Replacement Holocaust memorial unveiling · Fri, 29th Sep · 

On Friday 29th September the Right Honourable Geoff Hoon, Minister for Europe unveiled the newly completed replacement Holocaust Memorial Sculpture in the Walled Garden at Bramcote Park, Ilkeston Road, Bramcote.

The Mayor of the Borough, Councillor Doug Wilcockson, the Leader of the Council, Councillor Milan Radulovic, over 50 local residents as well as teachers and pupils from Bramcote Park School, attended the event.

In April this year the Sculpture was totally destroyed by vandals. The.Sculpture, by Holocaust survivor Naomi Blake, was originally unveiled in January 2001. Since that date it has served as a focus in the garden for quiet reflection symbolizing the contemporary relevance of all crimes against humanity - promoting a society free from the evils of prejudice.

Geoff Hoon said: 'I was delighted to be part of this event which brought together representatives of all faiths and communities from across Nottingham. I welcome the return of the Holocaust Memorial. It stands as a focal point for pause and reflection on crimes against humanity and on the great need for tolerance in our society.'

Councillor Wilcockson said: 'I am particularly pleased to welcome the Right Honourable Geoff Hoon, the Minister for Europe and the MP for Ashfield which includes my own home area in Eastwood. Mr Hoon has agreed to perform the unveiling and we are grateful for the support of a Government Minister as we, in the Council and in the Community, feel strongly that this Sculpture acts as a focus for us all to make a stand against prejudice, intolerance and the mindless vandalism that destroyed the original sculpture.'

The cost of refurbishing the sculpture is approximately £4700 and this is being covered by insurance.

Now's the time to get ready for winter · Tues, 26th Sep · 

The Rt Hon Geoffrey Hoon MP is celebrating the work of the Warm Front scheme in Ashfield.

Warm Front, which combats fuel poverty by installing heating and insulation measures into the homes of vulnerable people, has been managed in Ashfield by Eaga Group for the past year, and to date 374 households have been assisted, with a total spend of £408,551.38 in the area.

The Rt Hon Geoffrey Hoon MP said: 'Far too many local people are struggling to heat their homes, often at serious risk to their health and during times of price increases. The Warm Front scheme is here precisely to help vulnerable people make their homes warm - it's a fantastic programme that we should be taking advantage of.'

Also offered to clients applying for the Warm Front scheme is the opportunity to undergo a check to see if they are in receipt of all the benefits to which they are entitled. Benefit Entitlement Checks (BEC) have been operating as part of Warm Front since June 2003, with the average weekly increase per client in Ashfield the past year being found as £36.30.

The scheme manager, Eaga Group, has also reported 19 households in Ashfield have benefited from a brand new central heating system and a further 93 have received repairs to broken or condemned boilers since June 2005. An additional 195 households will make savings from having had their home insulated.

In terms of vulnerable groups of people who have been helped by Warm Front grants, Eaga Group has reported that 30 households with children under the age of four, 140 households on DLA, and 214 households over the age of 60 in Ashfield have benefited from improvements to their homes.

To qualify, householders need to own their own home or rent from a private landlord, and they also need to be in receipt of an income or disability related benefit. Local residents can contact the Warm Front team on 0800 316 6014 to apply for a grant.

MP congratulates firm's environmental success · Fri, 8th Sep · 

Ashfield MP Geoff Hoon has visited Autofil Worldwide Ltd in Annesley to congratulate them on their environmental performance.

Autofil are recognised European leaders in the production of polyester yarns used in automotive interior trim.

The firm was recognised in a recent report by the Environmental Agency for its significant environmental improvement. According to the Report, 'Spotlight', Autofil has made great strides in environmental protection over the past year. The firm has achieved an internationally recognised environmental standard after implementing an environmental improvement programme.

During his visit, Geoff Hoon met Autofil's joint managing directors Anthony Ullmann and Michael Heck to discuss the changes they had made to improve the firm's environmental performance.

Said Mr Hoon: 'Businesses do have environmental responsibilities but these need not be a burden. There are many commercial benefits to having a good environmental record, not least through the enhanced reputation that this can bring. I am very pleased that Autofil are setting an extremely positive example to other businesses'.

Ashfield MP Geoff Hoon has met Waste Recycling Group (WRG) to discuss their latest proposals for the Bentinck Void and Tip site.

The meeting is in addition to a public engagement programme which has recently been launched by WRG. As part of the programme, a special website and hotline have been set up for residents to find out more about the proposals. Special exhibitions will also take place for residents on Wednesday 13 September at the Tin Hat Centre, Selston and on Thursday 14 September at the Annesley Woodhouse Working Men's Club.

Geoff Hoon said: 'The future of the Bentinck Void site is a significant issue for many people in Ashfield. I am very grateful for the opportunity to discuss the situation directly with the WRG and to raise some of the views that my constituents have expressed. I would encourage people to take full advantage of the engagement programme and make their views known about the proposals.'