Put your name to Ilkeston’s heritage

Ilkeston folk are being invited to put a name to the new Barratt development on the site of the former Charnos factory on Corporation Road. Eva Bird, who runs the corner shop, opposite the site of the new development, is helping Barratt to run the competition, by putting a special ballot box in her shop. The person who comes up with the winning name will get a £100 holiday voucher.

Eva, who has managed the shop for nine years – remembers when the site was occupied by the busy Charnos factory.

She said: “I am delighted that the site is being developed. The factory closed five years ago and it has been sad to see it being neglected. I’m glad the decision has been made to build new houses there. There was a plan to turn it to industrial use – but new housing will be more welcome to local people.

“I sure there will be a good response to the competition and I’m pleased to be able to help. We used to get a lot of the Charnos employees here – and I’m sure a few of the entries will refer to Charnos and the textile industry.”

Barratt’s East Midlands Sales Director, Steven Jackson said: “We always like to develop community links and promote continuity in areas when we build and we are sure local people will appreciate having a say in naming this major new development.

“We are building 153 new homes here and there will be plenty of affordable choices for first time buyers – including the superb new iPAD, one-bed apartments.

“We are the industry leaders in re-developing unused industrial land and we are certain that the new development will be an asset to the area – with a name to be proud of.”