warning system.
Among the ideas it has already dismissed are adding or removing weirs, underwater storage tanks and dredging.
People can found out more about the plans for the Lower Derwent and put forward their suggestions by calling the Environment Agency on 08708 506506 or e-mail enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Flooding - what can be done?

I was called at 7am by my co-Councillor Martyn Ford as the Brook at Pinfold Lane in Repton had burst its banks again and the Lane was flooded.
Our Emergency number at the Council was called and the lads were bringing more sandbags for locals to protect their properties.
Martyn and I were on site at 7.30am and met with the Ladies bagging up the entrances to the United Reform Chapel and the neighbours on Pinfold Lane. The Council lads arrived by 8am and deposited extra bags.
The Brook had begun to subside by then but the rain continued to come down so families were protecting their homes waiting should the Brook rise again.

Frizams Lane and Bakeacre Lane near Findern were also reported for Flooding signs to be put out.

Following the devastation caused by the floods last summer (as shown in attached photo that appeared in the Burton Mail August 2007) we have put in a bid to the Government to organise and pay for flood protection boards for those 75 houses affected in the July 07 floods in South Derbyshire.

The threat of flooding in South Derbyshire has been a high priority for me and our Council, with high level meetings with the Environment Agency, practise Emergency Planning days for staff, and this bid to the Government for storm board protection all undertaken since last summer. There is nothing I take more seriously than the threat of flooding and the turmoil and grief it causes to families in South Derbyshire.

When I have news about the storm boards and the flood defence works in the north of the District I will bring the news to this site.

Generous people - £4,600 raised for St Giles Hospice

In Bretby on Sunday 31st August friends Peter and Paul hosted an amazing Charity Fund Raiser for the St Giles Hospice.
More than 100 friends attended and managed to raise £4,600 and have a wonderful time doing it.
Peter and Paul corralled friends to help cook, serve, sing, play the saxophone and generally eat drink and be entertained in a marquee whilst the great British summer carried on pouring down with rain.
Were we down hearted? No! A great time was had by all and many many thanks to all who worked so hard to produce this great amount of money for our beloved Hospice.

Overseal Memorial Bowls Club – from the Ashes

A VILLAGE bowls club which almost folded after a devastating vandal attack five years ago has literally risen from the ashes.Overseal Memorial Bowls Club is facing the beginning of a new era now, after brand new changing and toilet facilities were finally delivered.The cabins, which were fitted at the Woodville Road club August 22nd, are part of a £25,000 revamp project to rebuild its facilities after they were destroyed by firework-throwing yobs in 2003.
This wonderful project has happened because of so many hard-working volunteers.I understand members were there at 6.30pm the day before to take out the fence so that the crane could get on to the site, and to oversee the laying of the special wooden plates so the lorries wouldn't sink in to the ground. This was after laying the cement corner plinths for the units to be placed on.If that isn't dedication, I don't know what is.
The blaze in 2003, which firefighters believed was started deliberately, destroyed a storage shed containing £30,000 of equipment, including five mowers and fertilisers.The club, which was established in the 1920s and has 30 members, has since been soldiering on without such facilities.Refusing to be beaten, however, its members have been working hard to generate funds for the project, securing £10,000 from the National Lottery, £9,000 from Veolia Environmental Trust's Landfill Communities Fund and £6,000 from South Derbyshire District Council.
Disabled access will be created and the cabins decorated, with completion aimed at the end of November.Club secretary Steve Bigg said: "This fantastic event is the result of a lot of hard work from our members and friends."The installation of the new cabins will mean that we can look forward to future development for the club and work to get the community involved in bowls, as well as accommodate visiting teams." Veolia executive director Margaret Cobbold said: "We are happy to be involved with this project, with its aims of creating new facilities so that bowls players of all ages and abilities can enjoy their game."I look forward to seeing the completion of the project and congratulate the club members on all their hard work so far."

Community Groups in South Derbyshire work so hard to make sure the quality of life is good here. We all fight hard against acts of mindless vandalism and this a great example of the Community fighting back.
The photos show progress from putting down the special wooden slats to help the lorry get to the site, lifting the purpose made units on to the site and the final touch – looking at the inside once they were in position