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Ilkeston (/ˈɪlkəstən/ ⓘ ILL-kis-tun) is a town located in the Borough of Erewash in Derbyshire, England, with a population of 40,953 at the 2021 census.[1] Its major industries, coal mining, iron working and lace making/textiles, have now all but disappeared. Part of the Nottingham Urban Area, the town is located between the cities Derby and Nottingham, near the M1 motorway, and on the River Erewash. Its eastern boundary borders Nottinghamshire to the east and is only two miles from Nottingham's western edge.

Key Information

History and culture

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Ilkeston was likely founded during the 6th century, and gets its name from its supposed founder Elch or Elcha, who was an Anglian chieftain. The town appears as Tilchestune in the Domesday Book of 1086, when it was owned principally by Gilbert de Ghent. Gilbert also controlled nearby Shipley, West Hallam and Stanton by Dale.[4] Ilkeston was created a borough by Queen Victoria in 1887.

Ilkeston is one of several places where the distinctive dialect of East Midlands English is extensively spoken. Ilkeston is referred to as 'Ilson' in this dialect.[5] Generally the name is pronounced with three syllables, Ilkisstun, not Ilk's tun.

The American Adventure, a large theme park which closed in 2007, was located on the outskirts of Ilkeston on the former Woodside Colliery adjoining Shipley Country Park.

NatWest's Ilkeston branch gained much media interest when a hole in a neighbouring wall received an influx of reviews on Tripadvisor, causing them to suspend reviews in February 2020.[6]

Stanton Ironworks

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One of the biggest and most important local employers was the Stanton Ironworks, later known as Stanton and Staveley – the continuation of a long-standing tradition of iron working in this area. There has been evidence of iron working and quarrying in the area since Roman times, and the industry began blossoming into a huge industrial concern in the 1780s. By the mid-19th century there were several blast furnaces and the production rose from around 500 tons of pig iron per month to 7,000 at the end of the century. The Stanton Ironworks acquired a number of smaller ironstone quarrying and ironworks companies. These included the Wellingborough Iron Company in 1932.[7]

Steel pipe manufacturing began at Stanton after World War I and later concrete pipes were produced, Stanton being the first in the UK to develop the 'spun pipe' process.

A restored Stanton Wagon, Chalons Way, Ilkeston

In the mid-19th century the works produced 20,000 tons of iron castings per year, 2.5 millions by 1905. Up to 12,500 people were employed during the period when the works were part of British Steel Corporation, of which 7,000 worked at the Stanton works.[8][9]

During its long existence the works produced huge quantities of a variety of products, including pig iron, tunnel castings, (used in projects such as the London Underground), pipes and street furniture as well as bitumen, roadstone, chemicals and munition casings.

The works gradually declined, the business being run from 1985 by the French Saint-Gobain Group. The last casting was an emotional event in 2007.[10] The huge Stanton site has been partially given over to business park and the rest of the site is earmarked for redevelopment which is subject to local opposition.[11]

Charter fair

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Ilkeston Market Place is the site of a Charter fair.[12] The fair celebrated its 772nd anniversary in 2024, the Charter being granted by King Henry III in 1252. This makes the fair older than Nottingham's famous Goose Fair and it is one of the largest street fairs in the Country, indeed in Europe.

The present fair developed from two separate fairs, as another 'agricultural hiring fair' or 'Statutes Fair' was traditionally held on Wakes week in October as well as the original Charter Fair which was held on the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (15 August). The two fairs were combined in 1888 and the one Charter Fair has been held in October ever since.

Since 1931 the fair has been officially opened by the Mayor - first of Ilkeston and since 1974 of Erewash - on the Fair Thursday at noon with the Town Clerk (Chief Executive) reading the Charter from the steps of the Town Hall.

Spa baths

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From early in the 19th century the existence of natural mineral waters was noted here and exploited. A local businessman Thomas Potter built, in 1831, the famous Ilkeston Bath at the bottom of Town Street attached to the Rutland Hotel.[13] For over 60 years the baths helped tourism to the town at a time when spa towns like Bath and Harrogate enjoyed popularity. 'If you're doubled in pain and thin as a lath, Come at once then and try, the famed Ilkeston Bath,' was a well known advertising slogan. A mixture of a general decline in the popularity of spa bathing and, reportedly, contamination of the waters from mining activities led to the eventual closure of the baths just before 1900. The baths and the adjacent Rutland Hotel, which also enjoyed a revenue from tourism, no longer exist though they are remembered in the name of 'Bath Street'.

Transport

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Railway

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Ilkeston did not have a railway station from 1967 to 2017, despite its substantial population and the fact that the Erewash Valley Line (formerly part of the Midland Railway, later the LMS) skirts the eastern edge of the town. Ilkeston once had three railway stations. Ilkeston Junction station, also known as "Ilkeston Junction & Cossall" was on the former Midland Railway and later LMS Erewash Valley Main Line: this station closed in January 1967. A short branch led from this station to Ilkeston Town station, at the north end of Bath Street, which closed to passengers in June 1947.

Ilkeston's third station was Ilkeston North, on the former Great Northern Railway (later LNER) line from Nottingham to Derby Friargate station, closed in September 1964. A major feature of this line was Bennerley Viaduct, a 1,452-foot (443 m) long, 61-foot (19 m) high, wrought iron structure which still crosses the Erewash valley just to the north east of Ilkeston. Once threatened with demolition, it is now a Grade 2 listed building, though the line and embankments have long since been removed. The Viaduct has been the subject of much renewed interest and has been reopened to the public as part of a cycleway and footpath.[14]

Following a long-running local campaign, in March 2013 Transport Secretary Patrick McLoughlin announced that Ilkeston was one of three sites 'most likely' to get a new station as part of the 'New Stations Fund', costing £5 million and sited close to the old Ilkeston Junction station.[15] On 15 May 2013 it was announced this new station would be built, which would be named Ilkeston station. It has two platforms, which can take six trains per hour with up to six passenger cars and includes waiting shelters. A 150 space car park, cycle storage, bus stop, drop off point and taxi rank are also on site. The station is unstaffed with automated ticket machines.

Due to flood prevention work and the discovery of great crested newts, the opening was significantly delayed, the new station opened on 2 April 2017.[16]

Buses

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Trentbarton operates the majority of buses around Ilkeston, including the Ilkeston Flyer into Derby, My15 into Long Eaton and East Midlands Airport, The Two into Nottingham, 31 into Kirk Hallam, 32 into Derby, 33 into Mansfield, and 34 into Hucknall.[17][18] In addition, Notts + Derby and Littles Travel operate some Derbyshire County Council tendered routes around Ilkeston, the latter operating the 14A and 14B routes into Stanton by Dale and Sandiacre.[19]

Sport

[edit]

Football

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  • The original Ilkeston Town was liquidated in 2010 after a 114-year history. Ilkeston FC was formed the following year, which was in turn liquidated in 2017. However, by July 2017 a new club, Ilkeston Town F.C. founded by the former owner of Notts County Alan Hardy, replaced the liquidated Ilkeston FC, and the new club's home ground was established on the New Manor Ground, on Awsworth Road.[20]

Rugby

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  • Ilkeston Rugby Club (known as the "Elks") is a Rugby union club founded in 1926.[21] The home ground is based at 'The Stute', Hallam Fields Road.

Cricket

[edit]

First-Class County games
Every season between 1925 and 1994, the Derbyshire County Cricket Club played up to a couple of first-class cricket matches on the Rutland Recreation Ground, and one-day matches between 1970 and 1994.

Tennis

[edit]
  • Ilkeston Tennis Club is based on Rutland Sports Park[25] and is a member of the Derby Tennis League.[26] It is claimed to be the largest tennis club in Ilkeston, offering tennis for all ages and abilities as well as professional coaching.[27] Facilities include 4 Outdoor Tennis Courts and 3 indoor tennis courts.[28]
  • Stanton Tennis Club is a private tennis establishment situated at The Stute Hallam Fields Road, sports complex. There are 3 private tennis courts at this tennis facility.[29][30]

Basketball

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  • Ilkeston Outlaws Basketball Club, established 1966, field's teams in the local Sherwood Basketball League[31] and the Basketball England National League.[32] The Ilkeston Outlaws Basketball Club have two main junior basketball teams: the Ilkeston Hawks and Ilkeston Falcons for ages 4–18 years.[33]

Golf

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  • Ilkeston Borough Golf Club was founded in 1929 and had access to a 9-hole golf course, known as 'Pewit Golf Course' located off West End Drive, Ilkeston. The course closed in 2022 after struggling throughout the COVID period, it is now Pewit Coronation Meadows Local Nature Reserve.[34]

Media

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Local news and television programmes are BBC East Midlands and ITV Central. Television signals are received from the Waltham TV transmitter,[35] and the Nottingham relay transmitter.[36]

The town is served by both BBC Radio Nottingham on 103.8 FM and BBC Radio Derby on 104.5 FM. Other radio stations including Smooth East Midlands on 106.6 FM, Capital East Midlands on 96.2 FM, Greatest Hits Radio Midlands on 106.6 FM and Erewash Sound, a community based radio station on 96.8 FM.[37]

The town is served by the Ilkeston Advertiser[38] and Ilkeston Life newspapers.[39]

Twin towns

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Ilkeston is twinned with:

Notable residents

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  • Samuel Taylor (1816–1875), the famous 'Ilson Giant' who reached the height of 7' 4", was born nearby at Hallam Fields. His grave in Stanton Road Cemetery was restored by the Cemetery's Friends in 2008.
  • Stanley Hawley (1867-1916), pianist and composer, was born at 61 South Street, and died at his sister's house on Derby Road at the age of 49.[43][44]
  • William Roache, who plays Ken Barlow in Coronation Street, grew up in Ilkeston. He now holds the world record as the longest-serving actor to play the same role continuously, having been with the show since its inception in December 1960.
  • Robert Lindsay,[45] the stage and television actor probably best known for his parts in Citizen Smith and latterly My Family, was born as Robert Lindsay Stevenson in Ilkeston on 13 December 1949. Before he became an actor he worked at the nearby Stanton & Staveley steel works and also attended the Ilkeston detachment of the Army Cadet Force.
  • Linda Armstrong, an actress, born in Ilkeston
  • Robert Holmes (born 1943), photographer, author and adventurer. Member of the RGS 150th Anniversary expedition to the Karakoram,[46] Fellow of the Explorers Club of New York.
  • John Paxton (1819–1868), cricketer
  • Ben Roberts who played Chief Inspector Derek Conway in ITV's The Bill
  • Alf Freeman (1904-1966), football player
[edit]
  • Armstrong's Mill
    Armstrong's Mill
  • Park Cemetery Chapel
    Park Cemetery Chapel
  • St Mary's Church
    St Mary's Church
  • North Side of Market Place
    North Side of Market Place
  • United Reformed Church
    United Reformed Church
  • Ilkeston Town Hall
    Ilkeston Town Hall
  • Needle Makers Pub
    Needle Makers Pub
  • Stanton Ironworks Oct 2008 (demolished Autumn 2009)
    Stanton Ironworks Oct 2008 (demolished Autumn 2009)
  • Stanton Ironworks Remnants
    Stanton Ironworks Remnants
  • Our Lady and St Thomas of Hereford Roman Catholic Church
    Our Lady and St Thomas of Hereford Roman Catholic Church
  • Helter skelter at Ilkeston Fair
    Helter skelter at Ilkeston Fair
  • Bennerley Viaduct
    Bennerley Viaduct
Ilkeston skyline

See also

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References

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[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Ilkeston

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Ilkeston is a town and in the in , , situated in the Erewash Valley astride the River Erewash, which delineates the county boundary with . The built-up area encompasses a of 38,735 as recorded in the . Originally a modest agricultural settlement documented in the of 1086, Ilkeston evolved into a granted a in 1252 and subsequently industrialized during the through , iron foundries such as Stanton , and including production. These traditional industries, which once dominated the local economy and spurred population growth from around 600 residents in 1600 to over 37,000 by the early , have diminished significantly, transitioning the area toward service sector employment and commuting to nearby and . Notable landmarks include the Grade II* listed , a surviving iron lattice structure from the railway era, and the historic Market Place, reflecting the town's enduring role as a regional commercial hub.

Geography

Location and topography


Ilkeston is a town in the Borough of Erewash, Derbyshire, England, situated in the Erewash Valley along the River Erewash, which forms the boundary with Nottinghamshire. Its geographical coordinates are approximately 52.971° N latitude and 1.310° W longitude. The town lies within the Nottingham Urban Area, positioned about 14 kilometers (9 miles) northeast of Derby and a similar distance southwest of Nottingham, adjacent to the M1 motorway. The of Ilkeston features undulating terrain typical of the surrounding coalfield estatelands, where historical has shaped the landscape through and altered landforms. Average elevation in the town is around 104 meters (341 feet) above , with variations contributing to steep gradients in the town center, such as along Bath Street. These slopes pose challenges for pedestrian movement and urban development, reflecting the area's position in a setting flanked by higher ground.

Environmental features

Ilkeston is situated in the Erewash Valley, a lowland area characterized by meandering rivers, floodplains of variable width, and remnant riverside vegetation including wetlands and neutral grasslands. The town's topography features gentle elevations averaging 72 meters above sea level, shaped by the surrounding coalfield geology of the , , and region, which includes coal measures historically exploited for . The River Erewash, forming part of the northern boundary of , flows adjacent to Ilkeston and supports ecological recovery efforts following historical industrial pollution, now hosting recolonizing invertebrate species and contributing to wildlife corridors. Local green spaces such as Victoria Park provide with trees, shrubs, wildflower meadows, and managed grasslands, earning status for maintenance standards. Nearby nature reserves like Lock Lane (3.5 hectares of unimproved neutral grassland) and Erewash Meadows enhance through and restoration, focusing on wetlands and . The area experiences a temperate maritime climate typical of the English , with annual average high temperatures of 13.2°C and lows of 6.9°C, and moderate rainfall supporting habitats but posing risks, as evidenced by periodic overtopping events affecting low-lying lands around Ilkeston. Environmental challenges include ongoing discharges into the Erewash, totaling 1,114 incidents in 2024 lasting over 8,400 hours, impacting despite restoration initiatives.

Demographics

The population of Ilkeston experienced rapid expansion during the , coinciding with industrialization in , , and textiles, increasing from 4,504 in 1801 to a peak of 49,003 by 1911. This growth reflected broader trends in Derbyshire's coalfields, where migration from rural areas and fueled urban development.
YearPopulation
18014,504
18116,255
18217,421
18318,493
18419,769
185110,909
186113,745
187115,735
188122,333
189131,455
190139,833
191149,003
Post-1911, the population declined amid , with colliery closures and economic shifts reducing ; by 2001, it stood at 37,550. The 2011 Census recorded 38,640 residents, followed by modest growth to 38,735 in 2021, representing a 0.20% annual increase over the decade, attributable to and limited regeneration rather than industrial revival. This stabilization contrasts with earlier volatility, as Ilkeston's share of Erewash 's population hovered around 34%, with the borough itself growing minimally by 0.7% from 2011 to 2021.

Socio-economic composition

Ilkeston's socio-economic profile reflects a predominantly working-class with pockets of significant deprivation, influenced by its industrial heritage and post-manufacturing economic shifts. The English Indices of Multiple Deprivation (IMD) 2019 indicate variability across the town, with some lower-layer super output areas (LSOAs) in wards like Ilkeston Central ranking in the most deprived national (ranks 1–3,284 out of 32,844 LSOAs), driven by factors such as , , and domains. Other wards, such as Ilkeston South, show similar concentrations of deprivation in IMD mapping. Overall, these metrics position parts of Ilkeston above the national average for multiple deprivation, correlating with lower and stability. According to the 2021 Census, educational qualifications among residents aged 16 and over lag behind national benchmarks, underscoring structural challenges in skills development. No qualifications were held by 20.59% of this group, exceeding the average of 9.2%, while Level 4 qualifications (degree level or equivalent) were attained by 23.38%, compared to 34.1% nationally. Ward-level data from Observatory profiles reveal further disparities: in Ilkeston East, no qualifications reached 26.6% with Level 4 at 17.1%; in Ilkeston West, figures were 20.3% and 22.4%, respectively. Employment patterns emphasize manual and intermediate occupations, consistent with the town's legacy in , textiles, and manufacturing. The 2021 Census reports an unemployment rate of 3.84% for residents aged 16 and over, aligning closely with the Erewash borough's 3.5% rate (ages 16+), though economic inactivity remains elevated due to and skills barriers. Occupational distribution includes 15.49% in professional roles, 13.98% in skilled trades, and 12.17% in managerial positions, with a tilt toward process, plant, and machine operatives reflecting residual industrial employment. Housing tenure supports a stable but modest homeownership base, with 67.51% owner-occupied dwellings versus 32.49% rented, slightly above national ownership trends but indicative of affordability constraints in deprived areas.
CategoryIlkeston (%)England (%)
No qualifications (aged 16+)20.599.2
Level 4+ qualifications (aged 16+)23.3834.1
Owner-occupied housing67.5163.0
Unemployment rate (aged 16+)3.843.3
Data sourced from 2021 Census; national figures for comparison.

History

Early settlement and medieval era

The origins of Ilkeston trace to an Anglo-Saxon settlement, with the place-name deriving from "Elc's tun," referring to a homestead or estate associated with a person named Elc or Elka, an Anglian chieftain. Traditional accounts date the founding to the AD, though direct archaeological evidence for permanent pre-Conquest settlement remains limited. The area fell under the following Viking incursions in the , potentially influencing local nomenclature and land use. In the of 1086, Ilkeston appears as Tilchestune—a scribal error adding a 'T' to the original Ilchestune—and was recorded in the hundred of Morleystone, , with an estimated 10.8 households. Pre-Conquest landholders included figures such as Ulf Fensic and Osmund Benz, while post-Conquest the manor was granted to Gilbert of Ghent, who subinfeudated it to vassals including Malgar and Toli of Sandiacre. Resources comprised 8.8 ploughlands, 70 acres of , and measuring one league by three furlongs under Gilbert's holding, with no mills noted; the manor's value declined from £8 in to £5 in 1086, possibly indicating wartime disruption or mismanagement. During the medieval period, the manor passed through several noble families, including the Muskhams, Gresleys, Cantelupes, Zouches, Savages, and eventually the Manners family. In 1252, King Henry III granted Hugh de Muskham a establishing a weekly market and annual fair, fostering early commercial activity. The Parish Church of St Mary the Virgin was constructed on its current site by the mid-12th century, initially under the Muskhams, and served as the town's primary religious center; from 1386, parish priests were appointed by the Premonstratensian canons of nearby Dale Abbey until the Dissolution in the 16th century.

Industrial expansion (18th-19th centuries)

Ilkeston's industrial expansion in the 18th and 19th centuries was propelled by abundant local coal and ironstone deposits, transforming the town from a modest settlement into a hub of mining and metalworking. Coal extraction, conducted on a small scale for centuries to supply forges and limekilns, intensified during this period as demand surged with the onset of mechanized industry. By the early 19th century, collieries in the Erewash Valley, including those near Ilkeston, produced coal for both domestic use and export, supported by the construction of the Erewash Canal in 1777 and the subsequent Erewash Valley railway line around 1832, which enhanced transport efficiency. Iron production, rooted in medieval bloomery furnaces exploiting regional ironstone, advanced with the adoption of blast furnaces in the late . In Stanton-by-Dale, adjacent to Ilkeston, ironworking enterprises emerged in the amid the area's rich seams, evolving into large-scale operations. Stanton Ironworks, a pivotal site, expanded rapidly; by 1878, it operated eight blast furnaces, collieries at Teversal, Pleasley, and Dale, alongside foundries producing and castings, reaching outputs of thousands of tons annually by mid-century. This sector employed thousands, underscoring Ilkeston's role in Britain's iron industry amid the Industrial Revolution's demand for materials in railways and machinery. Parallel to extractive industries, framework knitting for took hold as a domestic pursuit in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, leveraging the mechanized stocking frames invented in nearby and diffused across the . Ilkeston's knitters produced woolen and cotton stockings in home-based workshops, contributing to the town's proto-industrial economy before factory consolidation. This labor-intensive trade, often involving entire families, complemented and ironworking, fostering a diversified . The cumulative effect of these developments drove demographic surges, with Ilkeston's population rising from under 2,500 in 1801 to over 14,000 by 1881, reflecting inward migration for employment opportunities despite harsh working conditions in pits and forges.

20th-century developments and decline

In the early , Ilkeston's economy continued to expand through and iron production, supporting rapid from over 25,000 residents in 1901 to more than 30,000 by 1911. The Stanton Ironworks, established in and located south of the town, emerged as the largest manufacturing employer, specializing in products such as pipes and . Local collieries, including those operated by Shipley Collieries and Manners Colliery Company, bolstered the workforce amid rising demand for . The interwar period brought challenges, exemplified by the 1926 General Strike and subsequent coal dispute, which severely disrupted Ilkeston's dual reliance on mining and metalworking; the town was described in 1928 as wholly dependent on these sectors for its economic vitality. Stanton Ironworks temporarily halted operations that June due to acute fuel shortages from the strike, idling thousands of workers across its Derbyshire sites. Despite such setbacks, industries rebounded during World War II, with Stanton contributing to military production under Ministry of Supply oversight, including specialized castings. Postwar nationalization of the industry in initiated a phase of pit rationalization; Ilkeston-area operations, such as those linked to earlier collieries, largely ceased by , with further closures at sites like Lodge Pit by 1959. Derbyshire's coalfield saw 68 pits operational at nationalization, but all had closed by amid declining reserves, uneconomic seams, and policy shifts away from deep . Ironworking and textiles faced parallel pressures from global competition and technological changes, leading to workforce reductions at Stanton and the erosion of lace-making trades. By the late , had transformed Ilkeston, with , ironworking, and textiles nearly vanishing, prompting a shift toward service-based and higher in former industrial areas. This decline mirrored broader coalfield contractions in the and , leaving legacy sites like Stanton—its remnants demolished in 2009—as symbols of lost . Economic brought modest service sector growth but persistent challenges in regenerating the town's heritage.

Post-2000 regeneration efforts

In the early 2000s, regeneration initiatives in Ilkeston emphasized brownfield redevelopment amid the legacy of industrial decline, with the Erewash Core Strategy (adopted in 2014 for 2011–2028) directing urban-focused growth to urban centers like Ilkeston to foster renewal through housing and commercial development. A key target was the former Stanton Ironworks site, where proposals in 2015 for approximately 2,000 homes on the derelict 450-acre brownfield were withdrawn after Erewash Borough Council recommended refusal due to infrastructure and environmental concerns. Subsequent efforts shifted toward mixed-use industrial revival at Stanton, with 2021 plans by Verdant Regeneration proposing a 17-acre rail freight hub for national connectivity and up to 2 million square feet of space to attract firms, leveraging the site's rail heritage while addressing post-demolition remnants from 2009. revitalization gained momentum in the 2020s via local funding, as national bids faltered; Erewash Borough 's 2022 application for £20 million in Levelling Up Fund support—to restore derelict buildings and enhance public spaces—was rejected, prompting criticism that Ilkeston was overlooked despite evident deprivation. In response, the approved a £2 million Erewash in July 2025 for borough-wide improvements, including public realm upgrades. Specific town centre actions included a May 2025 "blitz" on run-down shops deemed to Ilkeston, enforcing repairs on vacant units, and an August 2025 allocation of £101,000 for new like benches and bins to improve pedestrian appeal. Complementary planning documents, such as the Ilkeston Gateway Supplementary Planning Document (circa 2020s), promote regeneration around the 2017-reopened Ilkeston railway station through transport-oriented development to boost economic linkages. These locally driven measures persist despite funding shortfalls, prioritizing incremental infrastructure over large-scale national grants.

Economy and industry

Traditional sectors

Ilkeston's traditional economic sectors were anchored in coal mining, iron production, and textiles, which fueled the town's growth during the Industrial Revolution and provided the bulk of employment through the 19th and early 20th centuries. By the late 19th century, collieries and ironworks dominated the local male workforce, reflecting the extraction of coal and ironstone that had occurred on a small scale for centuries prior but expanded into major industries with the advent of canals and railways. Coal mining emerged as a , with the Erewash Canal facilitating transport from early pits, and operations scaling up to support regional demand for fuel and associated . Extraction became a primary occupation by the , employing thousands until national decline in the mid-20th century led to pit closures. Iron production centered on the Stanton , located south of Ilkeston at New Stanton, which operated from the early and grew into the town's largest employer with blast furnaces, foundries, and a coke oven plant that ran until 1974. The works specialized in spun iron pipes and other products, leveraging local and resources until demolition in 2009. included , , and early cotton milling; a cotton mill was established near the by James Wyer and Co. toward the end of the , powered by water and later steam, while factories like Ball's operated into the . These sectors, alongside such as those using Hoffman kilns, contributed to Ilkeston's industrial footprint but largely vanished by the late due to and technological shifts.

Current economic structure

The economy of Ilkeston has transitioned from dominance to a primarily service-oriented structure, with the majority of the working-age population employed in services such as retail, healthcare, and . persists as a key sector, bolstered by local industrial estates including Manners Avenue and the , which host logistics, , and warehousing activities. also contributes notably, reflecting both residential development and projects in the area. In the broader Erewash Borough, encompassing Ilkeston where approximately 75% of the resides alongside Long Eaton, the rate reached 80.1% for individuals aged 16-64 in the year ending December 2023, up from 75.2% the prior year. remains low, aligning with Derbyshire's county rate of 2.8% as of May 2024. A significant proportion of Ilkeston residents commute to jobs in adjacent and , underscoring the town's integration into regional labor markets. Recent investments signal revitalization in industrial segments: in October 2025, an Italian firm proposed a near Ilkeston to produce materials, projecting over 100 jobs. Similarly, August 2024 saw approval for £4.4 million in speculative industrial and units totaling 31,350 square feet, aimed at attracting and tenants. These developments occur amid broader initiatives, including a 10-year growth plan targeting 60,000 additional jobs through infrastructure and skills enhancement by 2035.

Challenges and policy impacts

Ilkeston has encountered persistent economic challenges due to , which diminished employment in legacy sectors such as and ironworking, contributing to and regional disparities in the . In the Erewash borough encompassing Ilkeston, the rate reached 3.5% for individuals aged 16 and over in the year ending December 2023, reflecting an increase from prior periods amid broader post-industrial recovery hurdles. Specific wards like Ilkeston East reported a higher rate of 5.6% , exceeding the Derbyshire county average of 2.7%. These issues have been compounded by external shocks, including the , which projected a £1.6 billion economic impact on in 2020 alone through disrupted supply chains and reduced . Rising energy costs have further strained lower-income households in Erewash, pushing more onto costlier prepayment meters and intensifying financial pressures on local economies reliant on vulnerable demographics. Local policy responses, coordinated via Erewash Borough Council, include the Economic Development Strategy 2022-2027, which prioritizes job creation, skills enhancement, and improvements to counter stagnation in town centers like Ilkeston. A key initiative is a £20 million funding allocation announced in October 2025 for regenerating Cotmanhay, a deprived Ilkeston neighborhood, aimed at fostering investment, housing upgrades, and business viability to stimulate broader economic revitalization. Core Strategy policies emphasize town center regeneration and local employment land provision, though implementation has faced setbacks, such as the rejection of Ilkeston's Levelling Up Fund bids in 2023, which denied targeted and commercial revival support. Earlier efforts, like the Heritage Economic Regeneration Scheme managed since 2001, have sought to leverage Ilkeston's industrial heritage for and small-scale enterprise growth, yielding mixed results amid ongoing funding dependencies.

Local government and politics

Administrative framework

Ilkeston is situated within the , a in , , where local services such as planning, housing, environmental health, leisure facilities, and waste management are administered by Erewash Borough Council. Established under the Local Government Act 1972 and operational since 1974, the council resulted from the merger of the former of Ilkeston, Long Eaton Urban District Council, and South East Derbyshire Rural District Council. The authority maintains administrative offices at Ilkeston on Wharncliffe Road and in Long Eaton, serving a that includes Ilkeston's approximately 50,000 residents as part of the borough's total of around 110,000. Erewash Borough Council operates with 47 elected , representing 21 wards and elected for four-year terms, with the most recent elections held in May 2023. The council's governance structure includes a leader elected by , supported by a cabinet system for executive decision-making, alongside overview and scrutiny committees to ensure accountability. A ceremonial , currently Harry Atkinson of the Labour Party for the 2025/26 term, presides over council meetings and represents the borough at civic events. Upper-tier responsibilities, including education, social services, highways, and , fall under , creating a two-tier framework typical of shire counties outside major urban areas. Ilkeston itself lacks a separate or , with residents engaging directly through borough ward representatives. As of October 2025, ongoing consultations propose restructuring Derbyshire's into two unitary authorities, with Erewash potentially merging into a southern council alongside City and District to streamline services and reduce administrative layers, though no legislative changes have been enacted.

Political representation

Ilkeston falls within the Erewash parliamentary constituency, represented in the by Adam Thompson of the Labour Party since the 2024 on 4 July 2024. Thompson secured a majority of 5,859 votes, equivalent to 13.6% of the vote share in that contest. The constituency had previously been held by Conservative from 2015 until her defeat in 2024. At the Derbyshire County Council level, Ilkeston is divided into electoral divisions including Ilkeston Central, Ilkeston North, and Ilkeston South and Kirk Hallam. Following the county council election on 1 May 2025, Reform UK candidates won these divisions: Richard Hatfield in Ilkeston Central with 1,914 votes (55%), Dan Price in Ilkeston North with 1,814 votes (56%), and representation in Ilkeston South and Kirk Hallam aligning with Reform UK's broader sweep of Ilkeston seats. Reform UK secured overall control of Derbyshire County Council, gaining 42 seats province-wide. For Erewash Borough Council, which oversees local services across Ilkeston wards such as Awsworth Road, Cotmanhay, and Kirk Hallam & Stanton-by-Dale, representation is mixed among parties including Labour, Conservatives, and others, with the council comprising 47 members elected every four years. Specific ward outcomes reflect competitive local , though no single party holds a as of post-2023 elections, with ongoing by-elections noted in 2025. Ilkeston also maintains a for parish-level matters, though detailed partisan composition remains less centralized in public records.

Governance controversies

In January 2023, Ilkeston's application for the UK government's Levelling Up Fund to support town centre regeneration was rejected by central government officials, who cited a "lack of ambition" in the proposal. The bidding process required local authorities to compete directly against one another, a format critics likened to a "Hunger Games"-style contest that fostered perceptions of arbitrary decision-making. Reporting from The Times indicated broader irregularities, with only half of the 80 successful English bids allocated to the 100 most deprived areas, fueling allegations of favouritism in fund distribution despite Ilkeston's documented economic deprivation. Local opposition figures from Erewash Labour Party argued the exclusion perpetuated the town's decline, though Conservative-led council responses emphasized the constraints of national criteria over local control. A more recent dispute arose in August 2025 when endorsed a £215,523 grant from the Combined County Authority to Nottingham-based Huntingdon Properties 1 Limited for redeveloping the long-vacant former Argos store at 12-14 Bath Street—empty since 2010—into 11 private flats and two retail units. Residents and commentators contested the use of public funds for a private entity, highlighting the absence of provisions amid Ilkeston's housing pressures and questioning whether the scheme adequately tackled wider regeneration needs. members, including Cllr , countered that viability reports from Cushman and demonstrated the project's unfeasibility without —projected completion value of £1.6 million against £1.85 million costs—and warned of indefinite otherwise, with officer Steve Birkinshaw dismissing alternative views as "naïve." Planning decisions have also drawn , such as ongoing resident opposition to proposals near congestion-prone areas like the A6007, where scaled-back re-submissions in August 2025 still elicited claims of inadequate infrastructure assessment. Similarly, in October 2025, the council voted to pursue an against a hotel's use for , signaling friction between borough-level priorities on community resources and central government directives, though no legal outcome has materialized. These episodes underscore recurrent tensions in balancing fiscal incentives, development viability, and public expectations within constrained local authority powers.

Infrastructure

Transport networks

Ilkeston benefits from road connections via the A600 (running through the town centre as Derby Road and Heanor Road) and the A609, linking it to nearby towns like Heanor and Ripley. The town is positioned alongside the M1 motorway, with primary access at Junction 25 via the A52 (Brian Clough Way), approximately 4 miles east, enabling efficient travel to Derby (10 miles south) and Nottingham (10 miles north). This configuration supports freight and commuter traffic, though congestion on local routes like the A6007 has prompted studies for improvements. The Ilkeston railway station, reopened on 6 April 2017 on the site of the former Ilkeston Junction, serves the Midland Main Line with two platforms and facilities including a 150-space car park and automated ticket machines. Operated by East Midlands Railway, it offers hourly services to Derby (southbound), Nottingham, and Sheffield (northbound), with through trains to London St Pancras International taking around 1 hour 40 minutes. Additional regional routes connect to Matlock via Derby. Public bus networks are dominated by Trentbarton, whose Ilkeston Flyer provides high-frequency service (every 10 minutes) from Cotmanhay through Ilkeston to , covering 39 stops and emphasizing reliability with live tracking via the Hugo app. Complementary routes by Notts & Derby and smaller operators like Littles Travel link to Sandiacre, Long Eaton, and , with timetables coordinated by and accessible via Traveline planners. Fares benefit from national capping at £3 single (as of 2025), supporting accessibility amid ongoing enhancements under the county's Bus Service Improvement Plan.

Utilities and public services

Water supply and services in Ilkeston are provided by Water, which serves the region including . Electricity distribution is managed by (part of National Grid Electricity Distribution), responsible for the physical network maintenance in the area. Gas supply follows the national framework with distribution networks operated by in the , though retail providers vary by household. Public services, including waste collection and street lighting, fall under Erewash Borough Council, which oversees household services such as bin collections and bulky removal. The Ilkeston Household Waste Recycling Centre, operated by , handles resident recycling and disposal, accepting materials like household , metals, and garden refuse with booking requirements for non-Derbyshire residents. Street lighting maintenance and upgrades, including recent installations in areas like Victoria and Park, are procured and managed by the borough council. Emergency services include Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service's Ilkeston Fire Station, a combined wholetime and on-call facility equipped with two fire engines and a high-volume pump, covering local incidents. Policing is provided by Constabulary's Erewash Safer Neighbourhood Team, based at Ilkeston , focusing on community safety and crime prevention. Ambulance services are delivered by NHS Trust, responding to medical emergencies across the region. Derbyshire County Council operates Ilkeston Library on Market Place, offering public access to books, digital resources, computers, and community events, with adjusted opening hours implemented from March 2025 to optimize service delivery across 43 libraries. Additional council services, such as reporting for issues like accumulations or artificial light, are handled by Erewash Borough Council to enforce environmental standards.

Education

Schools and institutions

Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise Academy serves as a key for students aged 11-16, operating under the Ormiston Academies Trust and rated "Good" across all categories in its inspection of 25 June 2024, marking a significant improvement from prior evaluations. The academy, located on King George Avenue, emphasizes enterprise skills alongside core academics, with 2024 data indicating 1,200 enrolled pupils and a focus on pathways. Kirk Hallam Community Academy, another secondary institution in the Ilkeston area, caters to approximately 1,000 students aged 11-18 and received an inspection on 22 October 2024, evaluating quality of education and leadership amid ongoing curriculum enhancements. Saint John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy provides faith-based for around 800 pupils, maintaining a voluntary status with an emphasis on Catholic values integrated into the . Primary education in Ilkeston is delivered through multiple academies and community schools, including Kensington Junior Academy (rated "Good" by in recent assessments) and Hallam Fields Junior School, which together serve over 500 pupils with provisions for ages 7-11 focused on foundational literacy and numeracy. Bennerley Fields School offers specialized support for pupils with profound learning difficulties, accommodating around 100 students in a dedicated special educational needs environment. Further education opportunities are centered at the Derby College Ilkeston campus on Field Road, which provides adult and community learning programs such as , , and courses, enrolling hundreds annually since its integration into Derby College Group post-2010 merger with former South East Derbyshire College facilities. This site supports post-16 vocational training and , with enrollment data from 2023-2024 showing emphasis on accessible, short-term qualifications amid regional demand for skills development.

Educational attainment and issues

In secondary schools serving Ilkeston, levels are mixed but generally lag behind national benchmarks in key metrics. Ormiston Ilkeston Enterprise , the town's largest secondary institution, recorded an Attainment 8 score of 41.9 and a Progress 8 score of -0.3 for pupils completing in the 2023/2024 , indicating below-average progress from baselines. Additionally, 45.6% of its pupils achieved a grade 5 or above in GCSE English and , aligning closely with but not exceeding the national average of approximately 45.9% for that measure. In contrast, Saint John Houghton Catholic Voluntary Academy achieved an Attainment 8 score of 47.98 and 50% of pupils securing grade 5 or above in English and mathematics GCSEs in the same period, surpassing local authority and national averages. Socio-economic deprivation, concentrated in northern Ilkeston wards, contributes to persistent attainment gaps, with disadvantaged pupils outperforming non-disadvantaged peers by smaller margins than nationally observed. Historical inspections at Ormiston Ilkeston noted disadvantaged students trailing others by nearly one grade in English and up to 1.5 grades nationally, though recent data shows year-on-year improvements, including a 10.5% rise in combined English and strong passes. The academy's first "Good" overall rating in June 2024 reflects enhanced pupil progress and behavior, following prior "Requires Improvement" judgments since 2012. Broader issues include elevated pupil absence rates and higher proportions of 16-18-year-olds not in education, employment, or training () in the Ilkeston school cluster, linked to local deprivation indices where Erewash ranks moderately but with acute pockets affecting child outcomes. These factors, compounded by family low-income prevalence around 17% in Erewash, hinder consistent high attainment and exacerbate disparities between socioeconomic groups, despite targeted interventions like improved focus on core subjects.

Healthcare

Facilities and provision

Ilkeston , located on Heanor Road (DE7 8LN), serves as the primary healthcare facility in the town, offering community-based services managed by Derbyshire Health Services . It includes an Urgent Treatment Centre open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. for non-life-threatening conditions, alongside specialist provisions such as orthopaedic , community cardiac rehabilitation, out-of-hours , general rehabilitation, , and post-operative recovery for adults discharged from acute hospitals. dental services and , , and throat clinics are also available on site. Primary care in Ilkeston is delivered through general practitioner (GP) surgeries, with Ilkeston Health Centre on South Street (DE7 5PZ) hosting practices such as South Street Surgery, which accepts new patients and operates extended hours until 6:30 p.m. weekdays. Other local surgeries include Littlewick Medical Centre on Nottingham Road, providing routine consultations, triage via online systems, and prescription services. Multiple GP practices collectively cover the town's population, integrated with for non-emergency advice and referrals. Mental health provision includes the Ilkeston Resource Centre and Midway Day Hospital at the site, offering day services for adults with teams of nurses, occupational therapists, and support staff, open Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The Erewash Team operates from in Ilkeston under Healthcare , focusing on community support with links to GPs and other professionals. Community pharmacies, such as Evans Pharmacy at Old Station Surgery and Peak Pharmacy on Bath Street, supplement provision by dispensing prescriptions, offering consultations for minor ailments under NHS Pharmacy First services (including treatments for conditions like sore throats, urinary tract infections, and ), and providing free delivery options. Acute and specialist hospital care beyond community level is typically referred to facilities like or Nottingham's .

Health outcomes and disparities

in Ilkeston is notably lower than regional and national averages, particularly in deprived wards such as Ilkeston East, where males born between 2018 and 2020 had an average of 74.3 years, ranking second-lowest among Derbyshire electoral divisions, compared to 78.7 years for both and overall. Females in the same ward averaged 80.3 years, ranking ninth-lowest in against 82.8 years nationally. These figures reflect broader patterns in Erewash borough, where male stood at approximately 79.3 years in 2018 data, though Ilkeston's localized deprivation exacerbates gaps. Health disparities in Ilkeston stem primarily from socioeconomic deprivation, with parts of the town featuring among Derbyshire's most deprived lower super output areas (LSOAs) and 11 of Erewash's 73 LSOAs falling in England's 20% most deprived nationally, based on 2015 Index of Multiple Deprivation scores. This correlates with elevated mortality: in Ilkeston East, under-75 mortality rates from circulatory diseases reached 126 per 100,000 (versus 75 in ), cancer 180 per 100,000 (versus 123), and all-age all-cause mortality 1,240 per 100,000 (versus 1,058). Across , gaps approximate seven years between the most and least deprived quintiles, driven by factors including higher indicators like 52.4% free eligibility in Ilkeston East (versus 27.2% Derbyshire-wide). Childhood obesity underscores further inequalities, with Year 6 prevalence in Ilkeston East at 26.9% (fourth-highest in ), exceeding the county's 20.4% but below England's 31.5%, while reception-year rates were lower at 10.2%. These outcomes align with deprivation-linked risks, though Erewash's overall deprivation score (19.9 in 2015) ranks moderately at 140th among 326 English authorities, highlighting Ilkeston's internal contrasts.

Culture and society

Traditions and events

The Ilkeston Charter Fair, granted by King Henry III on April 10, 1252, to Hugh de Muskham, , constitutes the town's primary historical tradition. This annual event, one of the oldest street fairs in the , originally served as a market gathering and has evolved to include rides, stalls, and vendors in the town center. Held on the first Thursday after the first Sunday following , it predates Nottingham's Goose Fair and draws significant local crowds. In 2025, the fair received approval for an additional Sunday opening, marking a historical extension. Other recurring events include the annual Ilkeston Community Theatre and Festival, organized by the Ilkeston Community Theatre and Festival Group, featuring a week of free and ticketed performances, workshops, and community activities typically in August. Bonfire and fireworks displays occur on or around November 5, aligning with Guy Fawkes Night traditions observed borough-wide. Ilkeston Christmas Lights switch-on events, part of Erewash Borough's seasonal celebrations, feature illuminations and festivities in the Market Place during late November or early December. Additional local gatherings encompass arts and crafts fairs, such as those at Gallows Inn, and family-oriented music festivals with live performances, , and , though these vary in scale and frequency. Festivity, a family arts event at Erewash and Gardens, highlights Derbyshire's through interactive exhibits and performances. These events underscore Ilkeston's community-focused calendar, rooted in medieval charters and sustained by local organizations.

Sports and recreation

Ilkeston Town F.C. competes in the Southern League Premier Division Central, the seventh tier of the English football league system, playing home matches at the New Manor Ground with a capacity of approximately 3,000. The club was reformed in May 2011 after the previous incarnation's liquidation due to financial issues and has since achieved promotions, including winning the Northern Premier League Division One Midlands title in the 2021–22 season to reach step 4 of the non-league pyramid. Rugby union is supported by Ilkeston Rugby Club, which operates from shared facilities including dedicated pitches, changing rooms, and fields also used for football and , catering to senior and junior teams such as the under-11s. is played at venues like Rutland Recreation Ground, which hosts local matches alongside and courts, open fields for informal play, and walking paths. Racquet sports are available at The Manor Health & Racquets Club, featuring squash and courts, a , and fitness programs tailored for community members. Major recreation facilities include Sports Park, equipped with a , group fitness classes, a six-lane , 3G football pitches, and indoor/outdoor courts for public and club use. Victoria Park Leisure Centre offers a 25-meter , sensory pool, , and exercise classes, serving residents across age groups. Public parks such as West Park and Victoria Park provide green spaces for walking, informal sports, playgrounds, and events like , maintained by Erewash Borough Council for accessible .

Media and community life

Local media in Ilkeston primarily consists of independent publications focused on community , supplemented by regional outlets. Ilkeston Life, a monthly , covers local features, events, and , with its September 2025 edition highlighting town updates. Ilkeston News operates as a free, independent community newsroom, emphasizing unbiased reporting funded by locals rather than advertisers or political entities. Regional coverage includes Derbyshire Live, which provides ongoing Ilkeston-specific reporting through Derby Telegraph, and Derbyshire Times, featuring stories on local developments such as and community memorials. also maintains topic pages for Ilkeston events. Erewash Sound serves as a local radio station area , including Ilkeston updates on funding and events. Community life in Ilkeston revolves around annual events, social groups, and volunteer associations fostering local engagement. The Ilkeston Charter Fair, held from October 16 to 19, 2025, ranks among Europe's oldest and largest street fairs, attracting visitors with rides and stalls under a historic charter. The group organizes a week-long annual , such as the August 11-16, 2025 edition featuring varied entertainment and arts activities to promote town pride. The Glow & occurred on August 24, 2025, in the Market Place, combining performances, vendors, art displays, and a funfair to support local creators. Social organizations include Ilkeston u3a, a member-led group for primarily those over 50, offering educational, recreational, creative, and social activities without external funding. Community and social events are promoted via platforms like the Ilkeston Community and Social Events Facebook group, which highlights fairs, fetes, workshops, fitness sessions, and nights. Church-based initiatives, such as those at Ilkeston Methodist Church, host regular craft clubs, coffee mornings, and ensembles, while Arena Church runs senior lunches, quizzes, and a weekly "Buddies" group for ages 60 and above. facilitates interest-based gatherings, enabling residents to form groups for hobbies and networking.

Notable residents

Historical figures

Samuel Taylor (1817–1875), known as the "Ilkeston Giant," was born on 4 June 1817 in Little Hallam, a locality adjacent to Ilkeston, and baptized on 16 October 1817 at St Mary's Church in the town. Growing to a height of 7 feet 4 inches (approximately 2.24 meters), Taylor began exhibiting himself for public view in his youth, traveling across Britain and later Europe to display his extraordinary stature. By adulthood, he performed in circuses, demonstrating feats of strength such as lifting heavy weights and supporting multiple individuals on his shoulders. Taylor's life reflected the era's fascination with human curiosities, though medical assessments attributed his gigantism to pituitary overgrowth rather than any mythical cause. He settled in Ilkeston later in life, dying on 12 September 1875 at age 58, and was buried locally with a memorial stone restored in 2008. In 1650, Anne Wagg, a resident of Ilkeston, faced accusations of from neighbors who claimed she caused illness and deaths through means. Tried at the Derbyshire , Wagg was convicted on witness testimonies alleging maleficium but received a from , avoiding execution amid the waning fervor of England's witch hunts. Her case exemplifies rural superstitions and communal tensions in mid-17th-century , where economic hardships often fueled such allegations against marginalized women.

Modern contributors

Robert Lindsay, born on 13 December 1949 in Ilkeston, is an English actor recognized for his versatile performances in theatre, television, and film, including lead roles in the sitcom My Family (2000–2011) and the historical drama G.B.H. (1991). His work has earned him a BAFTA for in 1994 for G.B.H., contributing to British cultural output through adaptations of Shakespearean plays and contemporary series. William Roache, who grew up in Ilkeston after early years elsewhere, holds the Guinness World Record for the longest-serving actor in a single soap opera role as in ITV's , appearing continuously since its debut episode on 9 December 1960. At age 92 as of 2024, his enduring presence has shaped British television drama, with over 11,000 episodes credited to his portrayal of the character's evolving family dynamics and social issues. In contemporary arts, established ILKON (Ilkeston Contemporary Arts) in 2022 by purchasing and restoring a disused Methodist church on Road, transforming it into a community hub for exhibitions, workshops, and events that promote local creativity and economic regeneration. This initiative has hosted group shows and residencies, fostering engagement among residents through accessible programming focused on , video, and interdisciplinary works. Mel Ramsden (1944–2024), born in Ilkeston, advanced as a founding member of the collective, producing works that interrogated institutional frameworks and authorship in pieces like Secret Painting (1967–1970). His influence persisted into the through exhibitions and writings challenging in modern galleries.

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