EBC News letter November 2025

Who will be next to win sporting 'Oscar' after paralympics ace Abbie? Get your nominations in
A glitzy awards night where Paralympian Abbie Breakwell previously won a sporting "Oscar" for being an inspiration to others will again be staged in Erewash – with the council inviting residents to submit nominations.

The Active Lives in Erewash Awards are held to salute local heroes who help to spur their fellow citizens into taking up physical activity such as sport.

Wheelchair tennis ace Abbie – who is from Long Eaton – won a Special Recognition award in 2022 before going on to compete in the 2024 Paris Games. The Active Lives in Erewash Awards are held in the New Year – and 2025 winners included a young gymnast with a rare condition that has led to her being hospitalised more than 250 times with "life-threatening episodes". Natasha Coates, pictured, has mast cell activation syndrome – a glitch in her immune system. It means she is prone to severe allergic reactions – sometimes just from perspiring or even LAUGHING.

Despite being hospitalised on average every two weeks she has battled to become an elite disability gymnast – winning 27 British titles and 42 medals. Her courage earned her what is known as the Legacy Leisure Adversity award – after the 29-year-old was secretly nominated by Erewash Valley Gymnastics Club. Others who were honoured at the 2025 ceremony included Rachel Argent, one of the founders of Long Eaton Parkrun. She scooped the Active Leader Award – while the Active Young Person title went to 15-year-old Ashton Milner. The Ilkeston teenager is a qualified football referee who has officiated at hundreds of grassroots games.

With the 2026 awards fast approaching, residents are urged to get their nominations in by Sunday 30 November. Click the tab for more info about the eight categories.

Bridge to shut from 6 November ready for town to get 'stunning' new canal crossing

Residents who use a canal crossing to get to an Erewash town's park are being advised that the bridge will shut from 6 November – so a spectacular new walkway can be built. Pedestrians will need to follow diversions when the existing link from the heart of Long Eaton to West Park closes. Dismantling of the decaying bridge at Broad Street will then begin – ahead of it being replaced by a dramatic curved structure that sweeps across the canal.

Construction as part of Long Eaton's £25million Town Deal is expected to be completed during August next year. The diversion, pictured, will see pedestrians having to cross the canal via Derby Road. Erewash council apologised to locals for the inconvenience. Local businessman Richard Ledger, who is chairman of the Long Eaton Town Deal Board, said: "The new bridge will be a real stunner – and something Long Eaton can be truly proud of."

The Canal & River Trust said: "We're looking forward to working with Erewash Borough Council as this exciting project takes shape."

Telly Floella follows Celebrity Traitors star David by joining council VIPs at Windrush salute

The little-known story of how a small band of Windrush generation families came to live in Erewash was celebrated at a glittering gala night – with Baroness Floella Benjamin among VIP guests.

The annual October Black History Month salute followed an appearance last year by TV historian David Olusoga, pictured – who has since become a household name by starring in BBC smash hit The Celebrity Traitors and making it to the final.

Baroness Benjamin was delighted to take part in this year's Erewash event – staged by an organisation dedicated to people from the Caribbean who answered Britain's SOS for post-war manpower to rebuild the country. The Long Eaton Settlers Legacy Association – LESLA – was set up to also honour the descendants of the workers who forged new lives here and to thank local people for their "open arms" welcome.

The associaton's big night was again billed as a "community fundraising gala". Former kids TV favourite Floella, 76, who was born in Trinidad, was joined by Erewash's Mayor Cllr Harry Atkinson and council Deputy Leader Becca Everett as "Community Impact Awards" were handed out at Chilwell's Village Hotel. LESLA's co-founder Fiona Daniel also welcomed Erewash MP Adam Thompson to the event.

Councillor Everett said: "We as a nation owe a huge debt to the Windrush generation. These were people who were invited to come here to forge new lives and help rebuild a country shattered by war. The council is proud of how the borough gave them such a warm welcome."

Newborn gets baby bank's 1,000th gift basket – with backing from TV's Rev Kate
A baby bank that fills Moses baskets with essentials for Erewash newborns and which is backed by telly's Rev Kate Bottley has marked a major milestone – by giving away its 1,000th.

The Bundles of Hope and Baby Basics charity opened in Long Eaton six years ago as part of a network of baby banks originally launched in Sheffield.

Gogglebox star Rev Kate, pictured, is patron. The local branch – based at the Mohan Business Centre in Long Eaton's Tamworth Road – described its 1,000th basket as an "amazing achievement".

Husband and wife Erewash councillors Frank and Pam Phillips joined volunteers at the centre for "celebratory cake".

Former mayor Frank said: "It is worth remembering these baskets help new mothers as well as their babies. That means the number of individuals who have benefited is 2,000 – and probably more!"

Cllr Josy Hare, Erewash's Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing, said: "The baby bank's fantastic efforts continue to provide vital help to local mothers and their little ones. We salute the hard work of all those involved with the charity."

Borough's rollercoaster of family fun continues as Chestnut Fair hits town
Erewash's second big street fair of the year promises three days of family fun – as thrill rides take over the centre of Long Eaton from Thursday 20 November. The Chestnut Fair comes a month after tens of thousands flocked to the borough's other main town to enjoy the 773rd Ilkeston Charter Fair – where Mayor Cllr Harry Atkinson is pictured riding the dodgems at the official opening.

Long Eaton's version was first held in 1931. This year it runs until Saturday 22 November.

Residents are being advised that it will mean road closures – and that the public car park on Union Street and the Beaconsfield car park will be shut. Detailed information can be found on the council's website by clicking the button.

More bang for your buck! Hurry to save money on Blast from Past fireworks tickets
Firework fans still have time to grab money- saving deals on tickets for Erewash's big bonfire spectacular on 5 November. Tickets are £8 in advance for adults when bought online and £5 for children aged 16 and under. Over 60s also pay just a fiver.

If you wait to pay on the gate tickets are £10 and £7. A family ticket for two adults and up to three children is £25 on the night but just £20 if bought in advance. The theme of this year's display, which will be set to music, is Blast from the Past. The Wednesday night fun will also feature a funfair. Gates open at Long Eaton's West Park at 5pm – with the bonfire being lit at 6:30pm and the fireworks starting at 7:30pm. Click the tab now to take advantage of our sparkling discounts.

Dates for our magical Christmas light switch-ons
Christmas magic will again be coming early to Erewash – with the ever-popular switching on of festive lights in Long Eaton and Ilkeston set to draw crowds in the run-up to December.

Long Eaton's fun-packed ceremony will be on Thursday 27 November. It will be followed by Ilkeston's on Friday 28 November. Both events include music and entertainment plus fair rides.

Don't forget that Santa will be making his usual appearance as the lights in both towns are switched on at 7pm.

Christmas wreath
. . plus join festive wreath workshop at museum
A chance to make your own luxury Christmas wreath is being offered at the Erewash Museum on Friday 28 November.
The workshop – which includes a festive fuddle – costs £65. The museum near Ilkeston Market Place is stressing: "No experience necessary – just bring your creativity and we'll provide all the materials you need."

Sofa to Stroll: Straws Bridge walks empower residents with long-term health conditions
People with health conditions that make it difficult for them to keep active are being invited to enjoy Erewash's great outdoors – thanks to a new series of specially-tailored free strolls.

The morning walks – called Sofa2Stroll+ – are the brainchild of big-hearted former nurses Nikki Hall and Michelle O'Connor. The pair first launched them in Elvaston Country Park – and have now brought them to Ilkeston on the third Tuesday of each month. The next is on 18 November.

The gently-paced outings over flat terrain take place at Straws Bridge Nature Reserve, pictured, and are billed as "accessible walks in nature aimed at helping those with chronic health conditions get out for a stroll". Sign up by clicking on the tab.

David becomes the latest 'active champion' in our fantastic AMiE campaign
Meet one of the latest backers of an Erewash initiative aimed at inspiring adults with long-term health conditions to become more active.

The resident, called David, has signed up to be an "active champion" in our groundbreaking All Move in Erewash campaign, known as AMiE. It follows his experience of living with multiple health conditions. David was diagnosed with fibromyalgia five years ago on top of high blood pressure.

Living with pain, fatigue and breathlessness makes daily life challenging but he tries to remain as active as possible to help manage his symptoms in the long term.

He values physical activity as a way of maintaining independence, supporting his wellbeing and engaging with family life.

Do you want to become our next AMiE champion? Or are you looking for more ways to be physically active?

It's poppy time: Get yours now as we gear up to remember those who gave so much for freedom
Have you got your poppy yet? The proud symbols of respect for those who fought for our freedom are available to buy across Erewash as the borough again prepares to honour its war heroes. Poignant Remembrance Sunday ceremonies will be attended by civic dignitaries including the Mayor on 9 November – and the council is urging as many residents as possible to attend.

A parade to Ilkeston's Market Place Cenotaph – where wreaths will be laid at 10:45am -- will set out from the town's South Street car park. People are asked to gather there prior to 10:15am if they wish to join the procession. In Long Eaton, townsfolk are also requested to gather before 10:15am for a parade from West Gate to the nearby War Memorial – where ceremonies will commence at 10:40am. Other Remembrance Sunday parades and tributes across the borough include ones in West Hallam and in Ockbrook.

On the following Tuesday – at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month – there will be a further opportunity to pay your respects. This is when the nation holds a two-minute silence – and it will again see veterans gather to remember their comrades.

We still want your feedback on keeping residents informed – and on plans for new street art
Your voice is the heart of Erewash, and we want to ensure it is heard loud and clear. Communication is a two-way street, and we're committed to making sure we're speaking your language and using the platforms that work best for you.

This is your opportunity to tell us what's working, what's not, and what you'd like to see more of. Your feedback will help us improve everything from our website and social media to our newsletters and other forms of local outreach. It only takes a few minutes, but your input will have a lasting impact. Please click on the tab below to take part before 5pm on Friday 14 November.

At the same time we would love to hear from you about our plans for local artists to enhance the borough's streetscapes with specially commissioned murals – using £50,000 from the council's new Erewash Investment Fund.

The initial focus is on Ilkeston and Long Eaton, where those involved in creative arts will engage and work with communities on murals that aim to "encourage a sense of pride in areas" – which is a far cry from the kind of graffiti that can blight public spaces.

Bins & recycling: New food waste service to begin in 2026 and last dates for garden refuse collections

A new national initiative called "Simpler Recycling" is being brought in by the Government – and it means that from next spring Erewash council will need to introduce household food waste collections.

You will be getting a new small bin for this, which we will be supplying free of charge.

The council will be issuing more information closer to the time – but you can find out more now by tuning in to local radio station Erewash Sound, which will be carrying ads publicising the move. Businesses too will be required by law to recycle – with the dates for this depending on the size of the firm.

Don't forget also that our garden waste collections will soon be taking a break over the winter months. In Ilkeston and surrounding areas, the last brown bin collections will be in the week starting 24 November. Collections will restart from 2 March 2026.

In Long Eaton and surrounding areas, the last brown bin collections will be during the week starting 1 December – ahead of them resuming from 9 March 2026.

Come April – from the 1st of the month – you will again need to renew your subscription to keep getting garden waste collected. This can be done from the end of January 2026 – and we will be giving you more information shortly.