'My hope is that someone takes a wrecking ball to it'

In the lead-up to Christmas we are visiting as many of our towns as possible. Each week we will feature the views of those who know their town the best. Our reporters will delve into the issues people face and explore their hopes for a new year. Today

- Sophie Fagone Buscimese

WHILE some towns look enthusiastically towards Christmas and the new year, the hopes of Long Eaton’s residents are not as high.

Despite multiple initiatives planned for the town’s improvements in 2026, residents and businesses have said they do not believe the future is bright for the town on the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire border.

“My hope for 2026 is that someone takes a wrecking ball to Long Eaton,” said pub manager Luke Saunders. “Long Eaton is dead.”