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DERBY County had to settle for a point as Tuesday night's Championship clash with Bolton Wanderers ended in a goalless draw. The Rams were left frustrated at the iPro Stadium as they failed to find the net for a third successive match. Steve McClaren's began brightly but could not find a way past an in-form Bolton side. Top scorer Chris Martin, back from suspension, tested visiting keeper Adam Bogdan in the 17th minute from Craig Bryson's cut-back. Then, after 25 minutes, Jamie Ward delivered an inviting free kick from the right and any touch from Simon Dawkins would surely have resulted in a goal. At the other end, Andre Moritz saw his fiercely struck 25-yarder beaten away by Lee Grant, in the 32nd minute. Four minutes later, Ward exchanged passes with Dawkins on the right before lashing a powerful drive inches wide of the far post. Ward and Jeff Hendrick then combined to find Martin, whose low shot was comfortably held by Bogdan. Neil Danns span past Jake Buxton three minutes before the break but sent a rising shot over from the edge of the box. Derby turned up the pressure as the half drew to a close, with full-back Andre Wisdom firing just the wrong side of the post from 20 yards in added time.

The game continued in a similar vein after the break, with the Rams asking plenty of questions but Bolton standing firm. Bryson's 20-yarder bounced awkwardly in front of Bogdan after 54 minutes but the keeper managed to push the ball away to safety. In a rare Bolton attack, Lukas Jutkiewicz saw his low effort easily held by Grant. Craig Forsyth tried his luck from distance and his well-struck rising drive was not too far over. Bolton had not given up hope of winning it themselves and Danns' snap shot produced a decent save from Grant after 77 minutes. There was plenty of endeavour from the home side but they could not quite land the killer blow. Substitute Johnny Russell glanced a header over from Wisdom's cross six minutes from time. Grant had to be alert to push away Jutkiewicz's cross-shot. And the Rams keeper almost gifted the points to Bolton when he spilled Danns' shot in the second minute of added time but recover to gather before Liam Trotter could pounce. There was still one more chance for Derby but Sammon shot straight at Bogdan from 15 yards after being set up by Bryson's backheel. DERBY COUNTY: Grant, Wisdom, Keogh, Buxton, Forsyth, Eustace (Bamford, 74), Hendrick, Bryson, Dawkins (Russell, 82), Ward (Sammon, 79), Martin. Other subs: Legzdins (gk), Naylor, Whitbread, Thorne. BOLTON WANDERERS: Bogdan, Hutton, Knight, Ream, Baptiste, Medo, Spearing, Danns, M Davies (Lee, 65), Moritz (Trotter, 53), Jutkiewicz (Wheater, 90). Other subs: Lee-Barrett (gk), Hall, Vela, Mason. REFEREE: G Scott (Oxfordshire). ATTENDANCE: 23,435 (692 away fans).

Derby County held to goalless draw by Bolton Wanderers

A DERBYSHIRE open prison has been slammed for failing in its role to resettle prisoners, a report has revealed.

An inspection at HMP Sudbury also found that its public protection arrangements were "not robust enough".

The news comes in a report of an unannounced inspection of the prison, published today by Nick Hardwick, chief inspector of prisons.

But Michael Spurr, chief executive officer of the National Offender Management Service, said a review of work requirements has been carried out and Sudbury will receive "additional resources" to manage the problems.

Sudbury Prison held 561 male category D prisoners at the time of the inspection, carried out from October 21 to November 1, 2013.

A third were coming to the end of life sentences or indeterminate sentences for public protection. Most of the others were serving sentences of four years or more.

The report says: "The central task of the prison was to prepare these men for release by addressing resettlement needs and reducing the risk they would reoffend. The prison was failing badly in this task and this impacted on all areas of its work."

Inspectors were worried that the prison had focused its resettlement efforts on providing work experience for prisoners through release on temporary licence but there was little attempt to link the experience to jobs in a prisoner's home area. The report also said some offender supervisors lacked adequate training.

The inspectors found that the segregation unit was "cold, dirty, poorly ventilated and with filthy toilets in the cells."

The report states the inspectors were pleased that the environment was "reasonable" for most prisoners, that health care had improved significantly and that prisoners had "very good amounts of time out of their cells".

Mr Hardwick said: "Open prisons have an important part to play in the prison estate and in delivering rehabilitation objectives. The weaknesses we identified at HMP Sudbury reflect the fact that its resources are very stretched and the demands and challenges in managing this population have been underestimated.

"Some of this requires reconsideration at a national level but this report identifies much that the prison can and should do itself," he added.

Mr Spurr said: "A review of work requirements has been completed and Sudbury will receive additional resources to ensure it is able to effectively manage its central task of preparing prisoners for release, reducing their risk of reoffending and protecting the public."

Sudbury open prison failing in its role to resettle prisoners, says official report

UNION leader Bob Crow, who died yesterday, had been lined up as chief speaker at Derby's annual Silk Mill March and Rally next month, it emerged last night. Mr Crow was general secretary of the Rail, Maritime and Transport Union. He had been a big supporter of Derby's campaign to save train-building in the city when Bombardier controversially lost out on the £1.6 billion Thameslink rolling stock contract in 2011. Derby Trades Union Council said that a large shadow would now be cast over the march and rally on Saturday, April 26. Moz Greenshields, secretary, said: "We were so pleased that Bob had accepted our invitation to be the main speaker at the Silk Mill this year. "He was obviously a great friend of Derby workers, as was shown by his great support of the Bombardier campaign, by his constant standing shoulder to shoulder with his members locally – most recently cleaning staff on very low wages. "But Bob stood up for workers everywhere, at home and abroad. He understood and stood up for working people everywhere. "Bob was a great union leader, a great internationalist and absolutely committed to the fight – a lifetime fight for him – for working class people. "He saw austerity, privatisation, cuts, wage freezes and anti-union legislation as a full frontal assault on working people by the millionaire class and its government – an 'out and out class war' as he called it. "His message would have been, as ever, that we have to fight, and we have to win. He saw no long-term solution in the capitalist system, and knew we had to fight every day against attacks and for improvements – and he lived that life to the full. "He would be laughing his head off at the thought that people who had attacked him, his ideas and working people all his life are now queuing up to find nice words to say about him! "Bob was a class warrior and we need more like him. Our thoughts are with his family and his close friends and comrades. We will all miss him a great deal in our different ways." The RMT is expected to send a senior officer to the rally to talk about Mr Crow and his beliefs. "It will be a message from beyond the grave – the same message he gave the big Bombardier campaign," said Ms Greenshields. "If we don't fight we can't win. If we do fight, we may not win straight away, but we will unite and ignite millions of workers. Then we'll be unstoppable". In July 2011, Mr Crow was among 10,000 people who took part in a march and rally in the city, which called on the Government to support Bombardier. At the rally, he shared the stage with fellow union leaders and politicians from all political parties and delivered an eloquent speech, calling for Derby and the rest of the country to unite against the Government's decision to overlook Bombardier for the Thameslink contract. It was thanks to the help of unions such as the RMT that Bombardier's plight was brought to national attention. Last month, Bombardier successfully won the £1.3 billion Crossrail contract - a deal that secured the future of the Litchurch Lane factory for years to come. Reacting to that news, Mr Crow told the Derby Telegraph: "This is a fantastic and deserved result. It comes after a long-running campaign led by the RMT and the local community in Derby in the wake of the Thameslink fleet shambles. "It will go a long way to saving the future of train building in the nation that gave the railways to the world." Among those took to social networking website Twitter to pay their respects was Derby North MP Chris Williamson, who campaigned hard for the Government to award contracts to Bombardier. He wrote: "Just heard the very sad news that RMT leader Bob Crow has died. He was an iconic labour movement figure who championed social justice. RIP comrade." Bombardier has also paid tribute to the work of Mr Crow. Dr Francis Paonessa, managing director for Bombardier Transportation UK, said: "Our sympathies go to Bob Crow's family and friends at this very sad time. "Bob fought tirelessly for his members and was a strong supporter of train manufacturing in Derby. He will be missed by the industry." Ukip leader Nigel Farage said: " I liked him a lot. He was what he was – fiercely patriotic and always good fun to be around. In an increasingly grey world, Bob really stood out and you need to have characters like that. "We've been to the pub together, obviously, where he was very, very amusing especially when he'd switched off from trade union mode and was just having a chat."

Bob Crow was lined up to speak at Derby's Silk Mill March next month

BURGLARS made off with a haul including jewellery, electrical items and keys after breaking into a property in Long Eaton. The offenders broke into a house in Kirkdale Road during the daytime and police are urging anyone who might have spotted suspicious activity to get in touch. A ground floor window was smashed by the offenders during the incident, which happened between 6.45am and 6.30pm on Friday, February 28. Witnesses or anyone with information should call Derbyshire police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.

Jewellery stolen during burglary at Long Eaton house

A PROMINENT footbridge in Derby has been closed after bolts holding it down on one end were found to have "failed". But Derby City Council said St Alkmund's Footbridge, in front of St Mary's Church, was "not at imminent risk of collapse". The closure of the bridge, which was installed in September 2007, came into effect on Monday. Tim Clegg, director of partnerships and Streetpride, at the council, said: "Following a number of reports from members of the public over the weekend, engineers inspected it on Monday. "The inspection revealed that the holding down bolts at the southern end of the bridge had failed, and the footbridge was closed to pedestrians and cyclists in the interests of public safety. "An emergency signed diversion route has been put into place. Additional signage will be put in place over the next few days. "On Monday night the council's engineers carried out further inspections of the bearings and bolts on the pier and the abutment closest to St Mary's Church, and the splice plates on the main beams, to determine how widespread the bolt failure was. "They are now working with specialist support to determine if there has been any additional damage caused to the bridge. "Until the full extent of the problem is revealed, and we are able to determine the extent of the work required to safely to re-open the bridge it is not possible to say how long the closure will last, although it is likely to be for several weeks or to establish the cost of the work or determine who is responsible for the costs."

Derby bridge closed after bolts found to have

Walbrook Road, Normanton: Police have now issued a statement regarding the shooting in Walbrook Road, Normanton. The officer in charge of policing in Derby has reassured the community that his team are tackling the recent spate of criminal damage incidents in the Normanton area. Chief Superintendent Jack Atwal said: "During the last few days there have been a number of incidents in the Normanton area which have involved criminal damage to cars and premises. "Five people were arrested at the weekend and they've now been released on police bail while we make further inquiries. "Early lines of inquiries appear to show that the incidents may be part of 'tit for tat' actions by two groups from the same community in the Normanton area. "We're trying to find out if this morning's incident is linked with what happened at the weekend. If it is an escalation of the tensions between local people we will act swiftly make sure things do not escalate further. "I can confirm that a firearm was used this morning to cause damage to two premises on Walbrook Road and Brunswick Street and our specialist team known as Operation Redshank is leading that part of the investigation. "While no one was injured in the shooting incident this morning, it may be because of luck rather than judgment. "There is absolutely no excuse for the perpetrators of the incidents of the weekend and last night to justify their actions as potential 'tit for tat'. Their actions affect victims, witnesses and the wider community and I ask that the community support us by reporting any information. "The mobile police station has been moved into the area as a point of contact for local people and we have increased police patrols on local streets to deter further offences. "We're working closely with local community leaders and partners to keep them informed about the police investigation." Anyone who has any information about any of the incidents in the past few days can contact any police officer, ring 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.MORE: Read more about the incident in Walbrook Road, Normanton, here.

Shooting in Walbrook Road, Normanton: May be 'tit for tat' between community groups, police say

Walbrook Road, Normanton: Detectives, forensic experts, armed police and dog unit officers were at the scene of a suspected shooting today. Police have confirmed that shots may have been fired at a property in Walbrook Road at 4.30am. No-one was hurt. The road was cordoned off but was reopened at 7.20pm on Wednesday. Watch video from the scene here:

Sabrina Martin, 24, of nearby Randolf Road, said: "At about four o'clock I heard two loud bangs. I thought I was being burgled. I checked the whole of the house and that my two children were alright and went back to sleep. "This morning I woke up to this. It's shocking living so close. I'm worried for my kids' safety. I'm going to be moving out soon because of the trouble we've had in the area." MORE: Read more about the incident in Walbrook Road, Normanton, here.

Gunshots in Normanton: Video and pictures from the scene in Walbrook Road

I AM lucky enough to live in Erewash, rather than Derby, but as an onlooker you do have to wonder if the senior Derby city councillors know the first thing about gardening or have ever wielded a pair of shears.

What is the point of having a brown bin system for garden refuse if collections only run from April to September?

The need for one arises earlier in the year and certainly much later in the year than those dates.

I can only imagine that these councillors employ somebody else to do their gardens. Having said that, I don't really understand the economic logic of not buying a £40 brown bin but then spending as much as that on petrol, if not a lot more, over the year, making repeated trips to the tip.

Kaye Houghton

Nottingham Road

Borrowash

Derby councillors must be clueless about gardening!

JOIN us for live match coverage of Derby County's Championship clash with Reading on Saturday. We'll have all the build-up from the Madejski Stadium and minute-by-minute updates from the game in our interactive match blog below. The blog will be up and running from around 1pm ahead of kick-off at 3pm.

Live: Reading v Derby County

THE key to combating recent tensions in Derby that escalated into a shooting incident his week lies in community cohesion, city leaders have said. Eight people have been arrested in relation to firearms or criminal damage offences this week. And two men remain in custody being questioned by detectives while another man was released today on police bail after being arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice. Those three offences relate to the shooting of two houses in Walbrook Road and Brunswick Street at around 4am on Wednesday. Later that same night community leaders in Normanton and Pear Tree met with senior police officers to discuss tensions related to "tit-for-tat" attacks on businesses properties and vehicles in the area by two rival groups. This evening, a spokesman for the Pakistani community has said the key to ensuring that incidents like the Walbrook Road and Brunswick Street shooting do not happen again lies in people "working through their issues in a collaborative way". He said: "Following a meeting at the Pakistani Community Centre, leaders have agreed to speak to their communities to reassure them that they play a key role in ensuring that the situation is managed. "People who live in Normanton and Pear Tree are critical in ensuing that serious incidents like this do not escalate. "Answers to who is responsible for the offences lie within the community and we are urging them to come forward and speak to us or the police so that the situation we currently find ourselves in can be stopped as peacefully and as quickly as possible, with the safety and wellbeing of everyone being of paramount importance. "Normanton is a vibrant, colourful, friendly and welcoming place to live in Derby. "All of us want it to remain that way and we would ask people with information to come forward so that harmony can continue." On Saturday ward councillors and council leader Paul Bayliss will take part in a community walkabout in the area of Normanton where Wednesday's shootings took place. They intend to speak to local people about what issues affect them and how they can help the police in terms of giving them information. Chief Superintendent Jack Atwal, of Derbyshire Police, said: "Having witnesses come forward and talk to us, either directly or through third parties, is vitally important to us as we seek to bring those responsible to justice."

Community cohesion is 'key' after shooting in Walbrook Road, Normanton

A CONTROVERSIAL proposal for up to 250 homes on scrubland between Spondon and Chaddesden has been unanimously refused by councillors to cheers from protesters. But one of those who spoke against the plans from developer British Continental Co, Councillor Chris Poulter, said he was concerned that access to the site wasn't among the final reasons for turning it down. He said, after this evening's city council planning committee meeting: "I thought it would help to get the highways issue in because, if it goes to appeal, it would then be heard on those grounds as well." The plan was refused by all eight councillors on the grounds it would damage the "openness, undeveloped character and strong boundaries" of the "green wedge" between the two areas. Mr Poulter said the plans to access the proposed development from Acorn Way via a roundabout were "dangerous". He said: "This is a rural road. A recent proposal for similar housing near to Acorn Way didn't dare suggest access from it." A second speaker, Councillor Evonne Williams, who also represents Spondon , said some secondary school pupils in Spondon were already having to go as far as Sinfin to get places. There were 97 objections from the public to the plans and two notes of support.

Cheers as plans for 250 homes between Spondon and Chaddesden are rejected

THRILL-seeking families could soon sleep in fairytale-inspired tree houses planned as part of a theme park's expansion. The Alton Towers Resort in Staffordshire is applying to build 10 luxury tree houses and 61 unique holiday lodges as part of efforts to increase its foothold in the short-break holiday market, park bosses said. Each tree house will sleep up to eight people, and will be equipped with hot tubs on an outdoor terrace. An artist's impression depicting how the wooden buildings might look has been released alongside the planning application, showing some of the tree houses sporting pointed turret-type roofs. The location of the planned expansion, which also includes a new restaurant, is on what is currently undeveloped land next to the site's existing hotel complex, which neighbours the main theme park housing rides like Rita, Air and Nemesis. Merlin Entertainments, which owns the theme park and other UK attractions including Thorpe Park, Madame Tussauds and Blackpool Tower, has said the project could create about 140 new full and part-time jobs in the area. Mark Kerrigan, the resort's development director, said: "The proposed new development will consist of 61 uniquely themed, individually styled lodges and 10 luxury tree houses that will further enhance our position as a short-break holiday resort." He added: "Tourism represents a £1.8 billion industry to Staffordshire and we want to be part of the ongoing growth of that figure through our planned future development. "It's a very exciting concept for us and one that we believe will create real opportunities for the surrounding area. "Further accommodation has been in our Long Term Plan since 2009 and we've worked incredibly hard over the past 20 years with Staffordshire county tourism to grow the appeal of Staffordshire as a holiday location, resulting in an increase in the overnight stay market volumes of 21% from 2008-2012. "We firmly believe therefore given the overall increase in this wider short breaks market there is ample opportunity for both the resort and the local area to benefit from our even more focused positioning as a two or three-day destination." The application will now be determined by planners at Staffordshire Moorlands District Council.

Alton Towers planning luxury tree houses as part of expansion

ANOTHER vicious dog attack in Derby – another child who could well be traumatised for years, if not for life, by witnessing her own pet savaged to death in a public park by a dog which had "escaped" its owner.

There should be no "second chances" for any dog which attacks a person or another animal. It should be put down. And the owner should be banned from having another one.

Bev Brown

Grampian Way, Sinfin

Dogs involved in attacks should be put down, no second chances

DERBY City Council has been crowned the most efficient authority in the country at cutting spending. The Labour-run authority fought off competition from seven other councils to win the Efficiency Award at this year's Local Government Chronicle awards. A journal explaining Derby's nomination read: "Over the past three years Derby City Council has delivered £67.4m of savings with further targets of £63.3m to deliver by March 2017. "To date, 70% have been transformational/efficiency savings with only 30% delivered through reducing or stopping services. "The council's drive for efficiency has been underpinned by an ambitious programme of transformation and improvement. "For the past three years it has achieved a 'green' value for money judgement from external auditors. "Derby's commitment to efficiency and improvement is based on three things: vision, leadership and ambition." Council leader Paul Bayliss said he was delighted to win the award - Derby's third in three years. He said: "To win an LGC Award for the third year in a row is a great achievement for the Council. It is recognition by our peers of the work we have been doing over the last three years to transform the organisation and achieve efficiencies across the Council whilst protecting frontline services." Local Government Chronicle editor Nick Golding says: "Projects such as Derby City Council's demonstrate the level of innovation in British local government today. "Our judges were extremely impressed by the quality of the entries. At a time when resources are scarce councils are innovating to ensure they provide residents with the best quality services. "Local government's depth of talent does not always get the recognition that it deserves." Derby was also shortlisted for the Council of the Year accolade but missed out to Durham. For this nomination, the journal said: "Derby City Council takes pride in its leadership role in inspiring communities and local and international partners. "It is proud of its role in regenerating the city and delivering the best possible outcomes. "Its 'one Derby, one council' innovation programme is building on the success of its award-winning transformation programme, seeking innovative solutions to the city's challenges. "The 'Derby Plan' sets out a vision to 'create a city for all through strong leadership and excellent customer-focused services' and identifies three 'big ambitions' for the city to be a place that: inspires start in life; inspires working life; and is an inspiring place to live. "Achievements of its 'inspiring' initiative include the number of schools rated 'good' or 'outstanding' by Ofsted rising from 43% in July 2012 to 72% in September 2013."

Derby City Council wins 'efficiency' award

WHAT a fascinating snippet in our Bygones columns flashback to 1974 about Brian Clough.

What different course would world history have taken in the last 40 years, one wonders, if the Iranians had benefited from having Cloughie in their midst, working as the national football team manager and, undoubtedly, offering the Ayatollahs the benefit of his political wisdom as well?

What if Brian Clough had taken job in Iran?

Below are some of your tweets, comments and photographs from the fire at the Assembly Rooms car park in Derby. If you have any pictures or video send them to us at newsdesk@derbytelegraph.co.uk There have been no ambulances at the scene and it is thought no-one has been injured. Hip-hop artist Professor Green said he hoped no-one had been hurt in the incident on Twitter. He is scheduled to play the venue in May.

Doesn't look like I'll be playing the assembly rooms in derby! Hope no one was hurt x
— Professor Green (@professorgreen) March 14, 2014

Here is a video submitted by reader Richard Kightley These videos, taken by Chris Doidge, show the drama at the scene: Reporter Kelly Tyler was supposed to be seeing one of the shows at the Assembly Rooms tonight which has been cancelled. She said: "The first I heard about the ire was when I logged on to the Derby Telegraph's website amd saw the photograph of the enormous blaze. "I should have been at the Assembly Rooms this evening watching Anton du Beke from Strictly Come Dancing perform. "I'm gutted that I can't see him live tonight. I never imagined anything like this would ever happen. "The photographs show just how intense the fire is."

Did my work experience at Derby Assembly Rooms, so sad to hear about the fire. Thoughts to all those it affects.
— tom brassington (@Tom_Brassington) March 14, 2014

Hope everyone okay at Assembly Rooms #Derby terrible news
— Sal Starbie (@SalStarbie) March 14, 2014

Fire pictures from the city centre fire at derby assembly rooms. pic.twitter.com/BN1OHTjXAq
— Joey Severn (@joeysevern) March 14, 2014

@Derby Assembly Rooms huge blaze pic.twitter.com/zg9ELv9KwE
— Cheryl Hague (@CherylHague) March 14, 2014

@DerbyTelegraph Big fire in derby pic.twitter.com/AdM49EJdDy
— Kyle Swift (@kyleswift) March 14, 2014

A picture from 6pm tonight, just as the fire service were beginning to try and extinguish the Assembly Rooms fire. pic.twitter.com/381bj5w3CZ
— BBC Derby (@BBCDerby) March 14, 2014

@derbytelegraph city watches on as car park burns . View from @derbycathedral tower pic.twitter.com/9MoPjhfIEo
— The Rev'd Trendy (@andytrenier) March 14, 2014

@DerbyTelegraph pic.twitter.com/YYPjJSFPbK
— Belper Town (@BelperTownFC) March 14, 2014

@derbycathedral @derbytelegraph fire almost out... More than ten appliances pic.twitter.com/AbFZ7Vc54T
— The Rev'd Trendy (@andytrenier) March 14, 2014

Derby watches on: @derbytelegraph from @derbycathedral pic.twitter.com/0OBDYIbMXM
— The Rev'd Trendy (@andytrenier) March 14, 2014

Shocking scenes in Derby City Centre! @DerbyTelegraph pic.twitter.com/kEwVwHF7RD
— Mistress Georgiana (@MistressGeorgi1) March 14, 2014

Rear view of #Derby Assembly Rooms! @BBCDerby @DerbyTelegraph #Derbyshire pic.twitter.com/4KcdPlXQZG
— Derby City Centre (@DerbyCityCentre) March 14, 2014

front row seats to the Derby assembly rooms fire from my flat window! #badtimes pic.twitter.com/LtNsDES8Vu
— ☕️ (@x_Stephhhh) March 14, 2014

Firefighters are tackling a large fire at the Assembly Rooms car park tonight http://t.co/XIRM8qr9aP pic.twitter.com/P05FU4QeKu
— BBC Derby (@BBCDerby) March 14, 2014

Assembly Rooms car park is not looking good... pic.twitter.com/F54Er0Flb2
— Emmy Jepson (@emmy_jepson) March 14, 2014

The amount of times I've been in assembly rooms car park I'm happy it I wasn't in there today.. pic.twitter.com/S2DXfT8wTG
— Ryan (c) (@RY4N_2k13) March 14, 2014

http://t.co/v98AZTOTVy Fire at Derby assembley rooms. Used togo there alot as a kid. Hope it's not to badly damaged pic.twitter.com/BBjE2B0ccl
— hannah liggett (@PeachesSublime) March 14, 2014

Huge fire in city centre in derby. Whole of the top level of the assembly rooms car park is on fire. pic.twitter.com/aCUwAIJbXT
— Joey Severn (@joeysevern) March 14, 2014

Fire appears to be under control #fire #assemblyrooms #derby @bbcderby @bbcmtd @derbytelegraph pic.twitter.com/8PovJAWZlY
— Rhiannon Doyle - Maw (@Rhi_DoyleMaw) March 14, 2014

Derby assembly rooms car park. How many cars are on fire. Fire engine access difficult. pic.twitter.com/0e6IYC3JVO
— Warwick Bambrook (@warwickbambrook) March 14, 2014

I can't believe assembly rooms is on fire pic.twitter.com/EhDLHLP2gu
— South African Queen (@Artistsambucca) March 14, 2014

Ten fire crews attending massive fire at Derby Assembly Rooms...more on @bbcemt and @BBCDerby pic.twitter.com/NoQ3scKCW2
— Simon Hare (@SimonHareBBC) March 14, 2014

The entire top floor of @derbylive assembly rooms is ablaze it looks like….. Molto piu fire appliances here…… Eeek pic.twitter.com/owIrgkNajI
— Christopher Lydon (@daschrislydon) March 14, 2014

The Assembly Rooms in Derby town centre are ablaze #derbyfire @BBCNews @BBCDerby pic.twitter.com/MQUHlzUrHz
— Helen Wright (@Helz_S1994) March 14, 2014

The whole of the top of Assembly Rooms car park. Flames. Someone playing "Burn Baby Burn" on speaker #Derby #fire pic.twitter.com/qfQ1Q2ayWp
— Makinder Chahal (@makinder) March 14, 2014

Assembly Rooms fire: Your photos and posts from the scene

THREE men arrested in connection with a shooting in Normanton have been released on police bail. On Wednesday a 34-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice and two men aged 21 and 25 were arrested on suspicion of firearm offences. This was after shots were fired at a house in Walbrook Road. All three men have now been released on bail pending further inquiries. A man arrested on Monday as part of the wider investigation into a series of incidents in the Normanton area over the last week has been charged with robbery. Zakar Khaleel, 22, from Normanton, was charged in connection with an incident that took place on Castings Road on Monday, March 10. He appeared at Southern Derbyshire Magistrates' Court on Thursday, March 13. Anyone who has information about any of the crimes committed during the last few days in the Normanton area should contact any police officer, ring 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Three men released on bail after Normanton shooting

DERBY city centre was engulfed in smoke after a fire broke out at the top of the Assembly Rooms car park in Derby. Firefighters from three stations were on the scene, using water from the River Derwent to tackle the blaze to contain the fire. Thick, acrid black smoke filled the air, as well as 30-to-40-foot flames, with witnesses saying it appeared the whole of the top floor of the car park was on fire. It is not thought the fire spread to Derby's Assembly Rooms - And there were not thought to be any injuries as a result of the fire - with no ambulances called to the scene. By 7.15pm, Derby Telegraph reporter Joey Severn said the flames had died down significantly, as firefighters continued to contain it, and the the smoke had also reduced. And, by 7.45pm, he said the fire was under control on the top floor, which officials said houses air-conditioning units. Derby Telegraph reporter Cheryl Hague said seven fire engines and two high-rise ladders were used to deal with the incident, with firefighters tackling the blaze from near Cathedral Green. Roads were closed from Derwent Street down to the city's Market Place. And traffic was at a standstill on A38 north-bound between Ripley and Coxbench, which is thought could be related to the incident. Police officers were also assisting the fire service and surrounding premises were evacuated. Police were diverting traffic and asking people to avoid the area. Smoke could be seen across the city and out into parts of Derbyshire, with people in Oakwood, Chaddesden, Spondon and Holbrook among those saying they can see smoke. Witness Michael Mears said: "The top floor of the car park was on fire and there was the sound of a small explosion, as I think car tyres popped. "The whole night sky glowed red and city centre traffic was in chaos, as emergency services tackled the large blaze."

Two shows at Derby's Assembly Rooms have already been cancelled because of the fire. These are Anton du Beke in the Great Hall and The Steve Tilston Trio in the Darwin Suite. Pete Meakin, from Derby Live, said: "We didn't know anything about it until 5.15pm when the alarms went off. "We went out into the Market Place and then out came Anton Du Beke. It looks very, very worrying indeed. We know everyone has got out of the building and that is important. We've got staff ringing the audience who were meant to come tonight to tell them not to." Anton Du Beke said: "As I arrived, I could see some smoke coming from the car park. Then the fire brigade turned up. "We would love to come back to the Assembly Rooms (to do another show) if they can find a slot for us. We were looking forward to doing the show. I don't know how badly the Assembly Rooms but hopefully not too bad." A spokeswoman for Derby Live said: "At present, the Guildhall Show tonight is scheduled to go ahead as planned, but the Assembly Rooms car park is out of use." Derby city councillor Martin Repton, cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: "We were expecting a very large audience this evening and we're very disappointed but I'm sure they understand that this is completely out of our control. The fire service are working valiantly to get this fire under control. "I understand there was nobody in the building. It's too early to say if any performances will be on this weekend. Health and safety have to come first then we will have to reassess the damage. As soon as we know we will let the public know."

Derby Assembly Rooms fire: Live updates from the scene

PLANS for a cycle track on Pride Park – one of the most controversial planning applications in Derby's history – have been scrapped by the city council. Wildlife campaigners have told of their delight, as the track and a mountain bike skills area, were set to be built on part of The Sanctuary nature reserve, a haven for birds. But an angry Martin Repton, cabinet member for leisure and culture, said he was "very unhappy with this course of events, as our vision of becoming a regional centre for cycling excellence is now under serious threat". Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is in a coalition of 15 wildlife groups that fought the plans and had only recently won an injunction to stop the council's work on the land. When the plans were first revealed there was dismay that the council wanted to build on the Sanctuary despite having created it – a "dangerous precedent" the Trust said. Planning permission was narrowly granted by the council's planning committee after the council received 1,009 objections to the scheme and 642 supportive comments. The trust applied for a judicial review, drawing on the fact that an alternative site offered by the council at Alvaston Scrubs was unacceptable as it is already a designated local wildlife site. The injunction on the work was granted so no further work could be carried out until the legal wranglings were complete. Tim Birch, the trust's conservation manager, said yesterday's announcement was "good news for wildlife, both locally and nationally". He said: "The council did offer a compensatory site at Alvaston Scrubs but this was not suitable compensation as it would have entailed destroying one habitat on a designated Local Wildlife Site to create another, still resulting in an overall loss of wildlife habitats in the city." A council statement said the decision to ditch the plans was made because the legal action had slowed progress to the point that it affected the track's affordability. It said: "Work required before the bird nesting season can now no-longer take place. This means the project cannot be delivered utilising the contractors currently on site and this will increase costs beyond the budget currently available". It said the planning permission had been revoked. The authority had applied to British Cycling for funding for the project but Mr Repton said last night that he did not know if that cash had been granted. He said that the authority had spent cash on the work it had already completed on the site and that this could run into "tens of thousands of pounds". He said: "The Sanctuary could have existed side-by-side with the cycle track. We are not talking about Motocross here. We are talking about cyclists. Just a hundred yards away you have a football stadium where there are often 25,000 screaming fans who seem to co-exist quite amicably with the wildlife." The council has said that it continues to have an agreement with the trust to provide expert advice on matters related to the natural environment. It said the trust's compliance with this agreement will now be "formally reviewed" and, if found in breach, legal action will be taken. Ed Green, the Trust's chief executive, said: "We provided them with advice at every stage and at every stage we've advised them they shouldn't be doing it." Matt Easter, East Midlands regional director for cycling charity Sustrans, said: "From a cycling point of view I'm clearly disappointed. A closed-circuit track was a great opportunity for people to cycle and learn to ride a bike in a safe environment. Hopefully, this decision will not put the people of Derby off using their bikes. "I can see where the Derbyshire Wildlife Trust is coming from but I feel that this is a big missed opportunity for the city and cycling in the city. "There are potentially other sites that could be used but none that make as much sense as Pride Park. It would have added a great deal to the Derby arena and velodrome project and would have been something that local people would have perhaps used more readily than the velodrome itself. It's a great shame." TIMELINE OF CONTROVERSY PLANS for the cycle track on Pride Park had been controversial from the start: April 2011: The proposal was first revealed as part of the city council's strategy to improve Derby's sport and leisure facilities which would also see the construction of the multi-sport arena on Pride Park. May 2011: Fears first raised by Nick Moyes, who heads up the city's peregrine falcon project, that the development could encroach on The Sanctuary nature reserve, home to skylark, reed bunting and lapwing. March 2012: Council says it is looking at locating the track "around the edge of the reserve". July 2013: Early design goes on public display. Ex-world cycling champion Geoff Cooke says it will be another step towards Derby becoming the UK's "second city" for cycling. August 2013: Wildlife groups say the track plans could set a "dangerous precedent" as they would involve the city council becoming the first local authority to build on a nature reserve it created. November 2013: The council reveals its final design for the track, which would have less impact on the nature reserve than those revealed in July. January 2014: A coalition of 15 Derbyshire wildlife groups is formed to oppose the track. Chris Packham, star of Springwatch and The Really Wild Show, dubs the cycle track plans "vile vandalism". February 2014: The planning application for the track is narrowly passed by the council's planning committee. Work begins to clear the site. Derbyshire Wildlife Trust applies for an injunction to stop the work and a judge agrees to a short-term order which is later made permanent until legal wrangling is complete. Mrs Justice Lang says there is "a serious issue to be tried". It is revealed that 50% of the digging work needed on the site was already complete but the Trust said this had not affected the suitability of the site for ground-nesting birds.

Controversial cycle track for Pride Park is abandoned due to

A MASSIVE blaze left a huge plume of dense black smoke hanging across Derby earlier tonight. At one stage, the blaze on the roof of the Assembly Rooms car park saw flames shooting up to 30ft into the air. Fifteen fire engines, five with aerial platforms, tackled the blaze which broke out at 5.20pm and firefighters had brought it largely under control by 7.30pm however crews are still on standby at the scene.

The blaze was concentrated only the top floor of the car park, which contains air conditioning units for the Assembly Rooms. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue confirmed that the fire "looked to have started in the plant room" on top of the car park. Streets around the scene were sealed off and crowds of onlookers were pushed back to a safe distance by police as the fire took hold. The acrid smell of the smoke could be detected by drivers travelling along the A52 and across other areas of the city. Two shows at the Assembly Rooms, one featuring top dancer Anton Du Beke, were called off as the extent of the blaze and resulting disruption became apparent. Pete Meakin, Derby Live creative director, said: "It was fortunate it did not happen three hours later when the car park and the Assembly Rooms would be full of cars and people." Explosions were heard at the scene and at times 20ft fire tornados could be seen rolling along the edge of the building. spurting flames. Retired Bill Wicks, of Gregory's Way, Belper, said he had gone for a meal at Ask, in the Market Place, and was planning to go to Anton Du Beke: Ballroom to Broadway show afterwards. He said: "We had just ordered the meal and then we were told to evacuate the building. "We came out and smelt smoke, then saw flames. I was very concerned because I had parked my Mercedes a few floors down in the car park from the fire." His wife, Pauline, added: "The main thing is nobody is understood to be hurt and the car is insured. "We have been told we cannot get the car back until the morning." Water was pumped from the River Derwent by the firefighters, some of whom had come from neighbouring counties. At one point, fire fighters were moved back from the scene due to the ferocity of the flames. At one stage, the fire could be seen from all directions across the city including in Mickleover, Chaddesden and Spondon. A statement from Derby Live confirmed that the rest of the Assembly Rooms shows this weekend have now also been cancelled - on Saturday, Beyond the Barricade and on Sunday, Grimethorpe Colliery Band The Guildhall Theatre show – An Ideal Husband - has gone ahead tonight as planned, and is scheduled to go ahead tomorrow as well. At present there is still no access to the Assembly Rooms car park. A Derby Live spokesman said: "Ticket holders for cancelled events are being contacted by our box office team. We will issue a further update as soon as more information becomes available." Quad, in the Market Place, was also open as usual tonight. A statement from Derby City Council said The Assembly Rooms car park is currently closed and out of use following a major incident this evening. "If your car is in the Assembly Room car park, you will not be able to enter the car park this evening and will not be able to access your car. We are very sorry for this inconvenience. "The car park will be secured overnight, so your vehicle will be safe. "We hope that you will be able to access your car tomorrow from 12 noon. Please call our Carelink team to confirm the details on 01332 642 201. "If you incur expense as a direct result of your car being kept in the Assembly Rooms, then please keep a receipt and the council will reimburse you. "There will be no charge for your car being in the car park."

VIDEO: Derby Assembly Rooms fire latest news