A Derbyshire Council has responded to a heartbreaking account by a Good Samaritan who found a refugee freezing in Long Eaton.
A young refugee in his 20s was spotted by residents sitting outside council offices with “nothing but a backpack and a case”. The Good Samaritans intervened and made several calls, including to friends in the council.
After struggling for a while, they were eventually able to secure accommodation for the refugee for the night. Erewsh Borough Council has now responded to the entire ordeal, saying they were saddened by it all.
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Refugee stranded in the cold: What council said
Erewash Borough Council’s Lead Member for Health and Wellbeing Cllr Josy Hare said: “We are extremely sorry to hear about the plight of this young refugee, who is now thankfully not sleeping in the cold. The intervention of the individual who came to his assistance is to be applauded.
“Erewash Borough Council’s Housing Options Team works with a range of partners to offer advice and assistance to anyone who is homeless or threatened with homelessness.
“For out of hours emergency help the number to call is that of the charity we have partnered with – P3. The hotline is 0808 1692 333. Further details are on the council’s website.
“In Long Eaton especially we are grateful for the magnificent work of the Canaan Trust, who also have an emergency hotline. They can be reached 24 hours a day on 0115 946 4903.”
Where is Erewash Borough Council and how is it in Derbyshire?
Erewash Borough Council is the local governing authority for the Borough of Erewash in Derbyshire, England. Established in 1974, it administers public services, enforces planning regulations, and manages community development within its jurisdiction. The borough encompasses a mix of urban and rural areas, covering towns like Ilkeston, Long Eaton, and smaller communities such as Sandiacre, Borrowash, and Sawley.
Erewash lies between Derby and Nottingham, making it a vital area for commuters. It is bordered by the River Erewash and includes parts of the scenic Erewash Valley. The council is responsible for services such as housing, waste collection, environmental health, leisure facilities, and maintaining parks and heritage sites. One of its key landmarks is the Erewash Canal, which reflects the area’s industrial heritage and is popular for walking and boating.
The borough boasts connections to several notable figures. Ilkeston is the birthplace of Robert Lindsay, a renowned actor known for his roles in My Family and Citizen Smith. Long Eaton is linked to D. H. Lawrence, as his novels often referenced nearby locations. The area also has a rich sporting history, producing athletes like cricketer Harold Larwood, who played a pivotal role in England’s famous Bodyline series.
Erewash Borough Council works closely with community groups to preserve its historical character while encouraging economic growth. Its efforts focus on improving transport links, boosting tourism, and supporting small businesses. The borough remains a blend of vibrant urban hubs and tranquil countryside, making it a unique part of Derbyshire.
The borough of Erewash uses Nottingham postcodes, despite being in Derbyshire, due to Royal Mail’s sorting system rather than geographical boundaries. Postcodes are designed for efficient mail delivery and are linked to sorting offices rather than local councils. Erewash falls under the Nottingham postal district, as its mail is processed through Nottingham’s facilities. This historical arrangement prioritizes logistical convenience over administrative boundaries, which is why residents in Erewash, governed by Derbyshire authorities, have Nottingham-based postal addresses. This setup is common in regions near county borders.
Famous residents of Erewash area
The Erewash area has produced several notable figures across diverse fields. Actor Robert Lindsay, known for his roles in Citizen Smith and My Family, hails from Ilkeston.
Former England footballer Tony Woodcock, a European Cup winner, also comes from this area. Musician Graham Coxon, guitarist of the Britpop band Blur, has ties to Long Eaton.
Additionally, the borough has connections to renowned poet and writer D.H. Lawrence, who lived nearby in Eastwood, inspiring much of his work set in the surrounding region.
