Erewash MP Adam Thompson has called for further action over vehicle access and pedestrian safety in Ilkeston town centre, almost a year after a petition signed by thousands of people called for stronger measures.
Mr Thompson has written to Derbyshire County Councillor Charlotte Hill following what he describes as a lack of progress since a cross-party meeting held in April.
In the letter, dated Friday 11 September, the Erewash MP says he understood the issue had been made a priority following the meeting, which discussed ways of making the town centre safer.
He says Derbyshire County Council has committed to installing a physical barrier between the Sir John Warren and The King’s Head, but has called for a detailed response on a number of other measures discussed.
These include better management of access points to the High Street during restricted hours, reviewing permitted access and delivery times, closing entry and exit points during restricted periods and introducing automatic number plate recognition cameras.
The feasibility of rise-and-fall bollards or lockable and removable bollards was also discussed.
Mr Thompson wrote: “Whilst I appreciate your commitment to installing a barrier, the lack of action in the four months since the meeting and the lack of response to other points raised in the meeting is not satisfactory.”
Almost 7,000 signed petition
The latest intervention follows a major campaign for improved pedestrian safety in Ilkeston Market Place following the death of 26-year-old Samuel Wilson.
Samuel was killed after being deliberately struck by a van in Ilkeston Market Place on 16 December 2023.
A petition led by Samuel’s family called for stronger pedestrianisation and anti-vehicle measures in the Market Place.
It attracted 6,870 signatures and was formally presented to the House of Commons by Adam Thompson in October 2025.
The petition declared that Ilkeston Market Place was “insufficiently pedestrianised” and called for relevant authorities and partners to strengthen measures protecting pedestrians.
The Government subsequently responded to the petition, recognising the strength of feeling in the community but pointing out that responsibility for traffic management and pedestrianisation measures on local roads rests with Derbyshire County Council.
It said the council was best placed to assess local needs and decide what interventions were appropriate, adding that it hoped the authority would work with Mr Thompson and local residents to explore possible solutions.
Questions over missing highway plans
Mr Thompson has now also raised questions about the original highway layout plans for the town centre.
His letter says Derbyshire County Council has advised that the plans cannot be located or are unavailable.
He has asked whether they could be redrawn to provide greater clarity for motorists and pedestrians, and has questioned whether signage and police enforcement alone are sufficient given the uncertainty surrounding the original plans.
Mr Thompson said he wanted a comprehensive response from the county council so those involved could work together to improve safety for people using Ilkeston High Street.
The latest correspondence suggests the debate has now moved beyond whether changes are needed to what physical and enforcement measures should actually be introduced.
What would you like to see happen? Should vehicle access to Ilkeston town centre be more tightly controlled?
One Comment
Yes most Definitely as the Signs for times access allowed are Ignored & no Patrols of Community Police so its a free for all inc youths on scooters etc using Bath St as a Race Track !!!