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• Dealing with potholes
• Communities affected by flooding
• ‘Good’ grading from Ofsted
• Vintage computer gets new lease of life
• Support to employ people with disabilities
• Library of Things to launch this month

Dealing with potholes

If you’ve noticed an increase in the number of potholes on our roads, you’re not alone.

Councillor Charlotte Cupit, our Cabinet Member for Highways Assets and Transport, acknowledged the increase, addressed the reasons for it and what we’re doing to tackle it in an open letter to residents. She explained that the last few months have thrown exceptional things at us including floods, lots of rain and freezing conditions. And that’s not the only problem. Coun Cupit acknowledged that aging highways and reducing investment comparatively has been an issue for decades. But she has assured residents that we are increasing resources to deal with the current backlog. You can read the letter in full on our website.

Communities affected by flooding

If you've been affected by flooding this winter, you may be interested in coming along to one of the drop-in events we’re running in partnership with the Environment Agency during January and February.

The events will be an opportunity for communities to talk to local agencies about their experience, get advice and share their views as well as finding out what’s being done to help the community recover.

Residents and businesses can also find out more about the Government’s Property Flood Resilience Repair Grant Scheme, which is due to open at the end of January. Grants of up to £5,000 are being made available to help pay for resilience measures such as flood doors, barriers and pumps for properties that flooded during Storm Babet in October.

The next events will be held at:

• Ironville - Thursday 25 January at OAP centre at Openacre, NG16 5QB - for communities in Pinxton, Pye Bridge, Jacksdale, Ironville and the surrounding areas.
• Ilkeston - Tuesday 30 January at Ilkeston Town Football Club, Awsworth Road, DE7 8JF - for communities in Langley Mill, Ilkeston and the surrounding areas.
• Castleton - Tuesday 6 February at The Peveril Centre, Buxton Road, S33 8WP - for communities in Castleton, Hope, Bradwell and the surrounding areas.
• Sawley - Friday 16 February at Sawley Memorial Hall, Draycott Road, NG10 3FR - for communities in Breaston, Long Eaton, Sandiacre and the surrounding areas

‘Good’ grading from Ofsted

Ofsted inspectors have given us a ‘good’ grading across the board for our services for children in care or at risk of harm, families who need social work support and young people leaving care.

During a two week visit in October and November last year, inspectors reviewed services across children’s social care, leaving care and fostering, as well as educational services designed to support looked after children and care-experienced young people.

Ofsted said since their last inspection, including a more focused visit in 2021 and again in 2022, the issues inspectors identified as requiring improvement had ‘much improved’ and ‘strong progress’ had been made.

Vintage computer gets new lease of life

An eagle-eyed resident spotted an unusual computer at our recycling centre in Ilkeston. He thought it might be of some interest and let the staff know. He was right.

It turned out to be a vintage BBC model B computer of some value. We organised for it to be donated to The National Video Gaming Museum  in Sheffield, a natural new home for it where it can be kept in use for longer and enjoyed by many.

We can recycle your unwanted or old computers at our recycling centres Please make sure that all personal data is removed. Alternatively you could offer them free of charge or for sale in your local newspaper or on Freecycle, What’s App and Facebook etc.

Pictured: Craig Capper, Contract Manager at HW Martins – our recycling centre operators – with the computer at the museum.

Support to employ people with disabilities

If you run a business or organisation in Derbyshire, you may be interested in what the Disability Employer Engagement Derbyshire (DEED) team can offer.

The team provides support to businesses and organisations across the county, helping them to employ people with disabilities or long-term health conditions.

Whether it’s learning more about employment law, making adjustments to help staff or offering training sessions on disability inclusion for leaders and employees, the DEED team are here to help.

They are holding a free Employable event at the Post Mill, South Normanton on Wednesday 28th February from 9am to midday.

To find out more and book your free place visit our website.

Make sure you don't miss out on events and support for employers in Derbyshire – sign up to the DEED newsletter by emailing the team at employable@derbyshire.gov.uk

Library of Things to launch this month

Our library in Buxton is lending a helping hand to Transition Buxton by hosting a 'Library of Things'. It will be officially launched at 11am on Tuesday 30 January at the library on Kents Bank Road by Transition Buxton and Councillor Barry Lewis. There are more than 70 Library of Things across the country, and the idea is that you borrow things that you only need occasionally rather than buying them – items like carpet cleaners, hedge trimmers, drills, tents, pressure washers etc. It's a great way to save money and resources.  If you know anybody who might have something to donate, want to volunteer to help, or come along to the launch and see what’s on offer please spread the word. There will be a charge of £5 for library membership, £2.50 for the unwaged. Donations to borrow items will be welcome.