Ockbrook and Borrowash Neighbourhood Network - OBNN

08/10/2026

The National Grid Chesterfield to Willington upgrade is one of the biggest infrastructure projects affecting our parish, with the route passing around Ockbrook and Borrowash before continuing towards the Derwent and Ambaston.

Recent reports just over the river in Ambaston have highlighted workers using protective suits, tge deployment of decontamination equipment and gas monitoring while carrying out intrusive work on historic landfill.

However, National Grid says these are precautionary measures and that no contamination or hazardous gases have been identified.

We are not suggesting that the same risks exist in Ockbrook and Borrowash, but the project does involve intrusive ground investigations across the route, and National Grid has identified issues including historic landfill, flood risk and potential contamination as matters requiring consideration.

So residents in our parish are entitled to ask:

What investigations are being carried out locally, what have they found, and what safeguards are in place to protect our land, watercourses and communities?

That’s not scaremongering.

It’s simply proper scrutiny of a major infrastructure project on our doorstep.

Local people deserve clear answers.

Landowners raised concerns about the potential hazardous gases on the site months ago

01/06/2026

So….Why do we need Pride Month? Because LGBT+ people still face discrimination, exclusion, abuse, hate and harassment in everyday life. Pride is a reminder that equality must be actively maintained, not taken for granted.

Pride is both celebration and reminder: of the progress made, and of the continued work needed to build a society where everyone can live freely, safely, and with dignity.

This Pride Month, we celebrate the diversity of our community and reaffirm our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion not just in June, but every day of the year.

We are also proud to see the Pride flag on all three of our parish flagpoles as a visible sign of solidarity and support for our LGBT+ community.

Pride Month kicks off tomorrow!During a debate in the House of Commons during Pride Month last year, Labour MP Sir Chris Bryant made a powerful speech about ...

26/05/2026

This has gone on for far too long in Ockbrook.

Residents should not have to worry about children walking to school safely, damage to parked cars, or HGVs mounting pavements just to get through the village.

Local people have been raising these concerns for years and deserve meaningful action before somebody is seriously hurt.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czr2k274185o?fbclid=IwdGRleASCRB1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA8xNzM4NDc2NDI2NzAzNzAAAR5fLPz69ip9Qfus73L9KeXTeRwAj7fNwCHhZ5eLRBqlU7jGuv3IVsq8L23pqQ_aem_zNHaLSfxj0cGnRj6dF__aA

Residents in Ockbrook say lorries cutting through the village are putting lives at risk.

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 wh**ky, 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!