Easter Entertainment
Alfreton Town Council proudly present
Loopy Lou
Appearing on Severn Square
Saturday 20th April 2019
1 – 3PM
Alfreton Train Station
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.
If you’re a budding artist or love creative activities, head down to Firs House, Alfreton between 4-6pm! They’ll be lots going on and it’s a great chance to meet new friends and learn new skills.
Amber Valley Borough Council is set to launch a new Members’ Community Grants Scheme, designed to provide a funding boost to the people and groups making a difference in their neighbourhoods.
Starting next month, each borough councillor will be able to award up to £500 per year in small grants, helping to fund one-off purchases, events or activities that benefit local residents.
Individual grants of up to £100 will be available, giving councillors the opportunity to directly support worthwhile initiatives in their wards.
The scheme is all about offering quick, targeted support where it’s needed most.
Whether it’s helping a volunteer group buy equipment, funding a small community event, or supporting a project that brings people together, these grants aim to create a positive local impact without the need for large-scale funding applications.
The Members’ Community Grants Scheme will run from April 2025 until March 2027, covering the next two financial years.
Councillor Chris Emmas-Williams, Leader of Amber Valley Borough Council, said: “This scheme is a fantastic way for our councillors to connect with their communities and help get small but meaningful projects off the ground. Often, it’s these modest amounts of funding that can make the biggest difference. I’m really looking forward to seeing the ideas that come forward and working with our members to support them.”
To be eligible, grants must support a project or activity that benefits the local community and takes place within Amber Valley.
Funding should be spent within three months of being received, unless agreed otherwise, and applicants are encouraged to use local suppliers wherever possible.
Full details about the scheme are due to be finalised at the next cabinet meeting on 2 April 2025, after which community groups or individuals with a great idea or specific need will be encouraged to contact their local borough councillor for information on how to make an application.
Residents can find their local borough councillor on the council’s website at https://www.ambervalley.gov.uk/councillors