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OPINION: Why are we paying so much for staff pensions at Derby City Council?

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THE city council is asking citizens to become more involved in the budget process through the so-called Big Conversation Initiative. Could I therefore introduce the opportunity to discuss the one element of cost that increases each year, irrespective of the economic changes that affect the national and local economy?

I refer, of course, to the cost of employees' wages and pension contributions.

This current budget year, the direct wage cost rose by £6.9 million to £90.2 million, despite large-scale redundancies, as reported in the Derby Telegraph.

The pension contribution increased by £2.2 million to £18.8 million, which expressed as a percentage of salary, equates to an eye-popping 21%. The average in the private sector would be 1% or 2%.

An example would be that of an employee on a salary of £25,000, who would cost £5,250 per year in pension contributions – over £100 a week. This same employee would themselves pay in £24 per week.

These figures clearly indicate a pension cost that would, if implemented by political decree, result in mass unemployment and business collapse.

Would the council care to ask taxpayers if they are happy to continue to pay this very large element of their council tax?

Ian M Thorpe

Cornflower Drive

Oakwood

OPINION: Why are we paying so much for staff pensions at Derby City Council?


SEND US YOUR PICTURES: Stormy sky over Sinfin today

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This moody picture of a stormy sky over Sinfin was taken by reader Tom Fulep, from Carron Close, this morning.

If you have any dramatic weather pictures we'd love to see them. Please send them to photographers@derbytelegraph.co.uk

SEND US YOUR PICTURES: Stormy sky over Sinfin today

HEALTH STRIKE: Royal Derby Hospital radiographers walk out for four hours in pay dispute

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RADIOGRAPHERS at the Royal Derby Hospital went on strike yesterday as part of a national dispute with the Government over pay.

Ministers have given NHS staff a 1% increase but not for those who get automatic "progression-in-the-job" rises.

A week earlier saw the first strike by NHS staff in England over pay for more than 30 years, as midwives, nurses, paramedics, cleaners and housekeepers, among others, took industrial action.

And, yesterday, radiographers joined picket lines for four hours. 

Katie Toft, clinical specialist radiographer at Derby's hospitals, said: "After inflation, radiographers have seen their pay drop by up to 15% because they will have had no pay increase for four out of five years."

Karen Martin, director of workforce management for Derby's hospitals, said: "Some services and routine appointments were postponed but this was planned in advance and overall the disruption caused by the action was minimal."

HEALTH STRIKE: Royal Derby Hospital radiographers walk out for four hours in pay dispute

ASBESTOS HOSPITAL: Decision this week on future of Heanor Memorial hit by deadly dust

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A DECISION is set to be made on the future of the asbestos-hit Heanor Memorial Hospital this week.

The hospital has been closed to patients since last year, after the potentially-deadly dust was discovered in a boiler room during a routine inspection by staff.

It means clinics and services have been moved temporarily to Ilkeston Community Hospital.

Since then, bosses at the NHS Southern Derbyshire Clinical Commissioning Group said they had been trying to find the "best way forward" for the hospital.

This includes the option of demolishing the hospital and Wilmott Street health centre and replacing them with a new £2.5 million building on the hospital site.

The group's chief officer, Andy Layzell, said: "Since our first meeting in January, more than 1,000 people in the town have been to meetings. Our governing body will now review the outcome of the consultation and come to a final decision at a public meeting."

The meeting will take place at Oakland Village, in Hall Farm Road, Swadlincote, on Friday from 9.30am. Submit questions to enquiries@southernderbyshireccg.nhs.uk

ASBESTOS HOSPITAL: Decision this week on future of Heanor Memorial hit by deadly dust

ROAD SMASH: Two seriously hurt in crash on A52 near Kirk Langley

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Two people have been seriously injured in a head-on road smash near Kirk Langley. Police say a female driver and a male passenger were badly hurt in the accident which happened on the A52 at around 10.10am between Kirk Langley and Brailsford. The two cars involved were a Volkswagen Golf, carrying three passengers, and a Peugeot 307. The injured motorists were in the Peugeot. The A52 is still closed in both directions between Kirk Langley and Brailsford, and is likely to remain closed until later today. An air ambulance also arrived on the scene shortly after 11.30am. Collision investigators were this afternoon at the scene examining how the accident happened. Holidaymakers Alan and Linda Johnson of Macclesfield were on their way home in their camper van when they came across the aftermath of the accident. Mr Johnson, 51, said: "We were heading towards Ashbourne on our way back to Macclesfield and just came to a stop when we got to a line of traffic. "A few minutes later the air ambulance arrived and was on the ground for quite a while before it took off again. "There were also two other ambulances. I hope that the people involved are OK." His wife, Linda, 50, said: "It's a horrible thing to happen and I hope that the people are OK. It's not a great way to finish to our holiday." Lorry driver Richard Hewitt, 46, was stuck in the queue close to where the accident took place. He said: "I'm delivering steel to Ashbourne and then Burton and I'd just delivered a load to Kirk Langley when the office informed me there had been an accident. "As I approached the scene the traffic came to a stop. I saw three fire engines and two ambulances further ahead and then the air ambulance landed. "I hope no-one has been too seriously hurt but I've been told the road will be shut for a while."

ROAD SMASH: Two seriously hurt in crash on A52 near Kirk Langley

DERBY ASSAULT: Detectives release CCTV image of man they wish to speak to

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DETECTIVES in Derby have issue CCTV of a man they would like to speak to in connection with an assault.

The victim was in an alleyway near to Boutique club in St James Street when he was approached by a man.

The man punched him to the face and stole his wallet from his back pocket before running off, turning right out of the alleyway and along James Street.

He was described as black, between 19 and 25 years old, of medium build with short dark hair.

He was wearing a white sleeveless body warmer.

DC Manjit Rigby from Derby North CID said: "We would like to speak to the man on the left of the image.

"If you are the man or you know him I would ask that you contact me using the 101 number quoting crime number 40904/14."

The incident happened on Sunday, September 28 at 1.20am, but officers have only now released the image.

DERBY ASSAULT: Detectives release CCTV image of man they wish to speak to

FOUND: Missing teenager Shannon Clifton found safe and well

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Shannon Clifton, a teenager who had been missing from Chaddesden since last week, has been found safe and well in Derby.

FOUND: Missing teenager Shannon Clifton found safe and well

EUROMILLIONS: Tonight you could win a massive £143 million

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AFTER Friday's bumper Euromillions jackpot rolled over, a huge £143 million is up for grabs tonight! Are you playing? What would you do with the money if you won? Share your thoughts below - and good luck. It could be you!

EUROMILLIONS: Tonight you could win a massive £143 million


JCB: Digger firm is cutting 150 jobs

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Digger manufacturer JCB has announced it is shedding 150 jobs across its UK factories because of a global slump in demand for construction equipment.

Redundancies will be made across its factories in Staffordshire, Wrexham and its engine making plant JCB Power Systems, which is in Foston.

A 45-day consultation has started with staff. It is hoped the majority of the job cuts can be achieved by workers taking voluntary redundancy or early retirement.

The company said that the global construction market had been hit by various geopolitical issues - including Russia which has had sanctions imposed on it because of its actions in Ukraine.

JCB employs 6,500 people across its UK sites, which export 75 per cent of their output.

JCB: Digger firm is cutting 150 jobs

TORNADO: Amazing picture of twister in Burton

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THIS spectacular photograph shows a tornado which formed over Burton earlier today. 

The picture was taken by Adam Wright as he travelled down Derby Road. 

Did you see the tornado? Send your pictures to photographers@derbytelegraph.co.uk.

TORNADO: Amazing picture of twister in Burton

ACCORDING TO YOU: Best place to take children during half-term in Derby and Derbyshire?

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DO you have a favourite place that you like to take your children during half-term in Derby and Derbyshire? 

We are asking you to tell us your top place. Let us know either in the comments box, below, on our Facebook page or via Twitter (@DerbyTelegraph).

We will then compile a list of the best sites and publish the results next week.

ACCORDING TO YOU: Best place to take children during half-term in Derby and Derbyshire?

JET2: New aircraft for East Midlands Airport

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AIRLINE Jet2 has acquired a new aircraft for East Midlands Airport meaning it will be able to carry 750,000 extra passengers this summer.

The extra capacity means that it will be operating more than 150 flights per week, including new routes to Antalya, Malta and Tunisia, announced in May.

Steve Heapy, chief executive officer at Jet2.com and Jet2holidays, said: "This further growth cements our position as the fastest growing leisure operator at East Midlands.

"We know what our loyal customers want and we give it to them – more choice and opportunities to go on holiday along with friendly flight times."

Jet2 has been flying from East Midlands Airport since May 2010 and now has 32 destinations.

Andy Cliffe, managing director of East Midlands Airport, said: "Both Jet2.com and Jet2holidays have established a firm customer base here and are a popular choice amongst the people in the region.

"We're delighted with the news announced today.

"Their expansion is a real demonstration of the strength of the Midlands' market and in particular the growth opportunity at East Midlands Airport."

JET2: New aircraft for East Midlands Airport

A52 CRASH: Road reopens after head-on smash near Kirk Langley

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THE A52 has reopened following a crash near Kirk Langley. 

Police say a female driver and a male passenger were badly hurt in the accident which happened on the A52 at around 10.10am between Kirk Langley and Brailsford.

The two cars involved were a Volkswagen Golf, carrying three passengers, and a Peugeot 307. The injured motorists were in the Peugeot.

One female casualty has been taken to the Royal Derby Hospital. 

The A52 was closed in both directions between Kirk Langley and Brailsford while the incident was dealt with. Police say the road was reopened at about 3.25pm. 

A52 CRASH: Road reopens after head-on smash near Kirk Langley

SHOPLIFTING RISE: Police commissioner Alan Charles asks to meet major supermarkets

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DERBYSHIRE'S Police and Crime Commissioner has urged retailers to take a more proactive role in combating shoplifting following reports of a rise.

Alan Charles said the number of shoplifting offences in Derbyshire is increasing which has a serious financial impact on the businesses affected, the local economy and police resources.

He has asked major supermarkets across the county to meet him to discuss how the issues can be addressed - but so far only Tesco has agreed.

Mr Charles said shoplifting is widespread across the county but there are pockets of volume offending which are of particular concern.

Businesses frequently targeted by shoplifters are being asked to work in conjunction with the police to take sensible preventative action and identify better deterrent measures.

Mr Charles said: "Retailers in the county are very keen to report shoplifting offences but they are reluctant to meet to discuss how we might stop it which is rather disappointing.

"We're fast approaching the busy festive period where traditionally incidents of shoplifting increase as higher value goods are stocked in shops.

"This is an ideal time to establish a multi-retailer action plan that enables businesses to work together to address the problem with the support of local police.

"There are so many simple steps that can reduce temptation or make it more difficult for shoplifters to succeed including placing high value items furthest away from entrances.

"There needs to be greater motivation and commitment among retailers to share the burden and help each other."

Mr Charles said he is keen to develop a long-term strategy with retailers to prevent further drain of valuable police resources and encourages the major retailers to respond to his meeting request.

SHOPLIFTING RISE: Police commissioner Alan Charles asks to meet major supermarkets

CAUGHT RED-HANDED: Christian Young stole biscuits from church - then handed them out to the homeless

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A BURGLAR who stole audio equipment from a church was captured on CCTV sharing out biscuits he had also taken. Christian Young stole the equipment and biscuits from New Life Christian Centre in Belper on June 18. The burglary was reported to the police and that same morning officers discovered, in a nearby car park, audio equipment with Young's fingerprint on. Young was also captured on CCTV offering the stolen biscuits to staff at a homeless centre in High Street, Belper, at 2am that morning. Handing Young a four-month jail sentence suspended for a year, Judge David Pugsley said: "Not to give him a sentence of imprisonment would be a smear to what damage he has done to a group of well-meaning people. "Here's a religious group, probably with minimal insurance, they are in the centre of Belper and he comes along and burgles it." Judge Pugsley said this was "trampling on the instincts of people to help others and foster a community spirit". Alex Wolfson, prosecuting, said a volunteer at the church unlocked the doors at 8.15am on June 18 and "immediately noticed the sound system had been stolen from the back of the church". The fire escape doors were open. The audio equipment was recovered but the cost of the burglary to the church was £400, which included replacing the locks and wires that had been cut. Young, of High Street, Belper admitted burglary as well as possessing a class A drug. Young, 39, had left two wraps of heroin on a staff table at the homeless shelter on June 2. Clive Stockwell, in mitigation, said: "He started offending at a very late stage in life. This is his first conviction. He has mental health difficulties and has professionals seeking to work with him to rid him of his addiction to heroin. He's currently on a methadone script." Mr Stockwell said Young regretted what he had done and had been to see the pastor of the church and had mowed his lawn. Young will be supervised by the probation service for a year and was put on a six-month drug rehabilitation requirement. Judge Pugsley told Young: "No-one in a free, democratic, decent society has the power to stop you killing yourself with drugs, losing your self-esteem, your freedom of choice and becoming on the scrap heap and margins of society." He added that the court could offer him help but it was up to him to take it and to change his life.

CAUGHT RED-HANDED: Christian Young stole biscuits from church - then handed them out to the homeless


A52 SMASH: Five stable in hospital following collision near Kirk Langley

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FIVE people injured in a head-on collision between Derby and Ashbourne remain in hospital. Police said four of those injured in the smash on the A52 between Kirk Langley and Brailsford are at the Queen's Medical Centre in Nottingham while the fifth is at the Royal Derby Hospital. All of them are in a stable condition after being treated for their injuries by medics. A 33-year-old woman who was driving a Peugeot, and two of her passengers - a man aged 25 and a woman aged 26, suffered injuries along with two women in a Volkswagen Golf. Police said the VW was heading towards Ashbourne and the Peugeot towards Derby when the collision took place shortly before 10.30am yesterday. All of them had to be cut free from the cars by firefighter and the road was closed in both directions until around 3.30pm. The cause of the collision is still under investigation.

A52 SMASH: Five stable in hospital following collision near Kirk Langley

ASDA: Supermarket recalls bottles of Prosecco

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Asda has recalled bottles of Prosecco because of a risk of them shattering.

The supermarket giant has recalled five lot codes of Prosecco Spumante Extra Dry 75cl, which has a yellow label. The product is sold only to Asda in the UK.

The barcode is 05052898002906 and affected lots are L1402606, L1403271, L1403503, L1403655, L1404044.

If you have bought the product, do not drink it. Instead, return it to your local Asda store or contact the company on 0800 952 0101 for a full refund.

ASDA: Supermarket recalls bottles of Prosecco

EAST MIDLANDS GATEWAY: Residents vow to block huge rail hub near Castle Donington

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RESIDENTS who will be affected by plans to build a massive rail freight interchange near Castle Donington have vowed to do all they can to convince government planning inspectors that the scheme should not go ahead.

As reported in the Derby Telegraph earlier this month, plans for the East Midlands Gateway, a 250-acre distribution hub which developer Roxhill claims has the potential to create 7,000 jobs, have been referred to the Planning Inspectorate.

It wants to build the development on land bordering Castle Donington, Hemington, Lockington and Kegworth, north of East Midlands Airport and near to junction 24 of the M1.

The site, which would help move goods from the airport to other areas of the country by rail and then lorry, would boast improved transport links to the nearby M1, rail network and airport.

Effectively, it would operate like an inland port - with a freight terminal, which would receive up to 16 trains a day running on a new rail line connecting to the Castle Donington branch line, with space for container storage and lorry parking.

It would also have 557,414 sq metres of warehousing and a number of ancillary buildings.

During Roxhill's initial consultation, residents living nearby expressed fears that their villages would be overwhelmed by the development, claiming it would create an eyesore, congestion and noise.

But the developer said that as well as improving the surrounding road network, including a bypass at Kegworth and improvements to junction 24 of the M1, the site would be "strategically landscaped".

Residents and parish councils who oppose the development now have until November 3 to register their objections.

Among those who will be doing so is the J24 Action Group, an organisation formed by local residents who are calling for the scheme to be rejected.

Action group member and local resident Steve Haberfield said he will be writing to the Planning Inspectorate opposing the development.

He said: "The development will destroy over 600 acres of valuable farmland and associated wildlife habitats which will be lost forever.

"The increase in road traffic will bring even more noise and pollution to an already congested area.

"Furthermore, the proposed changes to the road infrastructure around junction 24 of the M1 will cause massive disruption to traffic for a considerable time and will have significant adverse effects on the local economy.

"The site will operate 24/7 adding significantly to current noise/light pollution levels in the region.

"I also believe that the 7,000 jobs estimation is exaggerated. With low unemployment in this region these jobs will be largely filled by workers travelling into this region, adding even more to the road congestion.

"This development is simply not needed. We already have the East Midlands Distribution Centre at Castle Donington. This has had over 500,000 sq ft of spare capacity which has remained unlet for several years.

"And we believe the importance of the site being located next to East Midlands Airport is vastly overstated. Air freight pre-dominantly deals in small packaging, whereas the proposed development will specifically focus on the large packaging marketplace."

A decision is expected by the end of next year or early 2016.

EAST MIDLANDS GATEWAY: Residents vow to block huge rail hub near Castle Donington

DERBY COUNTY: Do you think Rams will finish season at the top of the Championship?

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IT is official - Derby County are at the top of their division. For the first time in three years, the Rams lead the Championship after a 1-0 win over Blackpool saw them a point clear from second-placed Watford. Last night's victory was also their fourth consecutive away win and the Rams stretched their unbeaten run to 12 matches. But do you think Derby have what it takes to finish the 2014-15 season at the top of the Championship? Let us know what you think - vote in our poll, below right, and leave a message in the comments box, below.

DERBY COUNTY: Do you think Rams will finish season at the top of the Championship?

CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS: Forest linked with move for Villa winger

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 ASTON  Villa winger Jack Grealish could be a target for Nottingham Forest

 Reds boss Stuart Pearce is thought to be keen to bring him back to the city after the wide  man had a successful loan spell at Notts County last season.

But assistant boss Steve Wigley remained  coy over the prospect, saying that it would be disrespectful to talk about another club's player and his future.

"We have asked about one or two players but it has to be somebody who will come into the team. But one or two of our players took their chance well," said Wigley after the 2-2 draw with Watford.

THE FA are investigating allegations by Norwich City striker Cameron Jerome that he was racially abused by Leeds United defender Giuseppe Bellusci during their Championship match on Tuesday.

Referee Mark Clattenburg temporarily halted the game midway through the first half after receiving a complaint from Jerome following a verbal clash with his Italian opponent.

The official addressed both managers on the touchline before letting Bellusci off with a warning, although he booked Jerome moments later for clattering into the Leeds player.

It emerged after the match that Jerome had accused his opponent of making a racist comment.

An FA spokesman said: "I can confirm we are investigating this allegation.''

CHAMPIONSHIP NEWS: Forest  linked with move for Villa winger

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