External services

You Said - We Did

Space, and issues of confidentiality do not permit us to publish our detailed responses to all the comments, compliments and complaints feedback we receive.

However, we feel it is important to highlight some of the key issues the public have raised with us, particularly where these have resulted in changes in the way in which we deliver our services.

In addition to responding to each item of feedback as it is received, we also undertake routine monitoring of all feedback received each month.

We also record and report key issues and actions to the council every three months, through both our senior management team and our Service Effectiveness Scrutiny Committee.

Overall numbers of CCC's received in the period January - March 2010
MonthCommentsComplimentsComplaintsTotal
January373050117
February20223779
March534054147
Total for Quarter11092141343

You said...We did
You said...We did!When you said it
I noticed a public toilet flooding but didn't know who to inform to prevent further damage We will be putting up, in all our public toilets, signs indicating who to contact in the case of an emergency concerning our public toiletsAugust 2010
When you cut the grass verges along Chalons Way you cone off a whole lane which causes terrible holdups and adds 30 mins to my journeyWe negotiated a contract with an external provider who will be cutting the grass verges on a Sunday morning to avoid traffic congestionAugust 2010
I would like to see a camera installed at the jitty at the side of Chaucer Junior School, Ilkeston. This is used by someone to take their dog to the toilet. It is filthy sometimes, and this jitty is used by a lot of children going to school.The Neighbourhood Wardens Service will monitor this area and will arrange for portable CCTV cameras to be used if the problem continuesAugust 2010
Just a quick note to say thank you for your help and support when my husband collapsed in your gym recently. Your calm assistance was much appreciatedVerbally thanked for the kind commentJune 2010
Complaint regarding aerobics being cancelled on regular basis and having no cover for the classes, also trying to ring reception and not getting throughExplained that we try to get cover but on occasions we have been informed on short notice so are unable to cover the class. We are in the process of starting new instructors so hopefully this will help when cover is required. Our instructors are employed on a casual basis must have written contracts so hopefully this situation has to be resolved. We are also working towards automated telephone system to help with customer service. June 2010
Complaint regarding a fall in the changing rooms at West Park Leisure Centre, no signs to say the floor is a different levelThe raised areas are due to have additional lockers; measurements for this could not be taken until the final week before completion. We are waiting for quotes and will eliminate the problem soon as possible. We have place hazard warning tape on the corners and placed some warning posters so customers are aware of the raised level. Contractors are also being rushed along to solve the problem. June 2010
In the publication Inside Erewash, I noticed that it included a photo of a member of staff completing the sport relief mile. Not sure if you are aware that 2 other members of staff who work on a health referral gave up their time to support people on the schemeOver 35 photos of the event we taken and sent to the editor of Inside Erewash, who then chose a couple of photos out of the selection. I am sorry that you feel the photos didn't represent anyone from the GP referral group, however we did have nearly 200 people participating and the photos used did give a snapshot of the dayApril 2010
For many years I have swam early on a Saturday morning, the swimming time on a Saturday now has changed to a 9am start. I’m sure I am not the only one to mind being squeezed out of what was a very good time slot for meExplained the reasons behind stopping the early morning swim on a Saturday. This decision was based on usage figures and a need to increase the time available for swimming lessons. We will be reviewing the whole pool programme shortly in view of the news that we are to receive a refurbishment of the building.April 2010
Complaint regarding lights in the sports hall and not keeping a log of which light is outThe main hall was closed for two days in the day time so electricians can replace electrical components in our sports hall lighting as well as replacing blown lampsApril 2010
Complaint regarding the cleanliness of changing roomsWe are in the middle of a changing room refurbishment which we have to use temporary changing room which are not ideal but no excuse for dirty changing facilities but the open plan style of the facilities and the restriction of space makes it more difficult for staff, although we do make every effort to maintain cleanliness of our facilitiesApril 2010
Complaint regarding eight year old boys not coming into the female changing roomsI have asked all staff to be aware of older children using the changing facilities. Signs have been put up to remind all customers of the maximum age of eight (accompanied by an adult) to use the opposite sex changing areas.April 2010
You say about improving local parks. You repaint and maintain the play equipment but they are still covered in broken glass so unsafe to play on anyway.The play areas are visited and inspected / maintained on a weekly basis, any information we receive relating to broken glass or hazards, staff are allocated to make the area safe as soon as practicable (i.e. within 24 hours)Citizens Panel November 2009
In view of the problems that some parts of the country have had with floods it seems that not enough is done to keep drains and culverts free from becoming blocked by leaves etc. Surely this should be done on a regular basis to avoid any future bad weather situations and distress to home owners!To ensure that gullies and drains are free from debris the majority of the Borough is visited once per calendar month either by street cleansing staff who will litter pick or by a mechanical road sweeper. In times of flooding when additional debris is washed down drains we allocate additional resources to check hot spots on either a daily or hourly basis. We also provide a Out of Hours Call Out Service in times of emergencies / flooding and this can be accessed by the main Council telephone number of 0845 9072244Citizens Panel November 2009
Is anything planned to get rid of the Japanese knotweed in the border of Albion Centre car park, backing on to the Salvation Army citadel?The Japanese Knotweed is being managed and has been treated twice to date and as such have had positive feedback from the Salvation ArmyCitizens Panel November 2009
Whilst the streets are clean of litter, etc, the level of dog fouling increases. The main area is Canal StreetThe Borough has recruited a dedicated Neighbourhood Dog Warden who is tackling dog fouling, we have also changed our dog bin waste collection service and as such any litter bin can be used on Borough Council owned land for disposal of dog waste. If you witness dog fouling please forward relevant information either via our confidential help line "Pride Line" or the Contact CentreCitizens Panel November 2009
I would like to see a camera installed at the jitty at the side of Chaucer Junior School, Ilkeston. This is used by someone to take their dog to the toilet. It is filthy sometimes, and this jitty is used by a lot of children going to school.The Neighbourhood Wardens Service will monitor this area and will arrange for portable CCTV cameras to be used if the problem continuesCitizens Panel November 2009
I personally feel that Councillors' claims and expenses should be looked at more closely. There seems to be a huge difference in the amount different Councillors claim (maybe cap top amount?). If central government can have a purge then why not local Councillors? Some (no names) are not value for money in my opinion.All Councillor expenses are periodically reviewed by an Independent Remuneration Panel made up of non councillors who compare trends and work loads to ensure that allowances are fair and affordable to the tax payer. The next review will be commenced in June 2010.Citizens Panel November 2009
I'm a Long Eaton resident since 1985. In the subsequent years I've seen a steady decline from what was a thriving town packed with many busy, big name businesses, plus many smaller ones, decline to a near ghost town. Where once these businesses thrived we are now the county joke, filled with numerous charity and second-hand shops. Shoppers are been driven from the town to Nottingham and Derby to find goods once obtained in Long Eaton. Only the two monopolies of the supermarkets of Asda and Tesco remain. We want choice and our town back. Perhaps new businesses could be encouraged in to the town with subsidised business rates or a twelve-month reduction to get them started.We have secured £52,631 towards incentives for new business to move into the town centres and to promote the town centre as a good place to visit. The money has been allocated as follows: £10,000 “Golden £1000 hello”. Available to independent traders signing 6 months or more lease on currently vacant shop units (10 retailers to benefit from this - 5 in Long Eaton and 5 in Ilkeston town centre); £5,000 Town Centre Events fund. This will provide an events fund for both towns to develop a 12 month programme of activities and entertainment. Evidence shows that events increase visitor numbers in both towns. An equal number of funded events will take place in both towns; £5,000 Erewash Partnership business start up support for traders locating in the town centres; £2,500 Introduce a business start up pack to encourage people to locate in the towns - this is a Local strategic Partnership action in the Jobs, Economy and Housing Group. Erewash Partnership to lead development and production of the pack; £8,131 Introduce the shopping loyalty card, magazine and website – based on the successful Stafford Town Centre Enjoy Card, delivered through the Erewash Partnership for 12 months; £8,000 Arts funding to provide match funding towards G4A monies. £4,000 for each town. (Total value with match is £8,000 each town); £1000 Provide chalk boards for daily market offers/ events information and banners to promote the market places and town centre generally; £5,000 Advice and training for new businesses provided by the Erewash partnership with a target to sustain the business beyond 12 months and used exclusively for businesses locating in the town centres. £2,500 is available for each town; £8,000 Provide a grants fund for both towns that can be accessed by traders, subject to their 100% match funding to encourage traders to become more proactive and involved in making the towns more vibrant. Traders will need to demonstrate the wider benefits to the town centres in investing in their submitted project proposals. Maximum grant per bid is £500. (Total value with match is £8,000 each town); £52,631 TOTAL. We are also funding a town centre co coordinator to organize a range of town centre promotions.Citizens Panel November 2009
I feel that on the whole Erewash Borough Council does a good job. Citizens Panel November 2009
Derby Road, Sandiacre is a disgrace, try cycling down it!!Derby Road has been identified as requiring resurfacing, from its junction with Bostocks Lane, through to its junction with Town Street. Resurfacing is a prohibitively expensive procedure and, as such, on longer roads, has to be phased over several financial years. To resurface this entire length in one financial year would have exhausted the budget made available for such purposes. It is planned therefore to resurface Derby Road in 3-4 phases. The first phase of resurfacing was carried out during the 2008/09 financial year (at the Bostocks Lane signals) and further resurfacing will be carried out in due course, subject to approval of the required funding. In the meantime, routine inspections will continue to be carried out, and any identified defects repaired, to ensure that the carriageway is in a safe condition. Potholes can be reported via Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058 or, alternatively, an online default reporting form can be completed at www.derbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window)Citizens Panel November 2009
Pavements - I usually drive everywhere but recently had a spine operation and was told to walk at least three miles a day after eight days from the operation (much less before then). I had to re-join my gym and use the treadmill as I kept jaring my back because of the uneven pavements. They are a disgrace in the West Hallam area.All footways are subject to routine inspections by DCC Highways Inspectors. The frequency of the inspections is dependent upon the importance of the footway and its usage, but they are carried out at least once per year. Any actionable defects identified (i.e. defects that are considered a trip hazard or other safety concern) are dealt with immediately. Inspections may conclude that a certain footway is in need of slurry sealing or resurfacing and will be added to the appropriate list of proposals. Prior to the commencement of a financial year, these lists of proposals are put forward for the consideration of Members for funding approval. Those proposals that do not receive funding roll over for consideration in the following financial year. Both the proposal lists for footway slurry sealing and resurfacing are heavily oversubscribed and far outweigh the annual budget made available for such purposes. As such, although a footway may be considered as needing resurfacing, it can be several years before the required funding is secured. However, as stated, footways continue to be monitored and kept safe. Residents can report defects within the footway/carriageway via Call Derbyshire on 08456 058 058 or, alternatively, complete an online default reporting form at www.derbyshire.gov.uk (opens in a new window)Citizens Panel November 2009
The Long Eaton library is very useful and well used by the public. Citizens Panel November 2009
Erewash Borough Council has a good recycle / waste reduction policy. The council must carry on improving the amount of recycling of domestic rubbish. In future planning it must not be over-ambitious and get into debt and undo the good work of the past. The council must lobby for more support for councils from central government. Citizens Panel November 2009
Neighbourhood policing doesn't exist.Neighbourhood policing in Derbyshire is done through the Safer Neighbourhood Teams that are allocated to each Safer Neighbourhood area in Erewash (there are 11). To find out more information including recent crime figures, details on officers allocated to each area and contact details for them, please visit www.derbyshire.police.uk (opens in a new window) or phone 0345 123 33 33. Alongside the police officers that are allocated to each area, there are also a number of partnership staff who work in the area to tackle problems including Housing Officers, Council Neighbourhood Wardens, ASB Co-ordinators, Safer Neighbourhood Youth Officers, Youth Service staff, Council Mobile Activities Team, Neighbourhood Watch and so on, all working to make the local area better. If you would like any further information, please contact me on 0845 907 2244 or katherine.thornhill@erewash.gov.ukCitizens Panel November 2009
In regard to affordable housing why not adapt all the unused above-shop premises? This would create flats for single or homeless people and provide income. I feel it is a total waste of quality buildings as they stand at the moment.There has been encouragement to convert unused above shop premises. Under the Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme – around 35 new residential properties above shops and commercial property in Ilkeston and Long Eaton were formed. Unfortunately, this scheme finished in 2008, and there has not been replacement funding. However, tax relief discourages owners from leaving commercial properties empty, and there would be advantages for owners to let upper floors for residential use in this respect. It should be noted that not all properties are suitable to convert to residential, or the cost to meet the building, fire and safety regulations required may be prohibitive. We do have an action in the Erewash Private Sector Empty Property Strategy 2007 – 2010 to “Proactively encourage change of use to residential dwellings, where appropriate”. Our Private Sector Housing team are already investigating the feasibility starting up a Living Over the Shop type of scheme, and whether it is possible to adapt and increase existing council grants for this purpose. We will inform people if such a scheme is developed in the future.Citizens Panel November 2009
Although Ilkeston town centre is more than twenty minutes walking distance I feel the shopping facilities and run down condition of much of Bath Street is of great importance and relevance to all residents living within commuting distance. There is little incentive to shop in Ilkeston when the state of shops is poor, depressing and almost threatening. It almost feels that part of the town is 'dying'. This is unsatisfactory. Something needs to be done to improve facilities to encourage people to use the town and create an atmosphere which is pleasant, and makes me and other people was to visit a shop locally in our local town, when possible, and not have to travel to Derby or Nottingham for a better shopping and cultural atmosphere!!A Town Centre Masterplan for Ilkeston was adopted in 2007 and this vision for the town centre emphasises in part the Council’s commitment to improving its two town centres within the Borough. The Council is currently in discussions with commercial consultants to explore ways to kick-start the various ‘demonstrator’ projects that are outlined within the Masterplan. Unfortunately due to the recent depressed state of the economy, many developers are choosing not to commit to major new town centre schemes until a recovery is evident.Citizens Panel November 2009
This area needs an on-line replacement to the Long Eaton Advertiser. We know nothing about anything anymore.Currently under review, however we do make use of The Topper which covers 90%+ of households in the Long Eaton area.Citizens Panel November 2009
It's costly to inform everybody with door-to-door material such as magazines that just get thrown away (hopefully into recycling!). If the information is made available cheaply on a website the people who are most interested can find out for themselves.Viewpoint under review from a cost perspective and creating a 'distribution' strategy through multi-channel development targeted to specific audience groups.Citizens Panel November 2009
Please spend some money on properly cleaning Victoria Leisure Centre's pool. The tiles and changing rooms need a professional steam clean to get at the muck. A quick 'mop over' every day does not even begin to touch the dirt engrained.We are setting aside more than £3million to refurbish the centre over the next two years. The changing rooms will be fully modernised with new tiling and modern facilities.Citizens Panel November 2009
West Park Leisure Centre is finally having an improvement - about time! Citizens Panel November 2009
My experience of the Be Active (GP referral Scheme) is a very positive one. I was very apprehensive at the beginning but Amy, Michelle & Pippa soon made me feel at ease. As I progressed through the 20 sessions I became more confident and by the end of the 20 wk scheme my fitness levels had come on leaps and bounds. Amy, Michelle and Pippa are in my opinion the unsung heroes of both the scheme and the NHS. They go to extreme lengths to ensure that everyone is made to feel welcome. I cannot recommend the scheme highly enough.A letter of thanks was sent to say that we are glad that the customer got something out of the scheme. We will endeavour to continue the service achieving the same high standards of client improvement.March 2010
Level 2 swimming lesson on 24/03/10 5.30pm – 6.00pm was a brilliant session, very clear instructions, well done to the instructor. He is a fantastic teacher.Passed on praise to the instructor, thanks given to the customer for the comments received. We will continue the swimming sessions developing the programme in a similar mannerMarch 2010
Recently booked a splash pool party for my 4 year old son and his friends, I was very disappointed in the menu choice for children. Could you offer alternatives such as fresh fruit for dessert?Thanks gave for the comments received, explained that our plans are to incorporate healthier options within the café menu, and that fresh fruit will definitely be an option for the futureMarch 2010
Complaint regarding aggressive and rude behaviour during a netball match

We are taking the comments you have made very seriously and are currently investigating to establish the name of the player concerned.

Unfortunately this may not be an isolated incident as a similar investigation is underway.

We have always run a fair and friendly league and I hope these were isolated cases. We are trying to resolve these issues and would appreciate your patience at this time whilst we investigate formally.

March 2010
Compliment regarding a buffet at WPLC for the Mercian Regiment Freedom March. It was second to none and appreciate all the hard work and team effortPassed on praise to the catering team, thanks given to the customer for the comments received.March 2010
Complaint regarding wrong information on swim times on the websiteApologised and contacted the marketing department and have asked them to rectify this information as soon as possible.March 2010
On Tuesday 16 February I had occasion to take my youngest grandson to the Rutland Leisure Centre. As a disabled motorist I was happy to find parking outside the centre so that I could take him inside and book him in with the responsible adults. On returning for him at 12.00 noon I was unable to park as all of the disabled parking was filled by non disabled motorists. I went to the main centre to complain to the manager and was told that they allowed tutors to park in the disabled spaces but I could still parkThe centre manager apologised for the standard of customer service received and will ensure that the barrier is kept locked at all times to prevent unauthorised accessFebruary 2010
Complaint regarding wrong swim times on the websiteApologised and contacted the marketing department and have asked them to rectify this information as soon as possibleFebruary 2010
Complaint regarding the cleanliness of the wet side changing areaWe have requested an additional member of staff to be employed at peak times specifically to clean and check changing areasFebruary 2010
Complaint regarding pool times being changed and the changing rooms not being warm at allUnfortunately we have had to make temporary changes to the swimming time table to accommodate Derbyshire County School. As a matter of safety they require exclusive access to the changing facilities.

We did originally change the times but after customer comments opened at normal times, however customers had to get changed in the dry side changing rooms

We did put posters up explaining the changes at each entrance to the changing facilities. However, it was disappointing to hear that you had not been informed of the changes at reception and have reiterated that all customers must be made aware.

There is a particular setting on the heaters that if left heats the changing facility to a satisfactory level but users turn it up to a maximum level which then trips the safety cut out which results in the room becoming cold.
February 2010
Complaint regarding changing facilities during swimming lessonsWe understand the frustrations about the cleaning of the temporary changing facilities. Staff have commented on how difficult it is to clean the temporary changing areas as thoroughly as they would like cleaning around users in cramped conditionsFebruary 2010
Soap machines in toilets have been smashed off the wall, there’s no paper in any of the toiletsAll of our public conveniences have been surveyed, and new soap and paper dispensers have been installed where required. Regular checks are made to ensure the cleanliness of our Public conveniences.January 2010
I forgot my leisure card and was charged full price of £3.70 instead of the price of a senior citizen.Unfortunately the price for a senior citizen has been replaced by the government's free swim pass, The borough has brought these cards and issued the first card free of charge to all customers, if a customer does not produce the card at the reception, the charge of an adult swim is incurred, there are signs displayed around the centre informing customers of this procedure.Dec 2009
I would like to write showing our heartfelt appreciation and thanks to Julie Richardson and her staff who accommodated all our requests on our Captains DayJ Richardson sent a letter of thanks for the comments and mentioned that she would pass on the appreciation to the members of staff.Nov 2009
My son has Stage 4 swimming lessons, but his lessons have been moved to 7pm or later on a week night. This is too late for my child as it clashes with his bedtime. I would like to ask you to reinstate Stage 4 lessons at an earlier time.Gave apologies for the time of the Stage 4 lessons, and explained that for the next term we will make sure that an earlier slot is available for those lessons.Nov 2009
Complaint about no PA system since the refurbishment of reception areaUnfortunately we had to take the system out during refurbishment but due to age and poor wiring were unable to replace it.Nov 2009
Complaint regarding exercise for the heart class keep being cancelled and instructor not being informed or class membersThe centre tries to accommodate all customers needs in a fair and accessible manner and no group should or does have priority, we feel that we have proved this by running the exercise for the heart class continuously over the summer period. We have had contractors in at the moment and had to make a decision about the class being cancelled for the work to be taken out which will benefit all classesNov 2009
Compliment about the wide variety of toys in the Fun splash session on a Sunday morningThanked customer for feedback, this information has been passed on to the relevant staff. We always appreciate feedback as this helps us to develop our services.Nov 2009
Would like us to justify why we charge a signing on fee for the gym.This fee of £22.20 has been approved by members of Erewash Borough Council and is in place at all leisure facilities in Erewash. Other local authority leisure centres in the East Midlands also implement a one off payment when taking out a direct debit including Broxtowe, Amber Valley and Nottingham City Council. The £22.20 is not only to set up your direct debit but also for the maintenance of your membership. This includes the monthly run which we are charged to do. It also covers any future problems and any amendments that you may wish to make to your membership. We do not charge for any correspondence or additional admin work that customers receive regarding their Gym membership and there is also no contract where you are tied in for a period of time. There are other options for gym memberships which do not require a signing on fee but require full payment up front. These include a 3 month, 6 month or yearly membership. From time to time we also have special promotions where the joining fee may be waived during a particular month, the most recent being in September of this year.Oct 2009
The website for the Ilkeston Wellness Centre was not up-dated to state the changes of opening times on a Sat/SunApologised for the incorrect information that you were given on our website. It is now up to date and has been rectified. We had initially contacted the relevant department when we implemented the changes, however this, unfortunately was not actioned.Oct 2009
Complaint regarding the ladies changing rooms and wanting a gym only packageThe swim and sauna with your gym membership were added as a free activity to boost the appeal of membership packages and we are in the process of a major refurbishment in the wet side changing areas and this will provide a first class facility for all our customersOct 2009
Complaint about the ratio of children to instructor in soccer totsAgreed that the number in group was to high and put and assistant on during that class to help with the organisation and give support to the coachOct 2009
Not happy that you have stopped selling snacks at the golf club.The vending machine at the Golf shop was provided on a trial basis from our vending company. Following the completion of the trial period and a financial review, it was clear that it would not be cost effective and therefore the machine has been removed.Sept 2009
Complaint regarding the poor ventilation in the gymThe temperature is 16 degrees Celsius. Also each of the air-conditioning is attached to its own generator which is situated on an exterior wall outside the gym. These generators supply the air conditioning units with fresh air the used air in gym is sucked back into the air conditioning units. This process allows customers in the gym to breathe fresh air not re-circulated /re-conditioned air.Sept 2009
Complaint about swimming lessons taking place during the summer holidays.Unfortunately the decision was not just a Centre decision but a corporate decision the lessons will continue to carry on through next summer holidays also. If you wish to opt out of the block during the holiday period you can do so, however when booking back on priority will be given to the pupils who are already on lessons.Sept 2009
Complaint regarding the showers in the female swimming changing rooms, they have been smelly and unpleasant for last couple of weeks.We are aware of the drain smells and try to deal with on a regular basis, due to its age the drain smells are a major problem at this time. This has been investigated and highlighted on a full drain survey which recently took place. The council have been working hard to secure the investment needed for a full development of the swim change area including replacement of existing drainage and things are well under way for this to take place before the end of this financial year.Sept 2009
Comment asking if the customer can have music on poolside during swim sessionsI can appreciate why you would like music to accompany your swimming and this has previously been considered. However when music has been previously used it has often resulted in complaints from other users either not wanting any music to wanting other stations on as they don’t like music that is on. A substantial amount is paid to the performing right society each year for music played on site. This includes any background, live and accompanying music used for classes. To include music on poolside would have a considerable impact upon that cost at a time when efficiency savings are of paramount importance.Sept 2009
Processing times for Benefit claims was too longWe introduced a ‘2 days processing’ promise on complete New Claims received in the officePoint made to the Comments, Compliments and Complaints scheme Mar 2009
Long waiting times to provide supporting information claims for BenefitWe trained and designated Three Valleys Housing as a Verification site which allows them to photocopy documents and verify them as originals.Point made to the Comments, Compliments and Complaints scheme Feb 2009
Incorrect information given by back office staff relating to a claim for BenefitWe re-trained all front and back office staff on this issue.Point made to the Comments, Compliments and Complaints scheme Jan 2009
The paths that access Victoria park children’s play area are muddy quagmires and difficult to get through with a push chair.New paths connecting the play area to the existing path network are to be provided later this year when the inclusive play extension is installed.CCC received 2009.
   

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