Heanor and Loscoe is a civil parish with a town council, in the Amber Valley[1] district of Derbyshire, England. According to the 2001 census it had a population of 16,040 people.
It includes the town of Heanor, with the village of loscoe and the areas known as Marlpool and Langley (but not Langley Mill which is in the Aldercar and Langley Mill Parish)
In May 2009 the Council supported the publication of a short history celebrating its 25 years of existence by one its members Cllr Paul Jones.
Formation
Heanor Urban District Council (which covered Heanor and Loscoe, Aldercar and Langley Mill and Codnor) was abolished due to local government reorganisation and was replaced by Amber Valley District Council in 1974.
As part of the reorganisation which created Amber Valley District Council both Belper and Ripley managed to retain a form of local government based upon a Parish Council. However both areas covered by the former Alfreton and Heanor Urban District Councils were too large, having populations in excess of 20000, to be allowed to have a Parish Council meaning Heanor no longer had its own Council. Instead it sent fourteen Councillors to the newly formed Amber Valley District Council based at Ripley. There was an attempt around 1973/74 to get Amber Valley to look at the possibility of these two former Urban Districts having Parish Councils, though it came to nothing.
It was not until April 1978 that the then District Council set up two working parties to look at the possibility of having Parish Councils in the areas of Alfreton and Heanor, which would follow new guidelines from the Boundary Commission. These working parties would look at the areas to be served by any new Parish Council and how the public would be engaged in the process. However, the 20000 population limit still remained. This had followed some local pressure, especially within Heanor, where the previous year the possibility of having a neighbourhood or community council had been raised by, amongst others, one of Heanor’s local vicars, Rev Ron McMullen with the support of other community leaders.
A note of caution was issued by the Chief Officer at Amber Valley when this process started, as any proposal would have to be approved by the Boundary Commission, who had a large workload dealing with such requests from 300 other District Councils and therefore any decision would not be made for some time.
By July 1978 Amber Valley had agreed to hold a public consultation on the proposals in 4 stages - pamphlets, public meetings, house-to-house survey and a referendum. However, the referendum part of this process was not agreed until December 1978.
In February 1979 the venues for the public consultation were announced in the Heanor area. These were at:
Loscoe CE Primary School - 15 February Heanor Town Hall - 20 February Langley Mill Co-operative Hall - 26 February Codnor Whitegates School - 1 March Marlpool Mundy Hall - 6 March
By September 1979 it had been agreed to hold a referendum on 25th October 1979 with a budget of £3775.There would be a publicity campaign due to concern over turnout, as the house-to-house survey had resulted in only a 12% return of cards and the public meetings had been poorly attended. At a meeting of Amber Valley District Council it was agreed by 21 votes to 15 that with a simple majority being enough to establish the Parish Councils there would be no need for a minimum turnout. The local press was full of letters both for and against the proposals.
Polling day proved the concerns about a low turnout were justified. The results were as follows:
In December 1979 Amber Valley District Council agreed that the establishment of Heanor and Loscoe Parish Council would be supported with it having 20 members based upon the following wards:
Heanor East 8 members Heanor West 7 members Loscoe 5 members
These recommendations would be sent to the Boundary Commission. (This remained the number of Councillors until another boundary review recommended in 1999 that each ward have 7 members. This was implemented for the election in 2003.)
It was not until 1983 that the Boundary Commission’s Report supporting the establishment of 7 new Parish Councils in Amber Valley, the exception being Riddings which clearly voted against one in the referendum, was accepted by the Department of the Environment.
In December 1983 Amber Valley District Council discussed how to implement the establishment of the new Councils. It was agreed that a rate of 1p in the pound would be levied for each Parish. The Director of Finance informed members that if the Parish Councils overspent in their first year the District Council would make up the shortfall and recover the money the following year. It was agreed to issue polling cards to encourage a good turnout.
The establishment order for the new Parish Councils became effective on the 16th February 1984 and the first elections were held on 23 February 1984.
The composition of the first Council was Labour 10, Conservatives 6, Independents 1, Others 3.
First Meeting
The inaugural meeting of the new Parish Council was held at Heanor Community Centre on 10th April 1984. As reported in the ‘Ripley and Heanor News’ it was not without controversy with significant disagreement over who should be the Chairman and Vice Chairman of the Council. It took four separate votes, each tied at 10 each, with a direct split between the Labour nominee and the Conservative-led opposition nominee, before it was agreed that Cllr Ernest Buxton would be the Chairman for this one meeting and the issue would be discussed again at the next meeting. Cllr Dorothy Bird was elected Vice-Chairman on the casting vote of the Chairman following another 10-10 vote, again for only the first meeting. The Council noted that the precept set by Amber Valley would raise £12,930 and after deductions of election expenses there would be a balance of £10,236. They also decided to advertise for a Clerk and agreed not to allow smoking at Council meetings.
From Parish To Town
The prospect of Heanor and Loscoe becoming a Town Council was discussed for the first time on 2nd July 1985 and the Clerk was requested to ascertain the procedure necessary for adopting Town status. The minutes of the meeting 10 September 1985 show that the Council was advised by the Clerk that they did not meet the criteria ‘…he advised that under section 245 of Local Government Act 1972 a Parish which was not grouped with others would acquire the status of Town simply by passing a resolution to that effect. Unfortunately Heanor did not qualify with the prerequisite because of it being grouped with Loscoe and Marlpool. It was not possible therefore for the Council to declare Town status. Resolved the report to be received and no further action be taken ..’( Parish Council minute 120)
This issue was not raised again until 20 October 1987, when, with a new Clerk, the advice seems to have changed and Council minute 366 sets out what was agreed ‘At the request of Cllr B Eley members discussed the possibility of changing the Parish Council to a Town Council. The Parish Council pursuant to section 245(6) of the Local Government Act 1972 and all their powers therefore availing that;
a) From 20th October 1987 the Parish of Heanor and Loscoe shall be known as the Town of Heanor and Loscoe, and the style and title of the said Council shall thereupon be changed and shall hereafter be and continue to be in perpetuity the Heanor and Loscoe Town Council.
b) From the said day there forward any assembly of the electors of the said Town shall be summoned under the Title of and be known by the Heanor and Loscoe Town Meeting.
c) The person elected in each year pursuant to section 15 of the said Act of 1972 as Chairman of the said Council shall at all future times be known by, and use, and be addressed by the style and title of Mayor of the Town Council, and any person elected Vice-Chairman of the said Council that person shall at any relevant future time be known by, and use, and be addressed by, the style and title of Deputy Mayor of the Town Council.
d) The person appointed to the post Clerk of the said Council, shall at all times be described as and be addressed as the Town Clerk of Heanor and Loscoe.’
Thus Heanor and Loscoe became a Town Council and the Chairman became the Mayor. The first meeting of Heanor and Loscoe Town Council was 1 December 1987 at Heanor Community Centre.
Badge of Office of the Council
Once the Council had been established the issue of a Badge of Office for the Chairman was raised but it was not until its meeting on 10 September 1985 that the clerk circulated a catalogue from Thomas Fattorini gold and silversmith regarding the Badge of Office for the Parish Council. The prices ranged from £250 upwards for badges in silver gilt. At a later meeting the Clerk reported that it was possible for local organisations to donate a Badge of Office. No offers materialized and at its meeting in March 1986 the Council resolved:
1) That the clerk obtain a quotation from T Fattorini for a badge incorporating Heanor Church Tower and the Parish’s association with the mining and hosiery industries.
2) That the Clerk check with Aldercar and Langley Mill Parish Council regarding the origin and price of their Badge of Office and request that they allow us to borrow their Badge of Office for the council’s perusal at its next meeting.
3) That the clerk ask Amber Valley District Council if there is any chance of them returning the old Heanor Urban District Council Badge of Office for the Council’s use.
At the Annual General Meeting held on 13 May 1986 the Clerk reported the following developments: Leeson Trophies can provide a chain and medal from £225-£300 The design circulated to the meeting by T Fattorini would cost £276.55 The Aldercar and Langley Mill Badge of Office was circulated at the meeting and cost in the region of £50 from T H Toone Ltd Ripley. Amber Valley District Council have offered use of the old Heanor Urban District Council Chain of Office.
The Council resolved: 1 ) The Clerk accept Amber Valley’s offer of the Heanor Urban District Council Chain of Office as and when required. 2 ) The Clerk obtain further quotations for the Badge of Office from T H Toone Ltd, Sheffield Trophy Centre and Temple House Trophies.
At its meeting on 1st July 1986 the Clerk reported on the latest developments and produced the old Heanor Urban District Council Chain of Office for inspection. The Council resolved ‘‘That we take into use the Heanor Urban District Council old Chain of Office and that the Clerk be empowered to purchase a suitable Badge of Office to fix to the chain, up to the limit of £150.’’
Following the change in status of the Council it was agreed in May 1985 to change the inscription on the Chain of Office.
In December 1991 Amber Valley returned the actual Badge of Office of the former Heanor Urban District Council for use by the Town Council. This Badge had originally been presented to the Urban District Council in 1948 by the Rotary Club of Heanor. The Council agreed to change the inscription on the Badge of Office to reflect its new use. Finally it was thought appropriate to arrange for Rotary Club of Heanor to formally present the badge and Chain of Office to the Town Council at the earliest opportunity.
At the Town Council’s Annual Meeting on 12 May 1992 Mr.. B Davies the President of the Rotary Club of Heanor presented the Badge of Office to the Mayor, Cllr C H Large, who had been largely instrumental in instigating the return of the regalia from the Borough Council. Also at the meeting it was agreed for the Chain to be refurbished with additional links and a new carrying case be purchased. At its meeting in August these costs were reported as:
Provide new fitted carrying case £125 6 extra silver hall marked links £100 Renovate and re-guild chain £45 Total 270
In May 1994 it was agreed to look at providing a Chain of Office for the Mayor’s Consort. The cost for this was reported to be in the region of £50 and it was agreed to go ahead. It was also agreed that the former Town Council’s Badge of Office be re-engraved to read Deputy Mayor. The Consort's regalia and the altered Deputy Mayor’s Badge of Office were presented at the meeting on 2nd August 1994.
Since then the Chain of Office has undergone a number of refurbishments and provision of additional links. Many of the current links bear the names of previous Chairmen of Heanor Urban District Council and it therefore is an historic item as well as a functioning one.
Chairmen and Mayors
The first Chairman’s Allowance was £500 and at the end of the year he awarded grants to local schoolchildren taking their O level and CSE examinations with assistance of Head Teachers. It also became a tradition that the Chairman made an annual report to the full council just before the Council’s Annual General Meeting outlining the events of the last year.
As a consequence of the change in status 1987.Cllr Jean Thornley became not only the last Chairman of the Council but also the first Mayor. At the end of her term of office she donated a public seat to the Town , which is located in the Market Place near the new Public Conveniences.
It was not until 1988 following a suggestion by Rev Ron McMullen, also a member of the Council, that an Annual Civic Service was instigated. Also in 1988 the decision to hold an annual Civic Dinner was agreed and these have been held at various locations, mostly, it must be said, outside the area covered by the Town Council. It was not until the Town Council moved to Heanor Town Hall that the then Mayor, Cllr Jim Richardson, introduced the saying of prayers before meetings.
The only controversy surrounding a Mayor of the Town occurred in 1994 when the then Mayor, Cllr Mrs. AL Wilson, was asked to resign - according to the minutes of the Council held on 19th December 1994 due to the Council having no confidence in her and her activities on behalf of the Town Council.
To date there have been nineteen Chairmen/Mayors of Heanor and Loscoe, some of whom have also held these posts on other Authorities, namely:
Walter Blake, who was Chairman of Heanor & Loscoe Parish Council in 1986/87 was also Chairman of Heanor Urban District Council in 1956.
Harry Large, who was Mayor of Heanor & Loscoe Parish Council in 1991/92 & 1997/98 was also Chairman of Heanor Urban District Council in 1967 and Amber Valley District Council in 1981/82. ( He is the only person to have achieved this hat trick.)
When Harry’s wife Irene became Mayor in 2002/03 it is the only time that husband and wife had held the position of Mayor of the Town.
Harry Soar is the only Councillor to have served on three separate occasions as Mayor (1998/99, 2004/05 and 2008/09) and was also Deputy Mayor of Amber Valley in 1999/2000.
Only five Councillors have served more than one term as Mayor, the two mentioned above plus Jim Richardson (1995, 1995/96 and 2001/02), Claude Hancock (1993/94 and 2000/01) and Paul Jones (2005/06 and 2006/07)
Councillors
Only four Councillors who have died whilst a member of the Council - Cllr Julian Cooper, Cllr Stan Daniels, Cllr Mr.s Dorothy Walton and Cllr Mrs. Kath Kowalski.
There have been a number of occasions on which members of the same family have been elected to the Council. The first married couple to be elected at the same time were Bryan and Margaret Eley in 1987, who were also joined by their son Robert at that same election. The next married couple to serve on the Council were Anne and Michael Wilson in 1991. After the 1995 election there were four married couples on the Council - David and Glynne Cato, Margaret and Stan Daniels, Byron and Dorothy Walton and Harry and Irene Large. In 1999 there were again four married couples elected - Harry and Irene Large, Andy and Kath Kowalski, Harry and Joan Soar and Alan and Heather Longdon. The 2003 election resulted in two married couples being elected - Harry and Joan Soar (who were also joined by their daughter Ann Hudson) and Bob and Anna Moon. However it also resulted in three generations of a family being members of the Council with Margaret Daniels, her daughter Glynne Cato and her grandson Colin Temple all being elected. In 2007 there were again two married couples elected - Bob and Anna Moon and Alan and Heather Longdon, whilst Harry Soar and his daughter Ann Hudson were also elected.
The largest number of married couples on the Council occurred in October 2001 when Jenny Janes was co-opted onto the Council bringing the number of married couple on the Council up to five. These were Bob and Jenny Janes, Ann and Paul Jones, Harry and Irene Large, Alan and Heather Longdon and Harry and Joan Soar.
When Paul Jones was co-opted on to the Council in 2001 he was following in the footsteps of his twin brother Michael who had been elected in 1995.
Some of the Councillors who have served on the Parish/Town Council have also held prominent position on other Authorities, for example:
Stan Mellors, who was elected on to the first Parish Council, had been Chairman of Heanor Urban District Council in 1971 and was the first Chairman of Amber Valley District Council in 1974/75. Ian Cox, who was also elected onto the first Parish Council had been a former member of Heanor Urban District Council and Leader of Amber Valley District Council. Gordon Flude, who was also elected onto the first Parish Council had been a former member of Heanor Urban District Council and Chairman of Amber Valley District Council in 1983/84. Geoff Holmes, who was also elected onto the first Parish Council had been Chairman of Amber Valley District Council in 1982/83. Bryan Eley, who was also elected onto the first Parish Council was also a former Leader of Amber Valley District Council. Greg McDonald, who was also elected onto the first Parish Council went on to be Leader of Amber Valley District Council. Ken Armstrong, whilst on the Town Council is also a Cabinet member of Derbyshire County Council. Bob Janes, whilst on the Town Council is also a Cabinet member of Derbyshire County Council. Paul Jones when co-opted onto the Council in 2001 had been a former leader of Amber Valley Borough Council.
A number of Councillors have served on the Parish/ Town Council and represented one of the Heanor & Loscoe Wards on Amber Valley Council.
K Armstrong, P Bailey, G Cato, J Cooper, C Cox,I Cox,B Eley, R Eley, G Flude, G Holmes, P Jones, H Large, A Longdon, D Maciejewski, S Mellors, R Moon, T Munro, J Richardson, H Soar, and J Thornley
Cllr Alan Warner(BNP) attended only 4 meeeting following his election in 2008 and resigned in February 2009 becoming the shortest serving Councillor 9 months of any elected councillor in the 25 years of the Council.
Significant Events for the Council
Reopening of Langley Mill Railway Station
One of the early issues to be considered by the Council was the possible reopening of the railway station at Langley Mill. In March 1985 the Council agreed to provide a financial contribution, along with other local authorities, to the estimated £128,000 cost. It was agreed that the contributions would be split as follows:
Derbyshire County Council 60% Nottinghamshire County Council 15% Amber Valley District Council 15%
The remaining 10% would be split between the Town and Parish Councils on the following basis:
Aldercar & Langley Mill PC £2000 Brinsley PC £800 Denby PC £400 Eastwood TC £1000 Heanor and Loscoe PC £2000
The station was to be reopened on 11 May 1986. This was attended by the Chairman, Vice- Chairman and Clerk of the Parish Council. At the request of the Parish Council a party of sixty schoolchildren also attended and travelled on the inaugural train journey on the opening day. To date it still provides a much valued service to local communities.
Loscoe Tip Explosion
One of the most contentious local issues in the early days of the Council was the methane gas explosion in Loscoe in 1986 which destroyed a bungalow on Clarke Avenue. The explosion had a significant impact on the political composition of the Council, as in 1987 and 1991 all Councillors elected for the Loscoe Ward represented a local action group established as a consequence of the explosion. (See Council election results 1987 and 1991)
Following the explosion the Council resolved to write to the Secretary of State for the Environment and the local MP requesting a public enquiry into the events, causes, responsibilities and remedies to this problem. A later meeting agreed to set aside £200 to be used to lobby Parliament in co-ordination with the local action group which had been established. A further £250 was agreed as a contribution towards the costs of the Residents Action Committee in engaging a specialist consultant to prepare a report on the future of the tip. This was later changed to provide funding to the Loscoe Residents Action group to assist with their general administration and expenses.
By December 1987 Councillors were raising concerns over the fact that the Inquiry Report had yet to be issued and the Council agreed to write to the head of the inquiry, Mr. Gerrard Ryan QC, asking for a speedy conclusion to the matter. This concern was expressed by the public who attended Council meetings. The Council requested meetings with Amber Valley and Derbyshire County Councils to discuss ways forward in dealing with the tip. By April 1988 a feasibility report on moving the tip was being produced. Many residents in Loscoe had concerns over the insurance cover for their homes and possible health issues. The Council supported residents' concerns and wrote to local GPs asking if there was any evidence to suggest above-average serious illness or deaths being experienced in the vicinity of the tip due to constant exposure to toxic emissions from the landfill.
The Council's continued support to residents over this issue eventually resulted in the establishment of a monitoring device on the site and a change in legislation about having landfill sites in areas surrounded on three sides by residential properties. For those of us who lived in Loscoe at the time this was a very traumatic experience and the support provided by the Town Council shows how important it is to have a ‘local’ council which is not far removed from the residents.
Inner Relief Road
This is an issue which has been rumbling on since the 1950s. The Town Council held meetings with Codnor Parish Council in 1987 about this problem and the possibility of linking it with the proposed Codnor bypass. In 1988 the Council welcomed the bypass being put on the County Council’s 15 year priority list but expressed concern that it was at the bottom of the list and had been reduced to a single carriageway. In 1990 the Council met again with Codnor Parish Council to mutually support each other's schemes and requested they be put further up the priority list. This still remains an issue which splits the town but funding may eventually decide whether it goes ahead or not.
Open-casting
This has been an ongoing issue within the town since the closure of the last mine in the area, Ormonde Colliery in 1970, and is topical again with the open-casting taking place at the neighbouring Smalley Lodge House site.
When the Council was formed the Godkin open-cast site was still in full operation and in January 1985 it was reported that blasting would start Monday-Friday 10am-12 noon and 2pm-4pm. These times, from living in Loscoe at the time, were not always kept to.
By 1989 a proposal to develop open-casting at the Shilo North Site was discussed at the Council and a contribution of £200 made to the Shilo North Action group. The Council also attended the public inquiry into the development held at Greasley Youth Community and Sports Centre.
In 1990 there was concern about the continued blasting at the Godkin site and the possibility of damage to people’s properties.
Building in the Green Belt
In October 2001 the Council had a presentation by Planning Officers from Amber Valley Borough Council about their proposals to allocate land at Hardy Barn for housing. The meeting was attended by a large number of local residents who voiced their opposition to this.
The following meeting of the Town Council was attended by thirty members of the public wishing to express concern about the proposals in AVBC Local Plan to identify the Hardy Barn and Newlands areas for housing. The Council supported these concerns in a detailed response to Amber Valley Borough Council’s proposals and opposed a development in the Green Belt. They were heartened by the number of letters of objection (120) and the petition raised by local residents.
A local action group named RESPOND was formed, objecting to the proposed housing development at Newlands. The Chair of the group, Eve Walker, informed the Council of the work they were undertaking at its meeting in August 2003, a move supported 100% by the Council, of which some members were supporting the group by providing advice on the planning process. Through the efforts of these local action groups and the support of the Town Council both proposals were withdrawn from Amber Valley’s Local Plan when it was finally published.
Change of Parliamentary Boundary
In 2002 the Boundary Commission was looking at the Parliamentary Boundaries in Derbyshire. One of the proposals was to move Heanor and Loscoe into a Parliamentary seat which included Derby. This caused such significant concern amongst the people of Heanor and Loscoe that the Council received one of its biggest petitions ever with 660 signatures objecting to the proposal, along with objections from nine local companies and organisations. The Council were informed that a Public Inquiry was to be held on the Boundary Commission's recommendations in January 2003 in Derby. There was concern that the objections submitted by Heanor and Loscoe Town Council had not been recorded. It was reported to the February 2003 meeting that the Boundary Commission inquiry had lasted two and half days. The Council thanked members of the public, the History Society and local Councillors for attending and giving supporting evidence. At the 3rd July meeting it was announced that the Boundary Commission had supported the Town Council's opposition to Heanor and Loscoe being included with Derby for Parliamentary Elections. This was welcomed unanimously by the Council.
Initiatives undertaken by the Council
Xmas Lights
One of the first initiatives undertaken by the Council was the provision of Christmas Lights and a Christmas Tree on the Market Place. This has proved very popular with the local community and when the lights are switched on, normally on the first Monday of December, great crowds gather on the Market Place to buy goods from the stalls, enjoy the fair rides/entertainment or just for the grand firework finale.
Gardening Competition
By 2002 the Council, with support from a local gardening supplier, was sponsoring an annual gardening competition which remains both popular and competitive.
I & R Morley Clock
On the outside of the Town Hall is the Clock which belonged to the local hosiery firm I & R Morley, which occupied the sites where Tesco and the Retail Park now exist. The Clock was relocated from the Derby Road site of the factory to the Town Hall in 1997.
Red River Environmental Area
The Council has a long history of commitment to the environment. This was probably best demonstrated in March 1993 when the Council resolved:
‘ …to take possession of the land known as the Red River area, Loscoe in the interests of the local inhabitants with immediate effect, all in accordance with the plan at appendix A to the minutes. The Planning & Environmental Committee take on the future management of the red river site. That members meet the Clerk at 2pm on Sunday7th March 1993 in order to erect notices around the above site, advising of the above resolutions..’
This site was actually part of a long lost former Colliery held under lease by the for 500 years commencing in January 1836.
In October 1994, when the Council was looking to extend the Red River site, it accepted an offer from Amber Valley to purchase some land adjacent to Charles Hill Playing Fields for £1. Cllr Claude Hancock offered to pay this on behalf of the Council.
A ‘Dedication Day’ was held for the site at St Luke’s Church on 22 September 2000 and by February 2001 the Council had added an additional 2.5 acres to the Red River site at a cost of £6000( £1000 of which was provided by Amber Valley Borough Council.)
By May 2002 Cllr Hamilton, who throughout his time on the Council played a major part in Red River being a success, reported to the Council that the group established to manage Red River on behalf of the Council had obtained grants of £5000 lottery grant and £1000 from Amber Valley. This enabled the development of a number of educational themes on the site.
In 2003 Red River was formally declared a Nature Reserve.
It continues to develop as a well-appreciated area through the dedication of the volunteers of ‘The Friends of Red River’.
Mining Wheels
In September 2001 the Council first discussed the possibility of having a half mining wheel erected to commemorate the area’s mining past. An area at the top of the Hands Road was identified as a possible site for the wheel. A year later a half winding wheel had been identified and the Council had been informed that to purchase the wheel with associated storage etc. would be around £1000. In July 2003 the Council were informed that a site meeting had taken place with Derbyshire County Council about the siting of the Winding Wheel and the Council would pay a peppercorn rent of £10 per annum. During further discussions about the Winding Wheel it was agreed to placing a second Winding Wheel in Loscoe at a position between Charles Hill Playing Fields and the Red River nature reserve. Work was due to start on erecting both these Wheels on Sunday 9 July 2006. Due to Health and Safety issues the Winding wheel at Loscoe had to be taken down but was re-erected in October 2008.
In conjunction with the Winding Wheels the Council had arranged for the placing of interpretation boards to be situated with each of the Wheels. A third interpretation board would be situated in the Old Fire Station. These were produced in conjunction with the local History Society.
Youth Bus
In June 2006 the Council in conjunction with the neighbouring Councils of Codnor /Aldercar and Langley Mill and Derbyshire County Council purchased a Mobile Youth Bus which would tour the area engaging with young people.
Fire Station
In October 2000 the Council received an indication from their Surveyor that the cost of purchasing the Fire Station from South East Derbyshire College would be in the region of £27500. Due to the Surveyor's report the Council made the decision to renegotiate the price.
In January 2001 the Council were informed that the College had accepted the Council’s bid on 6 December 2001 and it was reported to the Council that they now owned the former Fire Station. At a later meeting the Council agreed that the usage of the Old Fire Station would be for Arts and Heritage.
In April 2003 it was reported that the Town Council had held initial discussions with the History Society about possible usage for the building. It also wrote to other local organisations to find out the level of interest.
Due to delays with the purchase and transfer of land the Council had been unable to appoint architects to look at internal changes to the Fire Station until August 2004. In May 2006 the Council received details from the Architect about the necessary work to be carried out on the Fire Station. The work was scheduled to be completed by October 2006.
The building was first used for a public display of photographs by the History Society as part of the May Day celebrations in 2008 prior to which the Mayor formally opened the building. The Council held its first public meeting in the Fire Station to discuss the proposed development at Hands Road in May 2008.
This building now has two flag poles which at the time of writing are displaying the Town Council flag and the Derbyshire flag.
Wilmot Street Centre
In 2006, as part of attempts to expand its property portfolio, the Council held discussions with Amber Valley Borough Council regarding the possibility of acquiring the freehold of the Wilmot Street Centre with the intention of expanding its use as a Community facility. This process was completed in December 2008.
Grandfather Clock
In January 2001 the Council requested that the long cased grandfather clock made by James Woolley of Codnor for the Marshall family and donated to Heanor Urban District Council currently held by AVBC be housed permanently in the Town Hall. The Clerk was asked to arrange for collection of the clock and to obtain quotes for transportation and repairs from a local clock specialist. Local clock specialist Mr. Madeley of Codnor informed the next Council meeting that although the case was in excellent condition for a clock dated circa 1750 the movement was in poor condition having not been serviced for many years. The cost of carrying out the work would be around £400 and, for insurance purposes, was valued at around £4500. The Council were informed that AVBC wished the Town Council to sign a loan agreement with them for the Clock. However, following representations from the Council this arrangement was amended. The clock is n ow proudly displayed in the Town Hall
Use of Units within the Town Hall
Once the Council had taken possession of the Town Hall they considered how to utilise the three units on the ground floor. Initially they looked at commercial usage, as they were originally designed as ‘starter units to help local businesses establish themselves by charging lower than market rate rents on a short lease. However, this did not prove very successful and the Council then looked at allowing organisations which supported the community to use them. Today they are occupied by Victim Support and the Citizens Advice Bureau.
Displays at the Town Hall
In July 2007 the Council agreed to purchase five aluminum composite display panels. These pictures are of William Gregg receiving his Victoria Cross from the King (situated on the stair of the Town Hall), a turn of the century photo of Red Lion Square (situated within the Ian Cox room) and a postcard representation of various parts of the Town (situated on the top landing). It is also intended to place the commemorative plaque relating to William Gregg, which was situated in the old Leisure Centre, underneath the photograph of William Gregg in the Town Hall and a more detailed one in the Arts and Heritage Centre.
A Millennium Banner, created by local groups with the support of Amber Valley Borough Council as part of the millennium celebrations, is displayed within the Council Chamber.
In 1995 as part of the Cinema 100 celebration a 100 Commemorative Plaque was situated within the entrance foyer of the Town Hall to commemorate its use as the former Buxton Picture Palace.
On its move to the Town Hall the Council was keen to establish the whereabouts of the wall board bearing the names of previous Chairman of Heanor Urban District Council. This is displayed in the Council Chamber along with a Board displaying the names of the Parish Council’s Chairmen and Town Council Mayors.
Chain of Office Heanor and District Business and Professional Women’s Club
In October 2000 Mrs. Joan Geary, the last president of the Club, presented the Chain of Office to the Council following changes to the organisation.
Achieving Quality Status
In 2005 the Council agreed to look at achieving Quality Status, which entailed reassessment of its financial and working practices risk, reviewing its standing orders and financial regulations, registering with the Information Commissioner under the Data Protection Act, setting up an email address, developing a complaints procedure and establishing a complaints sub committee, issuing a regular newsletter, amending the layout of the Council's agenda and minutes and, finally, the Clerk passing the Certificate in Local Council Administration. The Council worked to achieving this and issued its first newsletter in July 2006. It achieved this prestigious status in January 2008 mainly due to the hard work of the current Clerk Laura West.
Allotments
In 1989 the Council agreed to accept the transfer of the local allotments from the Borough Council and wrote to the five allotment secretaries confirming the acquisition and that a peppercorn rent of £5 would be charged for the following year subject to the condition that they undertake all site maintenance themselves. The five allotment sites were Hands Road , Roper Avenue, Lee Lane, Glue Lane and Woodend Road. The Council established an allotment sub-committee to liaise with the allotment associations about any issues. Unfortunately the Council over the years has sold off a number or part of these allotments due to the declining interest with the area and now only 3 allotments remain.
Threats to Public Services within the Town
Over the 25 years of the Council there seems to be a constant battle to retain public services in Heanor and Loscoe. The areas which have been under threat are:
Post Office
In May 1985 the Council, in response to public concerns over long delays and having to queue outside Heanor Post Office, wrote to the Head of the Post Office about the level of service and staffing issues. Concern was raised again in 1985 when the Post Office responded that they would be increasing staffing levels but the Office would close on Wednesday afternoon with effect from 13 January 1986. By 1990 there was concern about the change in status of the Post Office to an agency. The Council expressed their concern to no avail and the Post Office became an agency in the spring of 1991. In February 2003 the Council wrote objecting to the proposed closure of Marlpool Post Office.
Delivery Office closure
The Post Office informed the Council that they intended to close the Delivery Office on Mansfield Road, Heanor. The Council opposed this and arranged to meet Royal Mail as a matter of urgency to discuss the issue. Despite the meeting Royal Mail closed the office. In November 2007 the Council was informed by Post Office Ltd that as part of their review of the East Midlands they intended to close Roper Avenue and Mansfield Road Post Offices. This proposal was opposed by the Town Council.
Health Services
The Council had not been in existence for six months when they were objecting to the proposed closure of Heanor Maternity Home. They wrote to the Health Authority with their objections and asked local press to raise public awareness of the issue. Regretfully although the Maternity Home had a stay of execution in 1988 the Council was formally consulted by the Health Authority about their proposed closure of the Maternity Home and it was finally closed. It is now a veterinary surgery.
In March 1988 the Council wrote to the Health Authority opposing any proposals to close the Hospital and donated £100 to the Hospital’s League of Friends fighting fund. In 1992 Dr P K Mukerjee wrote to the Town Council thanking them for their support in opposing proposed changes to the Hospital services.
In September 2000 the President and Chairman of Heanor Hospital League of Friends informed the Council of concerns that the League of Friends had about the lack of interest and support within the Town especially from the younger people for their fund raising efforts. The Annual Gala started in 1962 with a parade and over the years had built up to twenty floats but had dwindled to only three by 1999. Some of the reasons for this was lack of interest and increasing policing problems due to expanding traffic congestion within the Town. The cost of providing the Gala with floats was about £2000 as opposed to £800 without. The League of Friends were looking for ideas to increase sponsorship and sought the Council's help in this matter.
In August 2000 the Council supported the proposal to create a single Primary Care Trust for Amber Valley which was coterminous with the Borough Council. The new Amber Valley Primary Care Trust was established in April 2001 and the Council invited the Chairman Adrian Evans to give a presentation at its September meeting.
On hearing of the possible closure of Heanor Hospital Minor Injuries Unit in August 2006 the Council objected strongly to the Primary Care Trust, who were responsible, and invited them to attend the Council’s next meeting to justify their action. Following this meeting the Primary Care Trust agreed they would carry out a three month public consultation. The Council supported a public meeting in opposition to this proposal and agreed to act as a conduit between the protesters and the Primary Care Trust. The Mayor and Leader of the Council joined the Committee, which had adopted the name NOTCHH (NO To Closing Heanor Hospital), objecting to the actions of the Primary Care Trust. The Council handed a petition to the Primary Care Trust in May 2007 opposing the proposed closure of the Minor injuries Unit. To date the matter is still outstanding.
Police
Although there has been no threat to police services within Heanor during the 25 years it is noted that when the new Police Station was opened it had the following staffing levels: 1 Inspector/3 sergeants/17 Constables/1 CID/ Traffic warden/1Clerk/1 PT Cleaner with opening times of 8.45-4.45 every day.
Today the Town is covered by Sergeant Andrew Philips, PC Richard Martin, PC Steve Parsons, PCSO Neil Wilson, PCSO Emma Baker, Special Constables Anthony Carnelley, Ady Gillott, Tony Jones, Mark Thornhill, Nathan Spencer and Caroline Smith.
Fire Station
Although Heanor is well served with its retained firemen, who provide an excellent service to their community, in 1990 the Council had to seek reassurance that there were no plans to close the fire station.
Local Bus Services
In December 2000 the Council were informed by Kimberley Town Council of their concern about changes to the bus timetable by Trent Buses which would result in a reduced service. The Council supported these concerns and expressed disappointment about the lack of consultation by Trent Buses on this matter. Trent Buses replied by the meeting in January 2001 that this decision was caused by the increasing fuel costs (around £1 million) and traffic congestion. However they were willing to meet the Council.
In 2002 Trent Buses informed the Council that they would be changing the routes of the Heanor - Ripley 1A and 1B services, much to the disappointment of the Council.
In May 2008 the Council expressed concern that Trent Barton were looking to reroute the H1 bus service and requested details of their consultation process. A large number of residents attended the Council meeting in September 2008 objecting to the rerouting of this service and the Council agreed to act as broker between the residents and Trent Barton.
Heanor Memorial Park and Hands Road development
During the writing of the history the potential of possible building of houses on land adjacent to the Memorial Park raised its head .This issue has still to be resolved by the time this booklet was printed. However a local action group called Friends of Heanor Memorial Park has been formed to ensure that no developments encroach on the Park. This group has the support from the Town Council and indeed individual Councilor’s have provided advice to the group on a number of issues. I am sure this group will be as successful as some the groups named above in ensuring that Heanor does not lose one of its most valuable and beautiful areas
Council meetings
The first meeting of the Council was in Meeting Room 2 of Heanor Leisure Centre on 10th April 1984. This was provided free of charge by Amber Valley Council and it remained the venue for Council meetings until the Council moved to the Town Hall in 1995. In September 1984 it was agreed that meetings of the Council would be held bimonthly, but this was not without controversy and was only agreed with the casting vote of the Chairman. At its next meeting the Council agreed to publicise meetings by purchasing notice boards in Loscoe and Marlpool. It was also agreed to allow public speaking for the next two meetings.
In 1985 the Council agreed that future meetings of the Council would be adjourned at 7.30p.m. for 20 minutes to allow members of the public to speak, providing that notice of the particular question or statement was given to the Chairman prior to the meeting commencing. It also agreed that future meetings of the Council would be every six weeks on a Tuesday. Once the Council moved into the Town Hall in 1996 it was agreed to hold Council meetings on a Thursday. By May 2000 the Council had agreed to hold monthly meetings, which it continues to do.
At its first meeting the Council agreed not to allow smoking at meetings. In 1988 the Council agreed to only allow smoking at meetings after 9.00pm. However, when the Council moved into the Town Hall it agreed to ban smoking on the second floor where the Council Chamber is. This all became irrelevant once the Government banned smoking in public places.
Move to Heanor Town Hall
In 1993 the Council had been holding meetings with Amber Valley about the future use of the Town Hall. The Council also established a small working party to investigate the possible use of various buildings within the Town for Council meetings. By April 1994 Amber Valley Borough Council put proposals to the Town Council to work in partnership in respect of the refurbishment of the Town Hall. A special meeting of the Town Council on 5 July 1994 resolved: ‘Resolved - The action of the Town Council Working Party in offering to contribute 10% of the capital cost for refurbishing the Town Hall be confirmed subject to review following receipt of tenders for the scheme should the successful tender exceed the estimate of £630000.’ This was conditional on the Council being granted a 99 year lease, on a peppercorn rent basis, of the 1st and 2nd floor function rooms and office. Following the refurbishment it was agreed that the Victorian urinals would be presented to the History Society and the balcony seating would be delivered to the Crich Tramway Museum. The Council also agreed its payment schedule to the Borough Council as its contribution to the refurbishment costs. These were as follows: Dec 94 12675 Jan 95 8400 Feb 95 12165 Mar 95 10050 Apr 95 8330 May 95 6280 Jun 95 3650 Dec 95 1300 Jan 96 350 Total £ 63200
The first meeting at the refurbished Town Hall was on 13th June 1995. At this first meeting the then Mayor, Cllr Jim Richardson, introduced the saying of prayers prior to meetings. Rev Cedric Blakey, Vicar & Rural Dean of Heanor, led prayers for the first meeting. Not all the Councillors were able to attend the meeting as Cllr Hamilton was locked out due to the main entrance being locked and having no means of letting anyone know he was outside . The Council also approached the Borough Council for a flagpole to be placed on the front of the Town Hall. However, the front of the Town Hall is listed and this has caused some problems for the Council when it wants to do anything with the front.
In October 2000 the Council was informed that problems relating to rights over the alley and car parking had been resolved and it set a target date for completion of 31st October 2000.
On 7 December 2000 the Council agreed unanimously to sign the lease for the Town Hall.
Staff
Clerk
Due to the nature of the establishment of the Parish Council the Council had an acting Clerk Mr.. K Mew, who also covered Aldercar and Langley Mill, until the Council appointed its own Clerk Mr. M D McCreedy in July 1984.
The list of the Council’s Clerks is as follows:
Mr.. K Mew (Acting) April 1984-July 1984 Mr.. M D McCreedy July 1984-September 1985 Mr.. R Bostock January 1986-August 1999 Mr.. C Wright October 1999-April 2005 Mrs. L West May 2005
There are a couple of interesting facts regarding the Council's Clerks. When Mr.. McCreedy left, his leaving function was held at the Shamrock Café on the Market Place at a cost of £24 with the wine costing £7. In purchasing the Council’s first word processor in 1987 the Clerk was allowed a maximum £600 to spend.
Street Cleaner
The Council appointed Mr.. W E Hardington of Riddings as its first street cleaner in September 1986. He commenced his duties on 15th September 1986 at a rate of £30 for a 15 hr week. His time was to be split evenly between the Heanor, Loscoe and Marlpool/Langley areas. An important condition was that the name of the Parish Council was to be clearly displayed on the street cleaner's wheelbarrow.
Tree Warden
The Council appointed Mr.s. Frances Clifford as its first Tree Warden in 1992, a position she still holds today. Her long service was recognised by the Council at its May 2008 meeting.
Caretaker
Once the Council took on the Town Hall it had to appoint a caretaker. The first person to fill this role was Mrs Sue Brown who worked for the Council from May 1995 until 2001.
Miscellaneous
In February 1988 in an attempt to improve Tourism in Heanor the Council suggested to Amber Valley that they should look at having a boating lake or a dry ski slope in the Memorial Park. Whoever said Councils have no imagination?
At a meeting on 3 August 1993 the Council noted correspondence from the Derbyshire association of Local Council’s about the possibility of an Independent Council for Loscoe.
References
- ^ "Councillor Surgeries". Amber Valley Borough Council. 2007-06-19. http://www.ambervalley.gov.uk/services/governmentpoliticsandpublicadministration/localgovernment/councils/councillors/boroughcouncillors/CouncillorSurgeries.htm. Retrieved 2008-12-04.
Coordinates: 53°00′N 1°21′W / 53°N 1.35°W
 |
This Derbyshire location article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
