Alfreton Town Council proudly present

Loopy Lou

Appearing on Severn Square
Saturday 20th April 2019

1 – 3PM

As part of Alfreton Town Councils campaign to improve facilities and access at the Town’s station, which has been ongoing for more than 25 years, representatives from East Midlands Trains and the Derbyshire Law Centre attended a recent Town Council meeting.

The meeting heard about recent works at the station including security and toilet upgrades and details of an extension to the current Franchise ahead of a formal announcement of a new East Midlands Railway Franchise, which is now expected in April. A variety of topics were raised by Councillors, with the discussions dominated by car parking and access challenges. Although the meeting was constructive, members were left frustrated with the limited information about the long-delayed access improvement project, where it is expected that clearer information on funding in Network Rails Control Period 6 would be available in April. It was also noted that the ongoing short extensions of the current Franchise was limiting opportunity to compete more substantial works to the car park where it was agreed a full review was required by the new Franchisee.

An update on a Discrimination claim, which had been initiated by the Town Council was provided by the Derbyshire Law Centre, who confirmed the final stages of the claim where being concluded ahead of the case being heard in court.

Finally, members expressed concern that fares to London via Chesterfield were more expensive than via Nottingham, which felt like a double whammy for less able passengers that had to travel that route due to the access restrictions to south bound services.

The meeting resolved to write to the Transport Minister and the local MP’s with constituents likely to use Alfreton Station, pressing for prioritisation of the access work. A further meeting is to be held with East Midlands Trains once the new Franchise has been awarded and funding for Control Period 6 confirmed. East Midlands Trains agreed to undertake urgent investigate concerns with the structure of the current bridge, clarity of disabled parking provision and visibility of the ticket machine in direct sunlight.

The Town Council have run a “Christmas Elf Competition” in conjunction with their lights switch on, for children to spot 14 Elves in businesses windows around the town.

The competition Winners have now been drawn and will be contacted directly, well done to everyone that took part!

The Town of Alfreton burst into light at 5pm last Saturday when the Town Mayor, Councillor Mary Kerry, assisted by local children, turned on the Town’s Christmas lights.

The event was well attended by a large number of adults and children who packed the area around Alfreton House. They had been entertained throughout the day by a range of musicians, street entertainers, fair ground rides and of course dear old Santa.

The event also gave the opportunity for local charities to raise around £2,000 for good causes. Local producers and businesses also had the opportunity to showcase their wares.

Councillor Gail Dolman, the event organiser said “Of course an event like this cannot go ahead without the support of local businesses and shops. I would like to thank them all for their generosity particularly our support from Brandon Tool Hire, Keycraft, Alfreton Rotary Club and the many shops and businesses who generously provided raffle prizes”.

Councillor Mary Kerry, the Town Mayor said “I was thrilled to perform the switch on and pleased to see the excitement for Christmas from the many children and also the adults who helped with the Christmas countdown. I know that Christmas is a time for giving but once again Alfreton people displayed their warmth and generosity with spontaneous gifts and food parcels as well as cash for my chosen charity for this year, Alfreton Foodbank”

.