Teen tipplers face booze test

Police are clamping down on drunken yobs in the Peak District over the festive season by arming patrols with booze-testing kits.

Derbyshire Dales and High Peak beat bobbies and police community support officers will be targeting youngsters' favourite street hang-outs to test anyone suspected of underage drinking in public.

Insp Tony Dales said: "We're concerned about youngsters lacing their own soft drinks and cans of pop with alcohol and the effects this can have on causing anti-social behaviour and disturbances over the festive season.

"So these special testing kits will help police easily identify any potential problems and allow officers to discuss any findings with parents or any off-licences which may have illegally sold alcohol to an under-age drinker."

The kits include special strips of white card which can be inserted into suspect drinks and if there are any traces of alcohol the strip will change colour.

Strips which turn green indicate a small trace of alcohol present, blue indicates a larger amount and brown indicates an excessive amount of booze which may warrant serious action.

Police will have the right to confiscate or dispose any laced drinks, make arrests for any related public order offences and make arrangements to contact parents or off-licences to establish how the youngsters concerned obtained alcohol.

Insp Dales added: "We're urging mums and dads to be vigilant because some youngsters may raid cabinets over Christmas and take alcohol with them and we aim to talk to parents of any youngsters found to have been under-age drinking."

Police hope the patrols and tests will also deter youngsters from under-age boozing on street corners.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-30 15:38:25

Resident's fears over 24-hour drinking bid

Plans to turn two youth hostels into 24-hour drinking premises have concerned residents, who say it could increase problems with noise in their quiet villages.

The Youth Hostel Association has applied for the new licences for their buildings in Fountain Square, Youlgreave, and Hawkhill Road, in Eyam.

But residents have objected to the plans because they are worried it will encourage more people to party until the early hours of the morning.

Steven Newhouse, who lives next door to the youth hostel in Fountain Square, said: “Naturally we are very concerned that the proposed regular noise, drinking and music between 11pm and 5am will affect our sleep.”

He added that he was concerned about the extension of hours as people may spill out on to the forecourt of the hostel, which is below his bedroom window.

He said: “We support the YHA but not this proposed extension of noise all night long.”

Other concerns which have been raised include more people spending time outside smoking late into the night.

Youlgreave Youth Hostel currently sells alcohol between 11am and 11pm Monday to Saturday and from midday to 10.30pm on Sundays.

It is already allowed to put on entertainment or late night refreshments.

Eyam Youth Hostel has a licence to sell alcohol between 11am and midnight Monday to Saturday and from Midday to 11.30pm on Sundays.

The new licence would permit 24-hour drinking, with a restriction that no activities would be provided between 11pm and 10am other than for residents and guest.

The application has been made to Derbyshire Dales District Council as part of a change to all youth hostels owned by the association.

It is hoped a new licence will allow them to stage events with live music and dancing and to put themselves forward as venues for private parties.

A decision on both of the applications was due to be made at meeting of the licensing sub-committee yesterday.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-30 15:35:40

Derby City Parking Costs Going Up

The cost of car parking is set to rise across Derby City Council car parks.

Prices for pay and display, on-street and multi-storey parking will go up by about nine per cent but some will soar by 25 per cent.

Changes in the daytime tariffs will be introduced to car parks and pay and display car parks will have their evening tariffs changed.

The cheaper evening rate in these car parks currently starts at 6pm, but under the new parking charges, people would pay the daytime rate until 8pm, after which parking would be free.

Free parking at on-street sites controlled by pay and display machines would also only apply after 8pm, instead of after 6pm as it currently does.

The changes have been agreed by the council's cabinet and will come in from January.

Councillor Ranjit Banwait, cabinet member for transportation and highways, said the changes would make parking charges more consistent.

"We have not increased charges for nearly two years," he said.

"This is about rationalising the parking tariffs. We got a lot of feedback saying the two different tariffs were confusing so this should alleviate that."

The new pay and display bays will be created around Keble Close, Sidney Street and Barlow Street, near Derbyshire Royal Infirmary and aim to control parking in areas where there are currently no restrictions.

Others will be created in the Bridge Street, Great Northern Road, City Hospital, Littleover district centre and Vernon Street areas.

On-street parking will go up 10p to £1.40 an hour and motorists will be charged until 8pm rather than the present 6pm.

At the short stay car parks in Ford Street, Little City, Liversage Street, Sacheverel Street and Wilmot Street, the cost of an hour's parking will go from £1.10 to £1.20.

People will be charged to park there until 8pm on the usual day rate but the previous evening charge of 80p has been scrapped.

Multi-storey car parks will still have different daytime and evening rates but their prices will also go up.

For example, the cost of parking for two hours at Chapel Street will go up from £1.60 to £1.70.

The changes are expected to bring the council £357,000 in a year. Parking attendants will cover the later operating times.

Talk about the slow death of a city centre. Congestion charges, buses that can not afford to subsidise OAPs and now this.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-30 14:47:17

Last Act at the Playhouse

Derby Playhouse defied the liquidators to stage a final performance last night - only hours after being told to close its doors for good.

At 3pm yesterday, the board of trustees took the theatre into voluntary liquidation after a last-ditch rescue package, which had seen the Playhouse's joint artistic director, Stephen Edwards, offer £282,000 of his own cash to save the theatre, had been rejected.



But despite being told that they no longer had jobs, the entire cast, crew and staff at the Playhouse defied orders to shut up shop and staged one last, emotional performance of their Christmas show, Treasure Island.

After the show, the Playhouse's chief executive, Karen Hebden, urged the people of Derby to take up the fight to keep a theatre in the city.

And former Playhouse chairman Jonathan Powers revealed that Mr Edwards had put £70,000 of his own cash into the theatre at the last moment - £40,000 of which will pay staff wages.

The board of trustees had not wanted last night's performance to take place but secretary Roger Patten said: "The performance was not authorised by the board but we couldn't take any action practically to stop it."

So, more than 500 theatre-goers, some with tickets, many without, some sitting or standing in the aisles, saw Derbyshire actor Ben Roberts and Playhouse favourite Glyn Kerslake lead the cast in a final rousing performance.

It received a standing ovation and afterwards the entire staff joined the cast on stage, along with three former chairmen of the board, Mr Edwards and Ms Hebden.

Ms Hebden said: "This performance took place against the wishes of the board of trustees. Stephen and I have been fighting for the survival of this theatre since 2002. This theatre does not deserve to close.

"We have done all we can but tonight we are handing over the fight to you, the people of Derby. We are asking, you, your friends, your family, your colleagues to ask the city council what are they going to do? On behalf of everybody on this stage I have to say we don't deserve it, you don't deserve it. The fight now is yours."

Chris Sabian,Peak District View - 2007-11-30 14:28:56

Matlock gets ready for a fun weekend

Matlock's popular Victorian Market returns this weekend for three full days of festive delights.
Hall Leys Park is set to become the focal point for the Christmas celebration which will include entertainment, stalls, a children’s reindeer ride and a magnificent firework finale.

The market’s coolest attraction yet is an artificial ice rink will be open to the public.

Around 200 stalls including continental, crafts, traditional English and farmers markets will be available to purchase seasonal gifts.

BBC Radio Derby presenter and Matlock Bath resident, Aleena Naylor, will be switching-on Matlock's Christmas Lights on Saturday afternoon, when she will ride through the streets of Matlock in a horse drawn carriage provided by the Red House Stables of Darley Dale, along with Father Christmas.

The Christmas weekend and market takes place from tomorrow until Sunday. The lights will be switched on the Christmas from the bandstand in Hall Leys Park at 4.30 pm

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 16:17:00

New chapter for district's lost landmarks

Lost buildings in the Peak District have been brought back to life in a new book.

Author Lindsey Porter has put together the publication consisting of 228 photographs and drawings of buildings around Matlock which have been demolished or altered, including Matlock Bath station, Bakewell cinema and Carsington windmill.

Buildings which have changed use such as Matlock cinema are also included.

The book records the factories, pubs and large country houses which have quietly disappeared into the landscape and magnificent lost hotels such as The Royal at Matlock Bath, reflecting a demand lost during the Great War.

Local historian Lindsey hopes his book will stimulate more research and highlight what else could be lost if we are not careful.

He said: "I started to think about the changes in the Peak District and about how many buildings had been lost and I decided to bring the collection together.

"As a historian I am interested in not only where we have come from but what we have left behind for future generations. It is quite interesting to see the comparisons and sow seeds in people's minds when we talk about whether buildings should be pulled down."

Lindsey said he was interested in how many buildings had been used for other purposes.

He added: "They show how buildings contribute to the history of the area. Things move on and we have to accept that but we ought to decide whether we are going to keep them or let them go for a new development because once they are gone they are gone forever."

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 16:09:35

Work on track for station revamp

Work is set to begin on Cromford's derelict railway station as part of a £263,000 revamp.

The Arkwright Society has had the go ahead to start alterations next week to turn the listed building into office space.

The condition of the 'at risk' building – which was last used as a scout hostel – has declined over the past two decades prompting the society to act and restore it.

Director Dr Christopher Charlton said the regeneration work, which is expected to take about a year, marked a huge step forward for the project, after it has been tied up with funding negotiations since January.

He said: "There is a lot to do. We will return the lay out of the station to its original features.

"We are very concerned to use original materials and essentially put it back to use in its traditional form."

He added that a new floor would need to be laid as well as repairing serious problems with parts of the roof, where stone had been pushed out of place.

The building will initially be used as office space then as a world heritage site portal, housing exhibitions and information for visitors arriving by train.

The plans will help meet Derwent Valley Rural Transport aims to regenerate local stations on the Derwent Valley Line between Matlock and Derby.

Dr Charlton, said: "It seems an ideal project. We are saving a piece of otherwise deteriorating world heritage and also creating jobs, new opportunities with office space and heritage regeneration."

The society secured significant funding from Railways Heritage Trust, hired architects and commissioned a study of how the building could be used.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 16:08:17

Store powers in to boost wind energy

A top outdoor shop in the Peak District has signed up to a green power scheme to boost funding for wind power.

The Outside shop in Hathersage has joined 24 major retailers making an eco-conscious choice to support wind power.

The store will be investing in renewable power by donating money for every unit of energy it uses to fund more wind farms and pay for them to be run.

Climbing brand PrAna, which is sold at Outside, is expanding the wind power initiative.

It is working with stores to look at new ways to use sustainable materials and practices in their work and reduce the impact on soils, water supplies and other natural resources.

PrAna became an ambassador for wind generated power and as a member of the Organic Trade Association, is continually increasing the use of organic cotton, as well as sourcing other natural fibers and recycled materials.

Outside Director, Fran Beardon, said: “As a retailer of outdoor products with a business in the Peak District we are very much in favour of supporting the environment.

“Most of our customers and staff enjoy making use of the valuable resources this area has to offer and this is a way we can make a positive impact.

Fran said that Outside would give an audit of their electrical consumption for the year to PrAna and they would offset it with wind power to the same amount.

He added: “It is about building awareness of ways we can reduce our carbon footprint.”

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 16:06:56

Flats scheme for closed youth hostel in Matlock

A Derbyshire youth hostel could be converted to flats.

Stuart Brock has submitted an application to convert Matlock Youth Hostel, in Bank Road, into 10 homes.

The hostel is in the process of closing after it was sold last month.

Because of the extensive investment required to modernise the 19th-century building, the Youth Hostel Association said it was no longer worth the expense.

The application seeks to convert and extend the existing building into seven new apartments and also build a smaller building on the site, in which three further flats will be created.

The plans include 11 parking spaces, but residents raised concerns this will not be enough.

Officers at Derbyshire Dales District Council have recommended that the planning committee approves the application when it meets at Matlock Town Hall on Tuesday at 6pm.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 15:46:11

Breaking news, 3.10pm: Playhouse closes doors

Derby Playhouse closed its doors at 3.01pm today amid fears surrounding its finances.

It is not yet known whether or not the performance of Treasure Island will go ahead tonight.

The closure follows a week of speculation about whether or not the theatre would go into liquidation.

More news and reaction to follow.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 15:40:41

Rescue bid for theatre rejected

The Derby Playhouse board has rejected a £282,000 loan offer from its joint artistic director, Stephen Edwards.

The loan was designed to save the cash-strapped theatre from closure - but, for the time being, the "show goes on".

After nine hours of talks over two days, the board of trustees last night finally rejected a rescue package from Mr Edwards that was designed to see the theatre through a "short-term cash crisis".

Acting chairman of the board Richard Hill said: "The board has made no decisions other than to reject Stephen Edwards' extraordinarily generous offer, owing to Derby City Council's objection to the loan being secured against the theatre's lease.

"I plan to meet with the executive of the theatre to discuss options on going forward."

Despite the rejection of the interest-free loan offer, Playhouse chief executive Karen Hebden said: "We look forward to a busy press night for Treasure Island tonight. And it's been encouraging that, following speculation about our future, so many people have chosen to show their support by buying tickets for our Christmas production.

"Many have also called to express concern that their theatre is in danger and to ask how they can help."

Mr Edwards said: "My lawyers and I can see no reason why there can be any objections by the trustees to securing the loan against the lease. The impression I got was that was the only stumbling block. I'm slightly bemused.

"I can see no legal reason why they can't do it, so I'm hoping I can sit down with Richard Hill and he can explain where we're at.

"My door is open and it will remain open. I hope we can still go forward with this. The most important thing is to keep this theatre rolling come what may.

"The theatre was in a much worse position than this when we took over (five years ago). The situation for theatres is always fragile - the important thing is to keep it going.

"We appreciate that the demands on the public purse are always getting harder and arts funding by local authorities is discretionary.

"It's our long-term ambition to set up some kind of endowment facility to make the theatre independent of public funding - because we're all looking down a tunnel of diminishing grants for the arts."

Ms Hebden said that she hoped that the meeting with Mr Hill would help find "a short-term solution until either Mr Edwards' rescue package was accepted or an alternative is found".

She intends to speak directly to the Playhouse audience tonight asking for support.

She said: "The theatre is a national asset. The people of Derby care about it passionately and have continually proved that to us, but it's also part of national theatre culture.

"In the same way as we've spoken to staff here and to the cast and crew of Treasure Island, I think the audiences deserve to hear from us.

"People think they can't do anything but they can do a lot - buy tickets, spend money here and tell the council how important it is to them.

"If they do, then this theatre will still be here. Even small gestures will help."

The city council is one of the Playhouse's two major stakeholders.

Mr Edwards came up with his rescue plan after failing to agree a deal with Derby City Council to bring forward grant funding.

The Playhouse had asked for £140,000 from the Arts Council and the city council to see it through a cash crisis. The Arts Council agreed to make an advance but the council refused.

Clearly councillors are not theatre goers.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 15:38:26

New Report to Protect Derbyshire's Historic Lead Mineshafts

A new report which will help to ensure that Derbyshire's important lead mining history, wildlife and archaeology are protected and secured for future generations was launched on November 28 2007.

'The Guide to Good Practice for the Treatment of Disused Lead Mine Shafts' is a collaborative project produced by English Heritage, Derbyshire County Council, Natural England, Peak District National Park Authority, emda, Derbyshire Caving Association and other key stakeholders.

It is the first report of its type in the country and provides practical advice for landowners, engineers, conservationists and cavers.

Lead has been mined in Derbyshire and the Peak District since at least Roman times and the industry was at its height in the 17th and 18th centuries when the area played a large part in making Britain the largest producer of lead in Europe.

It is thought there are now up to 50,000 disused mine shafts which need to be secured to ensure the safety of people, livestock and other animals – such as rare species of bat, whilst also protecting the archaeological, ecological, geological landscape and recreational value of the shafts.

"Like documents in the landscape, mine shafts hold important clues to the mining techniques of the past and are vital means of access to mines and caves,” explained Jon Humble, English Heritage Inspector of Ancient Monuments.

“Much of this underground world has yet to be explored and read for its archaeological, ecological and geological significance. By treating and maintaining shafts in a sympathetic way we can ensure their remarkable history is secured for many more generations to explore and enjoy."

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 15:14:11

Jewell in the Rams Crown

New Derby County manager Paul Jewell insisted he would not "wave the white flag" in the club's battle with relegation - but accepts he faces one of the toughest challenges of his career.

Jewell, who left his job as Wigan manager after keeping them up on the final day of last season, was unveiled this morning as Billy Davies's replacement and his first task is to get the Rams off the bottom of the Barclays Premier League.

But despite the side's perilous situation, Jewell insists a first-time return to the Coca-Cola Championship is not a foregone conclusion.

Asked if he could keep the side up this season, he said: "Absolutely. If I don't believe it, if the players don't believe it, if the fans don't believe it we have no chance.

"It's going to be very difficult but I'm not here to wave the white flag. We're not adrift."

"I've taken time out of football to reflect on how I can get better. That time has not just been spent playing golf, I've done a lot of travelling and watched a lot of football.

"We're in a struggling situation but all is not lost and I'm here for the long term to try and get the club strong and upward and in the right direction.

"Every challenge is a big challenge - be it Bradford, Sheffield Wednesday or Wigan but this one really excites me.

"There is a lot of history in this football club but the history doesn't count for a lot these days. I think we can move the club forward."

Jewell insisted he had never had contact with chairman Adam Pearson before a phone call yesterday and was clear that nothing definite had yet been discussed regarding transfers.

That was a major bone of contention during the Davies era but Jewell is wary of overspending in the next transfer window.

"The chairman called me yesterday. It was the first time I've spoken to him ever - despite what people might think.

"People always ask about money but we want to move forward, there will be money available if and when we want to strengthen.

"People talk about the January window but you have to be careful about who you bring in.

"I've watched a lot of matches and there's players I'd like to bring in if and when it is possible.

"Let January look after itself, we're looking now to Sunderland (on Saturday)."

But with the players on a day off today, Jewell will have to wait until tomorrow to work with his new squad.

Jewell added: "I'm looking forward to getting on the training pitch again. Sunderland's another game, a very crucial six-pointer if you like."

Jewell claimed all of the current Derby players would be given an even chance to impress.

He said: "You are starting with a clean piece of paper and it's up to you to prove you are good enough to be in the team.

"As long as players give me 100 per cent, there won't be a problem."

Pearson claimed Jewell was the best candidate to replace Davies.

"Paul is a stand-out candidate with regard to managerial experience in both the Premier League and the Championship," he added.

"But it's the Premier League where we are now and I couldn't think of a better man to lead us into battle. We are delighted Paul is with us to face Sunderland."

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-28 13:58:52

Blaze at Hall

About 50 firefighters spent more than five hours tackling a blaze at an historic home in north Derbyshire.

The fire started at Whitwell Hall, near Bolsover, at 10.30pm on Sunday.

Eight crews, including one from Ripley fire station, finally got the flames under control at 3.45am.

No-one was hurt but the fire caused extensive damage to the Elizabethan property's first floor and roof.

Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service has launched an investigation into the cause.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-27 15:32:02

Hundreds of pupils greeted the Earl of Wessex when he visited Repton School today. Attendance was compulsory.

Prince Edward was there to help the school celebrate its 450th anniversary by opening a new art gallery and watching an outdoor display of Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme activities.

Youngsters from St Wystan's School, Repton Primary School and Foremarke Hall were among those waiting to greet the Prince.

His visit comes 50 years after one made by his mother, the Queen, to celebrate the 400th anniversary.

Head teacher Robert Holroyd said: "The school is honoured to receive the Earl of Wessex. We want to give him a glimpse of life at Repton School in the 21st century."

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-27 15:24:11

Phone mast guidelines

All phone masts erected in Britain must meet national and international safety guidelines and, according to the Government, do not pose a risk to health.

The World Health Organisation also concluded in a fact sheet published in May 2006 that there was no "convincing scientific evidence that the weak signals from base stations and wireless networks cause adverse health effects."

A National Radiological Protection Board report in January 2005 also said: "Exposure to low-level radio frequency fields may cause a variety of subtle biological effects on cells, animals or human, particularly on brain activity during sleep, but the possibility of exposure causing adverse health effects remains unproven."

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-26 14:56:21

Fears that new hotel will spoil city skyline

Concerns have been raised about the height of a new hotel planned for the centre of Derby.

Eighteen letters of objection have been received by Derby City Council about the plans for an 11-storey Jury's Inn on the former Bridgegate BMW site in King Street.

The 226-bedroom hotel will be 117ft tall, the same height as the nearby St Mary's Church but less than the 212ft Derby Cathedral.

The £25m development includes a casino, bar, restaurant and 89 apartments, which some objectors say could lead to noise problems.

Despite the concerns the scheme is being recommended for approval by planning officers, who say it will "contribute to the skyline between, rather than conflict with" the church towers. The planning report says local residents would not be unduly affected.

Chris Hoben, who lives in nearby St Mary's Court, has suggested delaying a decision on planning permission so more consultation can take place.

He said: "The proposed development is not in keeping with the area and of particular concern is the proposal to build a casino close to places of worship. The hotel is simply too tall where it is situated."

Robert Asham, of Arthur Street, also felt it would be out of keeping. He said: "Standing at the northern gateway to the city centre, it will dominate two of the key structures in the area, St Mary's and Derby Cathedral.

"From the Strutt's Park area, the skyline will be completely altered and the current feature of the two church towers will be lost."

These concerns are echoed by the city's conservation area advisory committee, which said the proposal would be an over-intensive development and of poor quality design.

Several objectors are also worried about car parking as only 65 spaces for residents have been planned.

The application will be considered at Thursday's meeting of the city's planning control committee, in the Council House, Derby, from 6pm.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-26 14:52:25

Council scare mongering to justify congestion charge

Derby City Council is preparing to make a crucial decision - to either bid for £200m to slash traffic jams but commit commuters to congestion charging, or not to bid and face road chaos.

It is the year 2021 and your alarm goes off for work. You have to be in the city centre for 8.30am meaning you have to set off from home at 7.30am.

Back in 2007, you could leave at 8am to do the same journey but now endless traffic jams have added half an hour to the tedious daily to and fro.

That is the scenario facing commuters in 14 years' time - an extra 30 minutes on their journey time.

Why? Because the amount of traffic on the roads will have increased by 16 per cent on today's figures.

That would see another 23,000 or so vehicles on our roads, and a rise of 20 per cent in the number of car journeys made.

Derby has the fastest growing traffic levels, in percentage terms, in the UK.

The effect will be that the average delay to a journey caused by traffic congestion at peak times within the city boundary will treble from the existing 10 minutes to 30 minutes.

The worrying statistics quoted here have been produced by a complex traffic model created for the city.

In working out the dilemma facing transport planners, the model took into account the number of homes which are likely to be built in the next 14 years and any road changes that might occur - such as completion of an inner ring road.

The model was then used to predict the choices people were likely to make if the current levels of improvement to roads and bus services were to be maintained.

The results send a clear message: Travellers will stick to using cars and being stuck in traffic because public transport will not be up to scratch.

But inconvenience is not the only concern - there is a real price to be paid for the reality of city congestion.

In July, a report commissioned by East Midlands Development Agency revealed that congestion on Derby's roads was costing the city more than £45m a year.

In particular, the report highlighted the impact that major congestion at junctions of the A38 into Derby and the A52 west of Nottingham was having.

With more cars on the roads and the extra delays predicted, Derby City Council is expecting that cost penalty could double by 2021.

Ranjit Banwait, cabinet member for planning and highways at Derby City Council, said: "Our roads are our lifeblood, it is how we get from A to B and our economy runs on our roads, whether it is getting goods into the city, or getting people in to spend money or work.

"All the trends suggest to us that congestion is going to put a cap on our earning potential as a city if our traffic is stuck in jams."

Something much bigger and better is needed to tackle the transport crisis.

That is why the city council is looking at radical plans for transforming metropolitan public transport.

Its plans include dedicated bus lanes alongside existing roads instead of within them; four new park-and-ride schemes, free shuttle buses around the city and a bus service from Mickleover into the city centre along the same route as the former Mick-Mack railway line.

But with much bigger schemes come larger price tags. The cost of the work Derby City Council would like to carry out on top of its normal roadworks means it wants Government cash to the tune of £200m.

If they got it, it would make it necessary for the council to introduce some form of charging for congestion.

Mr Banwait said while it might be a sensitive issue, it was one the council would have to tackle.

"It will be unacceptable if we just leave congestion as it is and carry on as we are."

Let us look at another scenario for 2021 under the present Government. Global warming will have caused all the land to be flooded so we will have to go to work in a boat. Except that as things get more expensive, more companies will go bust, more people will be unemployed, more office buildings and warehouses will be vacant, so there will be no point going to the city.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-20 14:49:57

Mother of All Storms to hit this Christmas

TORNADOES and thunderstorms are set to batter Britain at Christmas.

The worst weather is forecast to hit on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, leading to appalling road conditions for those travelling to be with family and friends.

Two inches of rain in a single day could see floods across Britain, and stormy seas could breach defences along the west coast, a forecaster said.

An earlier storm, on December 5 or 6, could also see flooding in coastal areas.

Piers Corbyn of independent forecaster Weather Action said: “The storms are serious – preparations should be made.”

MeteoGroup UK forecaster Michael Dukes agreed storms are likely over the festive period.

He said: “The weather will be dominated by western Atlantic systems rather than from the continent. We will see more storms than cold snaps.”

But he added: “It’s impossible at this stage to forecast for Christmas using conventional science.”

A stormy spell set to hit Britain this weekend was forecast last month by Mr Corbyn.

Wet and windy weather will cross the country from the north-west during Saturday, the Met Office confirmed, with winds set to reach gale force in the far north. All areas will see heavy rain and strong winds.

Met Office spokesman Dave Britton said: “Winds could reach 50mph, and it will stay unsettled into next week.”

Britain was on flood alert last night as heavy rain and snow caused river levels to rise. And more serious warnings could be on the way after showers today.

The Trent in Derbyshire was at risk.

The Environment Agency said: “Because of heavy rain and forecasts of more rain to come, we could see more flood watches and even warnings issued.”

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-20 14:31:53

Sanctuary to save white-clawed crayfish from extinction

Chesterfield has become the site of Derbyshire's first sanctuary for white-clawed crayfish, set up in a bid to save the creature from extinction.

The white-clawed crayfish, Austropotamobius pallipes, is under threat throughout Europe, and in England its decline has been accelerated by the introduction of signal crayfish from North America.

Just as the grey squirrel was bad news for our native red squirrels, signal crayfish are bigger, more aggressive and carry diseases that our native crayfish have no immunity against. In Derbyshire, the numbers of white-clawed crayfish have been declining as the signal crayfish spreads north.

Alarmed by this situation, Chesterfield Borough Council joined forces with the Environment Agency and Natural England to establish a crayfish sanctuary in one of the Borough's country parks.

"It has recently become increasingly clear to conservationists that our native white-clawed crayfish could only survive in complete isolation away from the invading signal crayfish", said the Borough's sustainability officer, Nichola Baker.

"As a consequence, isolated lakes and reservoirs now offer our native crayfish the best chance of long-term survival.
"Last year, the Borough Council commissioned a survey of crayfish in the Borough with the specific aim of finding our remaining populations of native crayfish and identifying potential sanctuaries.

"We discovered that white-clawed crayfish had disappeared from the River Hipper, possibly because of an outbreak of crayfish plague.

"The report recommended several locations which might have made suitable sanctuaries, but in the end only one country park had all the creature comforts required."

After a summer of hard work and preparation, a team of Rangers released 70 white-clawed crayfish into their new Chesterfield home during the last week in October.

"We hope these pioneers will boldly go where no crayfish has gone before, find a nice stone to hide under, and have lots of babies in the spring!" said Nichola.

"But this isn’t the end of the hard work! The crayfish will need careful monitoring for several years, and further habitat creation will take place over the next two to three years to accommodate their, hopefully, expanding numbers."

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-20 14:26:01

Plans unveiled for two eco-towns

Up to 12,000 homes may be built in the East Midlands under plans for two so-called eco-towns.

Developers want to put almost 6,000 homes at Grovewood in South Derbyshire, and a similar number at New Kingston near Gotham in Nottinghamshire.

They said the settlements, which would produce much of their own power, would benefit from nearby transport links and an improved jobs market.

But objectors claim building on green belt was not environmentally sound.

The government has said it wants to build ten carbon-neutral towns of 5,000 to 20,000 houses across England.

Spokesman David Gosling, of Banks Developments, who are behind the latest scheme, said the locations were very suitable.

"The reasons why we think these are good sites is that they are close to where jobs are being created around East Midlands Airport.

"It is close to the M1 and close to where a new railway station is going to be built."

Some residents of New Kingston said the area would be overwhelmed by the development and the design of the homes did not fit in.

While the developers said the energy efficient homes could be up to 20% more expensive to build, around 30% would still be allocated in the affordable homes category.

About 50 applications have already been submitted nationally including a 20,000 house town near Leicester.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-20 14:24:08

Kedleston Hall Stroll

An opportunity to walk around the six-mile boundary of Kedleston Hall is being offered on Sunday.

The walk will start from the hall's main car park at 9.30am and aims to finish in the restaurant at 1pm with soup and sandwiches.

Tickets cost £15 and can be booked by calling Derby 842191. Places on the walk are limited.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-20 14:21:27

Speed Cameras

Derbyshire Safety Camera Team has revealed the locations of its mobile speed cameras for the next week.

They include Ripley Road, Heage; Stenson Road, Derby; B600 Somercotes; A52 Ashbourne Road, Derby; A516 Uttoxeter Road, Derby; Wiltshire Road, Chaddesden; A608 Smalley; A6 London Road; A616 Creswell; Castle Road, Church Gresley; A616 Clowne; A52 east of Brailsford; A6 Doveholes; A6 Bakewell; A6 Newtown; A514 Swadlincote; B6052 Whittington; B6179 Lower Kilburn to Little Eaton; A623 Stoney Middleton; A514 Ticknall; and Kedleston Road, Derby.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-20 14:20:35

Votes needed to save wood

People are being urged to vote on whether a piece of Derbyshire countryside wins vital funding.

Midland Railway Trust has applied for £80,000 to develop a piece of woodland in Newlands Road, Golden Valley.

The trust wants to build a footbridge over the railway and create footpaths through the area.

But to win the National Lottery funding, the project must first face the public vote.

Next Tuesday, ITV's Central East News will give people the chance to vote by announcing a telephone number on air at 9am.

Voting will take place until midnight and the number will also appear on the trust's website -
>www.midlandrailwaycen tre.co.uk - when it is announced.

Alan Calladine, trust development officer, said: "Without votes we will not be able to save this great piece of countryside for everyone to enjoy."

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-20 14:17:21

Hall's not well in city park as talks drag on over its restoration

Conservation campaigners are angry that an historic country house has been allowed to fall into a state of disrepair.

For more than four years, Derby City Council, English Heritage and developer Prime Holdings have been trying to reach an agreement over the future of Allestree Hall.

The hall lies in Allestree Park and members of the Friends of Allestree Park group are now demanding that the three organisations come to a final solution.

The group claims that the building has been left to deteriorate badly.

Alex Kilpatrick, chairman of the group, said: "The council has just let it rot. Something needs to be done before it falls apart."

The 74-year-old said that, even though the hall still had many of its original features, including a grand staircase, pillars, high ceilings and wooden beams, it was in a bad state of repair.

He said the floorboards were rotting and that plaster was coming off the walls.

The Grade II*-listed building has been empty since the 1980s, apart from one section which is occupied by Allestree Golf Club.

A 299-year lease for the house was put up for sale by the council in 1998, which said it could not afford to pay £1.5m for extensive repairs.

Prime Holdings was identified as the council's preferred developers and, in 2003, it was reported that the Derby firm was set to sign a deal with the council to build flats, offices, a restaurant and conference centre at the hall.

Four years on, the council is still in talks with the firm and English Heritage.

The Friends say they do not want to see the hall turned into flats and are angry that they have not been consulted about the plans.

Mr Kilpatrick, of Rockingham Close, Allestree, said: "We have been kept in the dark. No-one has been consulted as far as I am aware.

"We are interested in the future of the park and we should have been informed.

"I would like to think that we could have some form of input into what happens to the hall before it falls apart."

He said the group would rather see the hall turned into a nature museum.

Steve Meynell, the council's chief estates officer, said that he did not know when an agreement would be reached on the future of the hall.

He said that no formal plans had been submitted because the three organisations were still negotiating about any new buildings that would be created as part of the development.

Mr Meynell said that talks could not move forward until an agreement on this issue had been reached.

No-one was available to comment from Milner Associates, which is acting on behalf of Prime Holdings, or English Heritage.

Sounds like another Elvaston Castle scenario to me!

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-20 14:05:20

Police Deter Shoplifters with Life-Sized Cardboard Cut-Outs

Holiday shopping means increased shoppers, and also an increased incidence of shoplifting. In the U.K., Derbyshire police are deploying 10 life-sized cardboard cutouts of a policewoman in the Peak District to deter criminals.

They indicated that the deployment of the cut-outs does not indicate a reduction in force. According to Pc Anna Gaskill, model for the cut-outs, "We have plenty of police officers out there. It is just an extra deterrent." The cut-outs cost about £100.

The program is modeled after one already used in the Amber Valley area. Just one problem with the whole idea: in the Amber Valley program, one of the cut-outs was stolen.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-19 12:56:59

Export block gives hope

Culture Minister, Margaret Hodge, has placed a temporary export bar on a ledger kept by a seventeenth century lead merchant in the Peak District. This will provide a last chance to raise the money to keep this fascinating insight into an important entrepreneurial trade in the United Kingdom. The Minister’s ruling follows a recommendation by the Reviewing Committee on the Export of Works of Art and Objects of Cultural Interest, administered by the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-19 12:55:07

£2 charge to drive into city

City council chiefs have revealed details of how a congestion charge might work - and the £200m investment it could bring to Derby.

The council is looking at charging people £2 to drive into the city at morning rush hour.

A virtual line would be drawn around the city boundary and vehicles that cross it between 7am and 9am would have to pay.

Ministers have told councils that they must impose some form of congestion charge if they want a slice of a £1.4bn pot of Government cash to improve public transport and roads.

City council leader Chris Williamson said that the council's hands were tied because it desperately wanted about £200m to sort out traffic jams in Derby before they got out of control.

"The aim is that the quality of the alternatives on offer would be such that it would free up enough road space that people who had no viable alternative to using their car would actually be getting value for their £2 into the city because they would have clearer roads," said Mr Williamson.

The council is also considering a range of exemptions from the charge, such as for Hackney carriage drivers and disabled people.

There would be no charge for drivers leaving the city or driving outside the peak morning period or at weekends.

The charge could also be suspended during school holidays, when traffic was lighter.

Mr Williamson said: "If we do bid for this cash and we get it, we will be committed to introducing a charge but that charge would only come in once we have used the money to improve public transport by creating new park-and-ride schemes, a dedicated bus way and bus routes into the city.

"That means that there is unlikely to be any charge at all until around 2018 or 2019 and even then it would only be for a couple of pounds."

Mr Williamson has said previously that, if congestion charging was introduced in the city, Derby residents would not have to pay.

The details of how and when people would pay and the exact location of the city boundary are still being looked at but it is likely people would buy permits in advance of their journey at discounted rates, online or through retailers in the city.

The council must decide in the spring whether to submit the bid for the Government money and subsequently commit to congestion charging.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-19 12:48:45

Christmas at Chatsworth

This Christmas at Chatsworth promises to be the most colourful and atmospheric yet as Derbyshire's treasure house is brilliantly transformed in a rich display of colours and lights.

The historic rooms and their treasures are enhanced with seasonal decorations 'with a twist' – from the sparkle of candles against spectacular drops of silver plates and the vivid red decorations on the huge Christmas tree to the colossal historic crystal at the heart of a giant kaleidoscope, this will be a unique experience.

In a new collaboration, the table of the magnificent dining room will be laid with outstanding examples of contemporary silver, lent by the Sheffield Assay Office as part of the first ever 'Galvanise' festival, a celebration of contemporary metal design in Sheffield.

Throughout November and December, the farmyard and adventure playground also has a packed programme of seasonal activities and entertainment, with live music from the best regional choirs and bands, as well as family nativity performances during December.

Together with superb shopping, exclusive evening openings and gourmet evenings, Chatsworth is certainly the place to visit for a spectacular Christmas.

More Info at www.chatsworth.org

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-17 14:38:59

Clean and green? Then let it be seen

Eco-friendly Peak District businesses can learn how to shout about their environmental credentials at a free “Green Marketing” workshop on Tuesday November 27.

The workshop will show businesspeople how to maximise their marketing through their support for the Peak District environment and local produce.

Peak District Environmental Quality Mark officer Faith Johnson, who organised the workshop, said: “The special Peak District environment can be a real business asset. If you’re helping protect this environment, then you should shout about it.

“Communicating your green credentials can make all the difference to gaining customer loyalty, repeat business and attracting new clients.”

The Peak District Environmental Quality Mark (EQM) certifies a business’s high environmental standards, and is already used by many businesses to boost their publicity. The distinctive EQM logo can be used in all their advertising, and shops, farms, holiday accommodation providers and craft- producers all over the Peak District now proudly display the EQM sign.

The workshop will include a presentation by Kate Grubb, who runs Eco-Cabins of Shropshire, and already boosts her marketing campaigns by highlighting use of renewable energy, local produce, recycling and ecological building design.

There will also be a presentation about the EQM, and a session on marketing actions people can take for their business. A buffet-lunch of Peak District National Park-produced foods is included.

The workshop is from 11am to 2.30pm on November 27 at the Farming Life Centre, Blackwell Hall Farm, near Taddington, SK17 9TQ.

Places are free and limited to one per business, but there will be a non-attendance fee of £15. The workshop is funded by the Peak District Rural Pathfinder programme.

To book, contact Julie White on 07971 666474 or e-mail julie@juliew.co.uk

To find out more about the Environmental Quality Mark, go to www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/eqm

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-17 14:35:46

Parishes focus on National Park planning

Parish councillors from all over the Peak District National Park have a deeper understanding of planning issues following a one-day training session led by national park planners.

The councillors, who have a key consultative role in national park planning applications, wanted to be better-informed when making their recommendations.

The event was organised by the Parishes Forum, which represents parish and town councils throughout the area, and National Park Authority planning officers and members led the talks and exercises.

It included updates on the planning process, liaison and law, a briefing on best building designs for the national park, and an illustrated talk on what makes local identity in the village of Winster.

It also included role-play – with parish councillors finding out what it is like to be a decision-maker on the planning committee – and exercises, with councillors designing an extension to a historic cottage, window-improvements and a re-design of a village housing estate.

Parishes Forum chair Cllr Rob Greatorex said: “This seminar was really informative, concentrating on all aspects of the planning system in the Peak District National Park. We particularly dealt with those matters that cause so much concern to local councils. Everyone enjoyed the exercises and talks. Officer-contact is valuable to ensure better understanding of respective roles and a more positive contribution to planning decisions.”

National Park Authority chair Narendra Bajaria agreed: “This type of training helps our constituent councils appreciate the important role of parish council in planning decisions.

“By raising awareness we can help ensure that the national park is better for its conservation and the well-being of local communities.”

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-17 14:33:11

Partnership projects to get Nestle boost

FOOD giant Nestle has pledged to support the Ashbourne Partnership in a move members say will help to fund future projects in the town.

The firm, which once had a massive industrial presence in the town, still owns land behind the Waterside Park development and says it sees its donation is a "gesture of goodwill".

The Partnership has been involved in talks with Nestle over what it intends to do with the redundant site, and bosses say they still considering what to do with it.

Nestle has a history of supporting the town since the closure of the Clifton Road factory, including the donation of the Fishpond Meadows land to the district council.

Partnership chairman Marcus Pegg said: "This funding effectively replaces the RAZ (Rural Action Zone) money which is due to run out in March next year and means we are now able to talk to our other supporters to secure our long term future

"Continuing support has already been promised by Derbyshire Dales District Council and a request for matched funding has been made to the Ashbourne Town Council.

"A meeting of Partnership members will shortly be arranged when it is hoped to unveil plans for increased membership and major new initiatives to improve the town."

A spokesman for Nestle said: "Nestle has worked closely with the Partnership recently and, as a gesture of goodwill, will continue to do so in a limited way, while the Partnership secures ongoing funding for its projects."

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-17 14:27:54

Bypass funding needs high profile

THE elimination of traffic congestion is Ashbourne's highest priority, Derbyshire County Council has been told.

The message has come from Derbyshire Dales Council in submitting its bids to the county authority for schemes to be included in the Derbyshire Local Transport Plan 2008/09 Capital Schemes List.

District council officers had already held informal discussions with the county council on a number of potential schemes which then came before members of the partnership and regeneration committee for nominations to be put forward for consideration.

Regarding Ashbourne bypass, the county council was advised of the district council's continuing support and of the negative impact traffic congestion was having on the physical infrastructure, as well as resident and visitor enjoyment of the town.

Derbyshire County Council has indicated to the district that Ashbourne bypass is one of four major schemes it is supporting and would need to be identified as a regional priority to enable the funding to be made available.

In the meantime a traffic study is being undertaken in Ashbourne by the county council to identify whether an opportunity exists for minor works to be implemented that would improve the current situation.

The importance of the bypass was discussed in the Ashbourne economic study which also identified a second access on to the Ashbourne Airfield Industrial Estate as being an important part of improving inward investment opportunities and future growth of the town.

The county council indicated that, in principle, it would support schemes that had the potential to benefit the local economy but indicated that it would not generally fund improvements such as this unless it was considered unreasonable for a developer to deliver it.

The county council did concede that the inclusion of the land as an allocation in the Waste Sites Development Plan document might improve the likelihood of support from the county council.

Members were also concerned about the A515 accident black spot at Fenny Bentley, the county council explaining that remedial works had already been done.

The county authority was currently monitoring the Tissington turn and Rakes Lane turn and will be introducing a 50mph speed limit on the A515 in the near future. No further intervention was anticipated and in future measures will only be introduced where necessary to resolve specific issues.

Another black spot raised by members was on the A52 west of Brailsford, where the main concern of traffic speed has already been identified.

Signs and enforcement had made some impact but the county council saw no obvious solution.

Committee chairman Coun Simon Spencer welcomed the opportunity to present Derbyshire County Council with transportation schemes important to this area, recommendations carried including the schemes suggested by members and supported by the committee being forwarded to the county council for consideration.

Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 200