Ockbrook and Borrowash Neighbourhood Network - OBNN

11/04/2026

Time is running out for getting your objections in….

https://helpderbyshire.object.now/

09/04/2026

There are real concerns about the proposed National Grid pylon route between Chesterfield and Willington.

People are worried about the impact on our countryside, homes, and wildlife, and feel better alternatives haven’t been properly explored.

This isn’t about blocking progress, it’s about making sure our communities are heard and treated fairly.

Thank you to Stop The Pylons Derbyshire members for their advice

Link in comments on how to object, please read >>>

08/03/2026

OBNN is happy to celebrate International Women's Day, commemorating women's fight for equality and liberation along with the women's rights movement. International Women's Day gives focus to issues such as gender equality, reproductive rights, and violence and abuse against women.

FREE International Women's Day 2026 theme resources -

25/01/2026

Happy Burns Night from OBNN!

Tonight many will be raising a glass to Robert Burns — the legendary Scottish poet, radical, internationalist, and a man who believed ordinary people mattered.

Burns wrote about fairness, dignity, friendship, love, and standing up to power, values that still resonate strongly today. His words travelled far beyond Scotland, finding a home wherever people believe in community, equality, and speaking truth plainly.

Whether you’re enjoying haggis (or a veggie alternative!), neeps and tatties, a dram of whisky, or simply a good poem read aloud, Burns Night is a reminder that culture belongs to everyone — not just the powerful or the polished.

Slàinte mhath — and may we always “see oursels as ithers see us.”

23/01/2026

Erewash Borough Council has voted last night to leave Twitter/X after recent horrific incidents on the platform. Safety, inclusion, and accountability win!

The motion was proposed by Cllr. Mills (Green) and seconded by Cllr. Mee (LD), with Labour and Conservative councillors joining in support, showing that putting residents first transcends party lines.

Councils and public bodies across the country are leaving Twitter/X, concerned about the risks it poses, including child safety online.

Special recognition goes to our OBNN Cllr. Tania Stevenson, whose 18 months of local and national advocacy helped make this possible.

Erewash is sending a clear message: our community comes before unsafe social media platforms.

16/01/2026

The council plans to close eight care homes across the county — including our own local home on Briar Close, as well Lacemaker Court, The Grange and more. This would uproot vulnerable residents, threaten hundreds of dedicated jobs, and leave families with nowhere safe to turn.

These are homes, not just buildings. They are where our older neighbours live, laugh, and are cared for — and they deserve protection.

We can stop this — but only if the council hears from us. Sign and share the petition now:

Derbyshire Council is planning to close 8 publicly owned care homes. Hundreds of staff and residents are affected. I’ve just signed a petition to the council leader to save our care homes. Please add your name and share.

04/01/2026

We’ve had a few DMs about grit bins in Ockbrook & Borrowash, and we’ve also seen comments on other local groups — so we thought we’d ask the whole community!

Grit bins are for public use, helping to keep roads, pavements, and footpaths safe during cold icy weather. Whilst Derbyshire County Council is responsible for, and provides most bins, parishes can also choose to fund and locate extra bins where they’re needed most.

We’d love to hear from you:
• Do you think more grit bins are needed?
• Are there specific roads, paths, or trouble spots where a bin would be useful?
• Any other ideas for keeping the community safe in icy conditions?

Your input will help guide OBNN councillors about where any new bins could go.

Please share your thoughts below — every suggestion counts!

24/12/2025

As the year is coming to an end, everyone at OBNN sends warm festive wishes to everyone in Ockbrook and Borrowash.

Whatever you celebrate, this season reminds us to stand together, respect every voice, and uphold fairness. Here’s to continuing to build a stronger, and more connected community in 2026.

It’s also a good time to check in on elderly neighbours, friends, or anyone who might be alone — small acts of care make a big difference at this time of year.

Season’s greetings and best wishes for peace, health, and hope.

18/12/2025

The closure news of Briar Close is deeply disappointing and especially at this time of year. This wasn’t just a building — it was a home, and residents and staff are now facing unnecessary upheaval and an uncertain future.

What makes this worse is that this didn’t have to happen. It’s the result of poor local governance and a lack of seriousness about adult social care. You can’t run councils on slogans and culture-war distractions while essential services quietly fail.

A problem started with the Conservatives and now ending with Reform, who may enjoy flying flags and talking tough, but governing is about responsibility. Briar Close and Borrowash deserved better — and so do the residents and the amazing staff who work there.

A single provider had been lined up to take over the homes but the deal has collapsed.

24/11/2025

Don't forget to join us on the 28th November at 18:00 for the Borrowash Christmas Lights switch on. The Long Eaton Silver Prize band will be playing Christmas Carols, Erewash Borough Councils Deputy Mayor will be turning the lights on, there are stalls and children's rides and the most important thing, the main man himself Santa will be there xx

15/11/2025

Every Autumn we see the same problems — loud bangs, frightened pets, distressed older residents, disrupted wildlife, and sleepless nights.

So the real question is: do we still need noisy fireworks at all?

Silent and low-noise fireworks offer all the colour without the chaos, and major organisations like the RSPCA, Dogs Trust, The British Horse Society, and Blue Cross all support tougher rules. Other councils have acted — should Erewash Borough Council be next?

Would you support a local bylaw requiring silent fireworks only in Erewash, including here in Ockbrook & Borrowash?

And would you like our OBNN councillors to take this motion further to EBC?

Tell us below or drop us a DM — your views matter.