Tony Blair claimed today that Britain had been transformed beyond recognition by the Labour government as he prepares to mark his 10th anniversary in power next week.
In a letter to his party's MPs - which was accompanied by a 25-page dossier on the Blair legacy - the Prime Minister insisted Labour had overseen remarkable changes in our hospitals and schools, in law and order and in the economy.
Mr Blair, who is poised to announce he will stand down after completing a decade in Number 10 on Tuesday, brushed aside criticism of his tenure to declare “the initial insight that brought us to power has stood the test of time, with the results to prove it.”
While he conceded many people still had “strong views” about his decision to back the invasion of Iraq, he argued that “history will make its own judgement on our policy.”
Claim and reality: an audit of Tony Blair's legacy
Tony Blair's letter to MPs was accompanied by a dossier outlining Labour's achievements over the last 10 years. Here we contrast the claims he makes with the reality people across Britain face every day.
Health
The claim: Care in the NHS has been “improved across the board [by] putting patients and their needs in the driving seats.” Waiting lists have been cut, waiting times are down and thousands more doctors and nurses have been employed.
The reality: There have been improvements but few believe taxpayers have got value for money out of the billions of pounds poured into the health service. There are also a host of new problems. Scores of trusts are mired in financial crisis, with 17,000 jobs in the NHS lost last year alone. MRSA and other superbugs are rife on many wards, while thousands of junior doctors are struggling to find a job.
Education
The claim: Britain's education system has been transformed and the days when “communities accepted that their local schools were destined to fail is over.” Standards are up in primary and secondary schools, as well as universities. There has been a wave of new school buildings and a “motivated, highly-qualified teaching profession.”
The reality: Literacy and numeracy standards have improved in primary schools but the progress has stalled in recent years. The standard of secondary schools remains a problem, particularly in many of Britain's big cities. Confidence in the education system has also been hit by claims that GCSEs and A-Levels have been “dumbed down” while university students are running up large debts to pay for tuition fees and living costs.
Families
The claim: New rights to work more flexibly are helping families juggle their work-life balance, alongside increases in maternity pay, new payments for fathers and help with childcare. Same sex couples have also been given new rights to adopt and enter into civil partnerships.
The reality: Many families are struggling to make ends meet as the try to cope with a rising tax burden, increases in council tax and hefty utility bills. Family breakdown - particularly in Britain's most deprived areas and sink estates - is widely accepted now as a pivotal cause of spiralling anti-social behaviour.
Law and order
The claim: Crime has fallen over the last 10 years as a result of Labour's “investment in law enforcement, the introduction of a new suite of powers and targeting the offender not the offence.” The introduction of Anti-Social Behaviour Orders (Asbos) and new on-the-spot fines has helped communities fight back against the yobs who terrorise many estates.
The reality: Violent crime and gun crime have doubled and there is growing concern that only one in four crimes is now cleared up by the police. Despite introducing a host of new powers, anti-social behaviour remains a massive problem in many areas with the authorities apparently powerless to deal with the hardcore of persistent offenders.
Economy
The claim: Britain is “better prepared for the challenge and opportunities of globalisation than any other in the Western world.” Labour has presided over a “record and sustained period of growth with low inflation, rising living standards and high employment.”
The reality: The economy has been relatively stable over the last decade but experts question how much Labour can claim the credit. On the downside, Britain's pensions are in crisis, public spending has rocketed, families are paying out more and more in tax and Britons have run-up eye-watering levels of personal debt. Brace yourself for rocky times ahead.
Climate change
The claim: We have “given the lead at home and internationally on tackling this threat” by helping to broker the Kyoto Treaty. “The debate has moved on from questioning the science to agreeing how to react to what it is warning.” More recently, the Stern Report - commissioned by the British Government - has made the case that it is “economically sensible to act” to tackle global warming.
The reality: Carbon dioxide emissions have risen since 1997 and many green groups complain that Mr Blair's commendable rhetoric has not been matched by action. Despite warnings about the impact of aviation on global warming in the coming decades, for example, ministers are still pressing ahead with plans to expand Britain's airports.
Iraq and foreign policy
The claim: Britain has led the way in tackling a range of key issues, including the removal of “brutal regimes in Iraq and Afghanistan” and “interventions to defend human rights in Bosnia, Kosovo, East Timor and Sierra Leone.” Britain is now “punching above weight on the world stage and setting the agenda” on issues from terrorism to climate change.
The reality: Britain's international reputation has been left battered by our role in the Iraq war and our unflinching support for George Bush. High profile attempts to use Britain's presidency of the G8 to “make poverty history” in Africa have failed to deliver, while our influence in Europe is on the wane.
The wheel has gone turned full circle. The people of Britain are sick of Blair and his cronies. But is there a credible alternative? I hope so.
My epitaph to Tony Blair can be summed up in one word-Tosser.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-28 06:48:38
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Model's cash appeal to enter Miss World
DALES model Hannah McCuaig is hoping to fulfil her ambition of representing England at a prestigious modelling competition later this year.
Hannah, 24, from Whatstandwell, has been handpicked by the organisers of Miss Model UK to go through to the national Miss England Final 2007 – England's entry to Miss World.
But Hannah now desperately needs £1,250 sponsorship to cover her entry into the competition.
She said: "I would like to participate in Miss England 2007 as it is one of the only contests in the country that focuses on internal beauty and charity, rather than just physical beauty.
"This competition is a chance for me to better myself, both physically and personally.
"It is a chance for me to meet other girls from all over the country who have the same goals and aspirations as me, like minded models and other young women who also have something else to offer to society.
"Winning Miss England would mean the world to me. I have represented the UK at every other major international pageant apart from Miss World, and being able to attend would be a life-long dream come true for me."
Modelling is not Hannah's only talent however, she is due to study a Masters in Digital Media Production at Oxford Brookes University this autumn.
Having a feminist mother who burnt her bra to protest against pageants in the 70s, Hannah is used to people criticising beauty contests, calling them out-dated and sexist.
In her personal opinion however, it is modern society that is at fault, as it seems pre-occupied with attaining physical perfection.
Hannah said: "Contests such as Miss Great Britain do little to quash the stereotype of women being nothing more then boobs and no brains, and hardly help to dispel rumours of beauty contests being little more than a cattle market.
"Miss World on the other hand, focuses a lot more on charity and the contestant's personality – hence the slogan Beauty with a Purpose.
"The bikini element of pageants has always been controversial and has now been scrapped from the Miss England contest due to changing times, but many contests still maintain the original concept that the bikini is not there to give the guys in the audience a nice view, contestants are asked to wear bikinis to demonstrate their inner confidence.
"It's about showing the judges that you are fit, healthy and look after yourself."
In return for a sponsor paying the £1,250 fee they will get a variety of publicity including two complimentary tickets to the live grand final of Miss England 2007, their sponsor logo and web link on ModelUK.com, their logo in the Miss England programme and logo and web link on the Miss England website.
If anyone can help out with sponsorship they can contact Hannah at Hannah_Lewis1982@hotmail.com or visit www.hannahmccuaig.com
Still prefer the boobs no brain approach personally.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-28 06:42:55
Hannah, 24, from Whatstandwell, has been handpicked by the organisers of Miss Model UK to go through to the national Miss England Final 2007 – England's entry to Miss World.
But Hannah now desperately needs £1,250 sponsorship to cover her entry into the competition.
She said: "I would like to participate in Miss England 2007 as it is one of the only contests in the country that focuses on internal beauty and charity, rather than just physical beauty.
"This competition is a chance for me to better myself, both physically and personally.
"It is a chance for me to meet other girls from all over the country who have the same goals and aspirations as me, like minded models and other young women who also have something else to offer to society.
"Winning Miss England would mean the world to me. I have represented the UK at every other major international pageant apart from Miss World, and being able to attend would be a life-long dream come true for me."
Modelling is not Hannah's only talent however, she is due to study a Masters in Digital Media Production at Oxford Brookes University this autumn.
Having a feminist mother who burnt her bra to protest against pageants in the 70s, Hannah is used to people criticising beauty contests, calling them out-dated and sexist.
In her personal opinion however, it is modern society that is at fault, as it seems pre-occupied with attaining physical perfection.
Hannah said: "Contests such as Miss Great Britain do little to quash the stereotype of women being nothing more then boobs and no brains, and hardly help to dispel rumours of beauty contests being little more than a cattle market.
"Miss World on the other hand, focuses a lot more on charity and the contestant's personality – hence the slogan Beauty with a Purpose.
"The bikini element of pageants has always been controversial and has now been scrapped from the Miss England contest due to changing times, but many contests still maintain the original concept that the bikini is not there to give the guys in the audience a nice view, contestants are asked to wear bikinis to demonstrate their inner confidence.
"It's about showing the judges that you are fit, healthy and look after yourself."
In return for a sponsor paying the £1,250 fee they will get a variety of publicity including two complimentary tickets to the live grand final of Miss England 2007, their sponsor logo and web link on ModelUK.com, their logo in the Miss England programme and logo and web link on the Miss England website.
If anyone can help out with sponsorship they can contact Hannah at Hannah_Lewis1982@hotmail.com or visit www.hannahmccuaig.com
Still prefer the boobs no brain approach personally.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-28 06:42:55
Milliband praises Kinder tresspass
Environment secretary David Miliband paid tribute to the 400 ramblers who exercised their right to roam on Kinder Scout 75 years ago this week at a celebration in New Mills Town Hall.
The Kinder Mass Trespass on April 24, 1932, paved the way for winning the nation's right to roam on moorlands and mountains, a privilege once reserved for wealthy landowners.
At Saturday's event Mr Miliband said without the ramblers' invasion of the Duke of Devonshire's land that day, people would not have access to the Peak District countryside now enjoyed by 22 million visitors each year, nor would the UK's National Parks have been created.
He told more than 300 people at the event: "We sometimes like to think that the thinking of politics is ahead of that of the people.
"There can be no doubt that in the 1930s, the politics were way behind the people, and the trespassers showed the way forward on access to moorland which is now enshrined in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act."
He went on to confirm the government's commitment to opening up England's coastline.
Mr Miliband made the keynote speech at the anniversary celebrations which included music, drama and guided walks retracing the steps of the ramblers 75 years ago.
Other speakers included Sir Martin Doughty, chairman of Natural England; Lord Roy Hattersley, president of Friends of the Peak District; Kate Ashbrook, chair of the Ramblers' Association; Tony Hams, chair of the Peak District National Park authority and Jim Perrin, writer, access activist and friend of the late Benny Rothman, who led the trespass 75 years ago.
Unfortunately nothing has changed. The people are still way ahead of politics and government ministers, who quite frankly have no idea of what is best for the British people.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-28 06:26:18
The Kinder Mass Trespass on April 24, 1932, paved the way for winning the nation's right to roam on moorlands and mountains, a privilege once reserved for wealthy landowners.
At Saturday's event Mr Miliband said without the ramblers' invasion of the Duke of Devonshire's land that day, people would not have access to the Peak District countryside now enjoyed by 22 million visitors each year, nor would the UK's National Parks have been created.
He told more than 300 people at the event: "We sometimes like to think that the thinking of politics is ahead of that of the people.
"There can be no doubt that in the 1930s, the politics were way behind the people, and the trespassers showed the way forward on access to moorland which is now enshrined in the Countryside and Rights of Way Act."
He went on to confirm the government's commitment to opening up England's coastline.
Mr Miliband made the keynote speech at the anniversary celebrations which included music, drama and guided walks retracing the steps of the ramblers 75 years ago.
Other speakers included Sir Martin Doughty, chairman of Natural England; Lord Roy Hattersley, president of Friends of the Peak District; Kate Ashbrook, chair of the Ramblers' Association; Tony Hams, chair of the Peak District National Park authority and Jim Perrin, writer, access activist and friend of the late Benny Rothman, who led the trespass 75 years ago.
Unfortunately nothing has changed. The people are still way ahead of politics and government ministers, who quite frankly have no idea of what is best for the British people.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-28 06:26:18
Labour fighting to retain Derby
The battle for Derby is shaping up as a tussle between Labour and a strong Liberal Democrat opposition.
Labour leader Chris Williamson has been very cautious in describing the current deal that allows him to run the city with active Conservative support.
But one Labour politician has described it as an "unholy alliance".
Labour has seen its main challenge coming from the Lib Dems, who took over the city three years ago in coalition with the minority Conservative group.
But a clash of personalities and political cultures made it an unhappy marriage.
Close race
After last May's elections, Labour leader Chris Williamson offered the Tories four cabinet posts in a deal to elbow the Lib Dems into the political cold and put Labour back in power.
In nearby Amber Valley, controlled by the Conservatives, the Labour leader almost lost his seat to the BNP in the last election.
The Labour-controlled South Derbyshire council is located in a suburban area where there is an outside chance of a Tory revival.
In Bolsover, Labour has a strong hold on the council with 31 seats whereas the Tories and Lib Dems are struggling with no seats at all.
It is a different story in Derbyshire Dales and Amber Valley where the Conservatives have a healthy lead with Labour trailing.
Erewash is a close race where only four seats separating Labour and the Tories - with the Conservatives currently in the ascendancy.
In Chesterfield, the Lib Dems control the council with 36 seats to Labour's 12 seats - making it one of the only Lib Dem-run councils in the region.
My advice is simple-do not vote for anyone who is standing for re-election. You will only get more of the same if you do.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-28 06:20:59
Labour leader Chris Williamson has been very cautious in describing the current deal that allows him to run the city with active Conservative support.
But one Labour politician has described it as an "unholy alliance".
Labour has seen its main challenge coming from the Lib Dems, who took over the city three years ago in coalition with the minority Conservative group.
But a clash of personalities and political cultures made it an unhappy marriage.
Close race
After last May's elections, Labour leader Chris Williamson offered the Tories four cabinet posts in a deal to elbow the Lib Dems into the political cold and put Labour back in power.
In nearby Amber Valley, controlled by the Conservatives, the Labour leader almost lost his seat to the BNP in the last election.
The Labour-controlled South Derbyshire council is located in a suburban area where there is an outside chance of a Tory revival.
In Bolsover, Labour has a strong hold on the council with 31 seats whereas the Tories and Lib Dems are struggling with no seats at all.
It is a different story in Derbyshire Dales and Amber Valley where the Conservatives have a healthy lead with Labour trailing.
Erewash is a close race where only four seats separating Labour and the Tories - with the Conservatives currently in the ascendancy.
In Chesterfield, the Lib Dems control the council with 36 seats to Labour's 12 seats - making it one of the only Lib Dem-run councils in the region.
My advice is simple-do not vote for anyone who is standing for re-election. You will only get more of the same if you do.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-28 06:20:59
Inquiry backs quarrying decision
A public inquiry has ruled that the Peak District National Park Authority was right to stop the removal of limestone at a Derbyshire quarry.
The authority took enforcement action to stop alleged excess limestone removal from Backdale Quarry, on Longstone Edge.
A two-week inquiry was held in February after operator MMC Mineral Processing appealed against the decision.
The planning inspector has now upheld the authority's action.
MMC Mineral Processing said it had permission to remove the stone dating back 55 years but local people and the authority said that should no longer apply.
Quarry owner Bleaklow Industries and operator MMC Mineral Processing now have four weeks to appeal against the ruling.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-28 06:19:
The authority took enforcement action to stop alleged excess limestone removal from Backdale Quarry, on Longstone Edge.
A two-week inquiry was held in February after operator MMC Mineral Processing appealed against the decision.
The planning inspector has now upheld the authority's action.
MMC Mineral Processing said it had permission to remove the stone dating back 55 years but local people and the authority said that should no longer apply.
Quarry owner Bleaklow Industries and operator MMC Mineral Processing now have four weeks to appeal against the ruling.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-28 06:19:
Chesterfield Canal wins award
Chesterfield Canal Partnership has scooped a top award for its restoration of a nine-mile stretch of the town's canal.
It won a partnership accolade at the Waterways Renaissance Awards, for its work with the public and volunteers.
The walk along the canal is pleasant provided you continually look at the canal. Unfortunately the parts outside the control of the Chesterfield Canal Partnership are a disgrace and the council should be issuing clean up orders to those concerned.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-28 06:10:28
It won a partnership accolade at the Waterways Renaissance Awards, for its work with the public and volunteers.
The walk along the canal is pleasant provided you continually look at the canal. Unfortunately the parts outside the control of the Chesterfield Canal Partnership are a disgrace and the council should be issuing clean up orders to those concerned.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-28 06:10:28
Derby Playhouse must be more amateurish
The Playhouse Theatre will have to cater more for the amateur sector and work closely with the public to hold on to its money from the council.
Derby City Council cut the theatre's funding from £407,500 to £395,275, in the current budget after its review of all arts groups found it was one of the poorest performers.
Now the council is insisting the theatre develops local talent - or else it could stop or even claw back its funding.
The funding agreement, signed in March, has nine main conditions including that the Playhouse will develop a "supportive relationship with Derby's amateur theatre community" and provide "a youth theatre, community theatre and kids club."
The Playhouse will also have to consult amateur dramatics groups by the end of May and publish an action plan by June 30 outlining how it will support and improve their access to the theatre.
The agreement is much more specific than last year's, which had just four main conditions about outreach, education and volunteering programmes while staging year-round theatre.
This year's conditions have been welcomed by amateurs. But Damon Parkin, spokesman for Derby Playhouse, said it already had a youth theatre.
"We value our partnership with Derby City Council and are pleased that after completing this annual process we are now working on an exciting series of productions alongside our educational and community-based programmes.
"That work includes our Youth Theatre production of The Tempest, in June, which will feature around 60 local youngsters under a professional director.
"Over 12,000 adults and children benefited from our participation programme, workshops, education days and tours last year and we'll continue to build on the success of our Hot Tickets scheme, which saw 3,776 tickets distributed to a diverse range of 99 community groups in 2006."
The council said it had been working closely with the Playhouse.
Ray Rippingale, assistant director for cultural services, said the agreement would bring the Playhouse closer to the public.
"This is an important step for both the Playhouse and the council, because we have begun to look beyond the artistic success of the theatre thus far to plan for a developing relationship with its public," he said. "Over the coming months, we will be helping Derby Playhouse to develop its collaboration with the amateur sector, build an education programme and create a reputation for equalities and diversity in its business."
Amateur dramatic companies have welcomed the clauses in the agreement.
Tina Webster, director of Kaleidoscope Players in Derby said her group had never established links with the Playhouse.
"I think it would be nice for them to nurture a relationship with amateur theatre companies better.
"We would be in favour of them doing training workshops and those sorts of things which they used to do but which have fallen by the wayside."
The Playhouse could seek advice from the Derby City Council, as they continually act like a bunch of amateurs in their day to day handling of ratepayers cash.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-28 06:00:37
Derby City Council cut the theatre's funding from £407,500 to £395,275, in the current budget after its review of all arts groups found it was one of the poorest performers.
Now the council is insisting the theatre develops local talent - or else it could stop or even claw back its funding.
The funding agreement, signed in March, has nine main conditions including that the Playhouse will develop a "supportive relationship with Derby's amateur theatre community" and provide "a youth theatre, community theatre and kids club."
The Playhouse will also have to consult amateur dramatics groups by the end of May and publish an action plan by June 30 outlining how it will support and improve their access to the theatre.
The agreement is much more specific than last year's, which had just four main conditions about outreach, education and volunteering programmes while staging year-round theatre.
This year's conditions have been welcomed by amateurs. But Damon Parkin, spokesman for Derby Playhouse, said it already had a youth theatre.
"We value our partnership with Derby City Council and are pleased that after completing this annual process we are now working on an exciting series of productions alongside our educational and community-based programmes.
"That work includes our Youth Theatre production of The Tempest, in June, which will feature around 60 local youngsters under a professional director.
"Over 12,000 adults and children benefited from our participation programme, workshops, education days and tours last year and we'll continue to build on the success of our Hot Tickets scheme, which saw 3,776 tickets distributed to a diverse range of 99 community groups in 2006."
The council said it had been working closely with the Playhouse.
Ray Rippingale, assistant director for cultural services, said the agreement would bring the Playhouse closer to the public.
"This is an important step for both the Playhouse and the council, because we have begun to look beyond the artistic success of the theatre thus far to plan for a developing relationship with its public," he said. "Over the coming months, we will be helping Derby Playhouse to develop its collaboration with the amateur sector, build an education programme and create a reputation for equalities and diversity in its business."
Amateur dramatic companies have welcomed the clauses in the agreement.
Tina Webster, director of Kaleidoscope Players in Derby said her group had never established links with the Playhouse.
"I think it would be nice for them to nurture a relationship with amateur theatre companies better.
"We would be in favour of them doing training workshops and those sorts of things which they used to do but which have fallen by the wayside."
The Playhouse could seek advice from the Derby City Council, as they continually act like a bunch of amateurs in their day to day handling of ratepayers cash.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-28 06:00:37
Friday, April 27, 2007
Viking Village Closed-Permantly
The man behind a failed tourist attraction in Derby said that its final closure was a "crying shame".
It was revealed yesterday that the Derventio Heritage Village in Chaddesden, which was shut temporarily in February, would not reopen.
The Viking centre, off Nottingham Road, was the brainchild of Chaddesden resident Ed Buckley, who worked to bring the vision of a major tourist attraction for Derby to life.
It featured a visitor centre, a Roman fort, three Saxon houses and two Celtic roundhouses but was closed six months after opening because it failed to attract enough visitors or funding.
The village cost just under £900,000 and was funded mainly through Derwent Community Team, which is in charge of allocating £42m to the New Deal area of Chaddesden.
In December, Derwent Delivers stepped in to see if it could save the failing attraction but decided it should close to save money while it considered a rescue plan.
But it has now been determined that the village would not be financially viable if it reopened.
Karl Walkinshaw, director of Derwent Community Team, said: "A range of options have been looked at and we have spoken to community, private and public sector partners.
"It's clear from our discussions that there is not enough capacity or funding to keep Derventio open as a Heritage Site and there is no confidence that an attempt to reopen Derventio would be sustainable in the long term.
"As a result, we are now looking at some other exciting options to take the site forward."
Mr Walkinshaw said his team was looking to maximise the use of what is on the site already and would not demolish any of the buildings until a decision had been made on what the site would be used for.
What I would like to know is how £900k was given to a project that lasted only a few months. Is anyone accountable? On the basis of this I wouldn't trust the Derwent Community Team with my son's pocket money let alone £42million.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-27 10:57:58
It was revealed yesterday that the Derventio Heritage Village in Chaddesden, which was shut temporarily in February, would not reopen.
The Viking centre, off Nottingham Road, was the brainchild of Chaddesden resident Ed Buckley, who worked to bring the vision of a major tourist attraction for Derby to life.
It featured a visitor centre, a Roman fort, three Saxon houses and two Celtic roundhouses but was closed six months after opening because it failed to attract enough visitors or funding.
The village cost just under £900,000 and was funded mainly through Derwent Community Team, which is in charge of allocating £42m to the New Deal area of Chaddesden.
In December, Derwent Delivers stepped in to see if it could save the failing attraction but decided it should close to save money while it considered a rescue plan.
But it has now been determined that the village would not be financially viable if it reopened.
Karl Walkinshaw, director of Derwent Community Team, said: "A range of options have been looked at and we have spoken to community, private and public sector partners.
"It's clear from our discussions that there is not enough capacity or funding to keep Derventio open as a Heritage Site and there is no confidence that an attempt to reopen Derventio would be sustainable in the long term.
"As a result, we are now looking at some other exciting options to take the site forward."
Mr Walkinshaw said his team was looking to maximise the use of what is on the site already and would not demolish any of the buildings until a decision had been made on what the site would be used for.
What I would like to know is how £900k was given to a project that lasted only a few months. Is anyone accountable? On the basis of this I wouldn't trust the Derwent Community Team with my son's pocket money let alone £42million.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-27 10:57:58
Derby topless protest at Bull Run
Topless women were out on the streets of Derby yesterday looking for support for an annual protest against bull-fighting.
Three members of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Europe raised awareness by walking around in just their panties.
But they had placards over their chests to at least partially protect their modesty.
Lauren Bowey, 23, Lucia Barber, 20, and Claire Williams, 28, were holding a recruitment drive for the annual "Running of the Nudes" event in Pamplona, Spain.
The naked run is organised as a humane alternative to the "Running of the Bulls" tradition in the city and the bullfights that follow it.
More than 1,000 runners took part last year.
A recruitment stall was set up in St Peter's Street yesterday to encourage people from Derby to join the protest.
The three campaigners, all from London, were joined by their own "friendly bull", played by Daniel Adcock, 24.
Campaign co-ordinator Lauren Bowey said they received a positive reaction from passers-by.
She said: "We handed out a lot of leaflets and spoke to a lot of people who were very interested in running with us in Spain.
"Derby was a good location and we were there for long enough to get our message across."
She urged people to boycott bull-fights while on holiday in Spain.
"The bull-fighting industry is fuelled by tourists. They are torturing animals for entertainment and it's something from the dark ages," she said.
Ms Bowey said that the weather did not concern them during their near-naked protest.
"It was a bit cold but we are doing this for the animals, so we don't care," she said.
A Derbyshire police spokeswoman said that the demonstration lasted for about 10 minutes and the protesters then left of their own accord.
She said: "There were three girls in white pants, with sandwich boards over their person, so they weren't exposing themselves in any way.
"They stood around for 10 minutes and then went away. It looked like it was a publicity stunt."
This year will be the sixth year that the Running of the Nudes has taken place.
Most of the supporters run through the streets with just certain parts of their body covered because the mayor does not permit full nudity.
The protest takes place on July 5, two days before the town's Running of the Bulls event.
I think I'd sooner see the Bull run than these three heifers.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-27 10:51:06
Three members of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Europe raised awareness by walking around in just their panties.
But they had placards over their chests to at least partially protect their modesty.
Lauren Bowey, 23, Lucia Barber, 20, and Claire Williams, 28, were holding a recruitment drive for the annual "Running of the Nudes" event in Pamplona, Spain.
The naked run is organised as a humane alternative to the "Running of the Bulls" tradition in the city and the bullfights that follow it.
More than 1,000 runners took part last year.
A recruitment stall was set up in St Peter's Street yesterday to encourage people from Derby to join the protest.
The three campaigners, all from London, were joined by their own "friendly bull", played by Daniel Adcock, 24.
Campaign co-ordinator Lauren Bowey said they received a positive reaction from passers-by.
She said: "We handed out a lot of leaflets and spoke to a lot of people who were very interested in running with us in Spain.
"Derby was a good location and we were there for long enough to get our message across."
She urged people to boycott bull-fights while on holiday in Spain.
"The bull-fighting industry is fuelled by tourists. They are torturing animals for entertainment and it's something from the dark ages," she said.
Ms Bowey said that the weather did not concern them during their near-naked protest.
"It was a bit cold but we are doing this for the animals, so we don't care," she said.
A Derbyshire police spokeswoman said that the demonstration lasted for about 10 minutes and the protesters then left of their own accord.
She said: "There were three girls in white pants, with sandwich boards over their person, so they weren't exposing themselves in any way.
"They stood around for 10 minutes and then went away. It looked like it was a publicity stunt."
This year will be the sixth year that the Running of the Nudes has taken place.
Most of the supporters run through the streets with just certain parts of their body covered because the mayor does not permit full nudity.
The protest takes place on July 5, two days before the town's Running of the Bulls event.
I think I'd sooner see the Bull run than these three heifers.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-27 10:51:06
Big plans for Pride Park
Derby County has unveiled its vision of the future by announcing plans for a £20m development around Pride Park Stadium.
The proposed Pride Plaza scheme would see eye-catching changes to the west and east sides of the ground.
Plans which have still to be formally submitted to Derby City Council include an eight-storey 165-bed hotel, office space, a convenience store, banking, restaurants and bars all set in tree-lined pedestrian-friendly squares.
About 250 jobs would be created by the scheme.
The club sees the development becoming a local service centre for the people who work at the many businesses on Pride Park while providing improved facilities for the fans on match days.
Designs of the two-storey or three-storey individual buildings will not block views of the main entrance to the stadium.
There will also be two squares on the west side of the stadium named after Rams legends Steve Bloomer and Brian Clough, with a monument to each.
The road behind the east stand will become a more vibrant area and will be named Lionel Pickering Way as a tribute to the club's former chairman.
Current chairman Peter Gadsby, pictured, was the director who oversaw the original stadium development.
He said: "When we first built Pride Park we were always aware of further development potential and when I came back to the club almost 12 months ago with the current board of directors we indicated we would look to maximise that potential for the benefit of the club."
Derby could either make land available for sale to interested companies or fund the building of units themselves for rental.
Mr Gadsby says the 'Pride Plaza' project will not impact on any football revenue.
"No football or promotion income will be used to support this scheme," he said. "We anticipate strong demand for the new commercial space. Indeed, we already have interest from two global brands."
Preliminary talks with the planning authority have been positive, according to the Rams, and time-scales will be dictated by the planning process and negotiations with individual businesses.
The planning application could go in within three months.
Eighty car park spaces will be lost at the stadium to make way for the new development but the club will look at alternative arrangements.
"We are confident any parking issues can be addressed," said Mr Gadsby. "People may be worried about their parking but this is unlikely to take their parking away."
The club will press on with the plans irrespective of in which division it finds itself next season.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-27 10:47:18
The proposed Pride Plaza scheme would see eye-catching changes to the west and east sides of the ground.
Plans which have still to be formally submitted to Derby City Council include an eight-storey 165-bed hotel, office space, a convenience store, banking, restaurants and bars all set in tree-lined pedestrian-friendly squares.
About 250 jobs would be created by the scheme.
The club sees the development becoming a local service centre for the people who work at the many businesses on Pride Park while providing improved facilities for the fans on match days.
Designs of the two-storey or three-storey individual buildings will not block views of the main entrance to the stadium.
There will also be two squares on the west side of the stadium named after Rams legends Steve Bloomer and Brian Clough, with a monument to each.
The road behind the east stand will become a more vibrant area and will be named Lionel Pickering Way as a tribute to the club's former chairman.
Current chairman Peter Gadsby, pictured, was the director who oversaw the original stadium development.
He said: "When we first built Pride Park we were always aware of further development potential and when I came back to the club almost 12 months ago with the current board of directors we indicated we would look to maximise that potential for the benefit of the club."
Derby could either make land available for sale to interested companies or fund the building of units themselves for rental.
Mr Gadsby says the 'Pride Plaza' project will not impact on any football revenue.
"No football or promotion income will be used to support this scheme," he said. "We anticipate strong demand for the new commercial space. Indeed, we already have interest from two global brands."
Preliminary talks with the planning authority have been positive, according to the Rams, and time-scales will be dictated by the planning process and negotiations with individual businesses.
The planning application could go in within three months.
Eighty car park spaces will be lost at the stadium to make way for the new development but the club will look at alternative arrangements.
"We are confident any parking issues can be addressed," said Mr Gadsby. "People may be worried about their parking but this is unlikely to take their parking away."
The club will press on with the plans irrespective of in which division it finds itself next season.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-27 10:47:18
Dales and Peak crime rates fall
CRIME in the Derbyshire Dales has fallen for the forth year running, according to new figures released for Derbyshire Constabulary B division.
The latest yearly crime figures for the division cover both the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales and show that the area also has strong detection rates.
Speaking of the results B Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Roger Flint, said: “I am absolutely delighted that recorded crime has fallen yet again.
“A small reduction it may be, but to see a year on year decrease is excellent news for the community we serve.
“Our detection rates are also pleasing, overall crime 28 per cent, 19 per cent dwelling burglary; 28 per cent vehicle crime, 48 per cent violent crime and 16.5 per cent criminal damage, are good figures to build on in the forthcoming year.
“Our work with local communities, crime reduction partners and the development of our safer neighbourhood teams is crucial if we are to meet the significant challenges of the year ahead.
“The High Peak and Derbyshire Dales areas continue to be a safe place to live, work and visit. However we cannot afford to be complacent if we are to maintain this performance.”
Well if 28 per cent detection rate is something to be proud of then there is no hope for any of us.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 15:04:54
The latest yearly crime figures for the division cover both the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales and show that the area also has strong detection rates.
Speaking of the results B Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Roger Flint, said: “I am absolutely delighted that recorded crime has fallen yet again.
“A small reduction it may be, but to see a year on year decrease is excellent news for the community we serve.
“Our detection rates are also pleasing, overall crime 28 per cent, 19 per cent dwelling burglary; 28 per cent vehicle crime, 48 per cent violent crime and 16.5 per cent criminal damage, are good figures to build on in the forthcoming year.
“Our work with local communities, crime reduction partners and the development of our safer neighbourhood teams is crucial if we are to meet the significant challenges of the year ahead.
“The High Peak and Derbyshire Dales areas continue to be a safe place to live, work and visit. However we cannot afford to be complacent if we are to maintain this performance.”
Well if 28 per cent detection rate is something to be proud of then there is no hope for any of us.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 15:04:54
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Ramblers salute heroic past
RAMBLERS headed for the hills on a historic Trespass Trail to pay homage to a popular hero.
They were marking the 75th anniversary of the mass trespass of Kinder Scout in 1932, led by Benny Rothman from Cheetham.
The unemployed mechanic, then just 20 years old, is hailed a champion of countryside access - the Peak District trespass he organised led to laws protecting the public's right to roam.
The area was held as private land in the 1930s and defended by gamekeepers who battled 400 walkers joining Mr Rothman. Many more have now spent the weekend walking parts of the Trespass Trail, created in the Hayfield area to link places associated with Mr Rothman - who died in 2002 - and the rambling movement.
Guided walks took in William Clough on Kinder Scout, where some of the original protesters clashed with keepers guarding what was then a private grouse moor.
Some walkers travelled to the Peak District on a train named after Mr Rothman at a ceremony at Piccadilly Station in Manchester.
Mr Rothman's son, Harry, unveiled the name on a Northern Trains loco on Saturday. The plaque read 'Benny Rothman - Manchester Rambler'.
Harry, 68, said his father would have been proud and highly amused that so many dignitaries had gathered to see the train named after him. He said: "My father would have been delighted, because all his life has been for the ordinary guy. He is only the second working class man to have a train named after him. He spent his life working in the trade union movement and was a very keen naturalist and environmentalist years before it became fashionable."
Northern Trains said they named a train after Mr Rothwell because he was an ordinary man who did something extraordinary.
Martin Doughty chairman of Natural England said: "There's no doubt that but for the direct action of the trespassers, we wouldn't have the freedom of access we have to our mountains, moorlands, nor our system of National Parks.
"It is right to remember their brave action and build on their legacy."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 12:09:24
They were marking the 75th anniversary of the mass trespass of Kinder Scout in 1932, led by Benny Rothman from Cheetham.
The unemployed mechanic, then just 20 years old, is hailed a champion of countryside access - the Peak District trespass he organised led to laws protecting the public's right to roam.
The area was held as private land in the 1930s and defended by gamekeepers who battled 400 walkers joining Mr Rothman. Many more have now spent the weekend walking parts of the Trespass Trail, created in the Hayfield area to link places associated with Mr Rothman - who died in 2002 - and the rambling movement.
Guided walks took in William Clough on Kinder Scout, where some of the original protesters clashed with keepers guarding what was then a private grouse moor.
Some walkers travelled to the Peak District on a train named after Mr Rothman at a ceremony at Piccadilly Station in Manchester.
Mr Rothman's son, Harry, unveiled the name on a Northern Trains loco on Saturday. The plaque read 'Benny Rothman - Manchester Rambler'.
Harry, 68, said his father would have been proud and highly amused that so many dignitaries had gathered to see the train named after him. He said: "My father would have been delighted, because all his life has been for the ordinary guy. He is only the second working class man to have a train named after him. He spent his life working in the trade union movement and was a very keen naturalist and environmentalist years before it became fashionable."
Northern Trains said they named a train after Mr Rothwell because he was an ordinary man who did something extraordinary.
Martin Doughty chairman of Natural England said: "There's no doubt that but for the direct action of the trespassers, we wouldn't have the freedom of access we have to our mountains, moorlands, nor our system of National Parks.
"It is right to remember their brave action and build on their legacy."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 12:09:24
Inventor makes rotating eco-home
An inventor has designed a three-storey house on wheels that can revolve to follow the sun during the day.
The £500,000 environmentally-friendly home will feature solar panels and use tyres and railway tracks to rotate.
Robin Hamilton will add wind turbines and also use recyclable materials to build the home on a former quarry near Snelton, Ashbourne.
He said the rotation was not a gimmick and would help create more energy than the 700-tonne home will use.
"It's going to rotate to make maximum use of solar energy. We are going to gain solar energy by tracking the sun.
"As the sun swings round so the house will rotate.
"Also the wind turbines, which are an integral part of the roof, will be facing the direction of the prevailing winds which tend to be south westerly here."
Rural property surveyors Fisher German helped with the development.
Head of the planning team Kay Davies said: "You're not allowed to create new dwellings in the countryside unless they're specifically for agricultural purposes.
"In this case we were able to break those rules, break through those barriers, because it was so revolutionary."
Mr Hamilton, who has been given planning permission for the home, said the only problem he could envisage would be the fact that a revolving building might confuse his cats when they tried to get in.
He hopes to have completed his new home within two years.
What will he do when the ice age arrives?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 11:36:58
The £500,000 environmentally-friendly home will feature solar panels and use tyres and railway tracks to rotate.
Robin Hamilton will add wind turbines and also use recyclable materials to build the home on a former quarry near Snelton, Ashbourne.
He said the rotation was not a gimmick and would help create more energy than the 700-tonne home will use.
"It's going to rotate to make maximum use of solar energy. We are going to gain solar energy by tracking the sun.
"As the sun swings round so the house will rotate.
"Also the wind turbines, which are an integral part of the roof, will be facing the direction of the prevailing winds which tend to be south westerly here."
Rural property surveyors Fisher German helped with the development.
Head of the planning team Kay Davies said: "You're not allowed to create new dwellings in the countryside unless they're specifically for agricultural purposes.
"In this case we were able to break those rules, break through those barriers, because it was so revolutionary."
Mr Hamilton, who has been given planning permission for the home, said the only problem he could envisage would be the fact that a revolving building might confuse his cats when they tried to get in.
He hopes to have completed his new home within two years.
What will he do when the ice age arrives?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 11:36:58
60 jobs to go at Darley Dale firm
EMPLOYMENT in the Matlock area suffered another blow as 60 staff at a Darley Dale firm were told they were out of a job.
The future is bleak for workers at Cobb Slater Ltd as it was announced on Wednesday (11) that the site was closing and all workers were to be made redundant.
Parts of the machinery will be transferred to North Yorkshire and other parts will be sold off.
One worker, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "This is a real blow to us all, the company was sold to BNL with no consultation with the employees and we were aware something was happening.
"We are all very low now as the majority of workers live locally and there is very little employment around the area.
"I have been with the company for nine years. I do not know what the future holds for me now."
Cobb Slater Ltd are a technical injection moulding company specialising in the design and manufacture of plastic rolling element bearings and assemblies, technical custom mouldings and security products for domestic electricity supplies.
A spokesman for the company said that staff would be paid their full notice period and would not have to work their full notice.
Brian Worth, production manager at BNL,
said: "The bottom line is BNL, a company in Knaresborough, bought all the shares in Cobb Slater.
"They only had a short term lease on the buildings and premises in Darley Dale.
"We are talking months not years and because the lease was so short it was not economically viable to continue the business here."
There will be a 30 day consultation period after which it will be decided which parts of the business will go to Knaresborough and which parts will be sold off to other companies.
Deputy Leader of Derbyshire Dales District Council Geoff Stevens said: "This is very bad news for the community, the loss of jobs is a bad blow for us in the area.
"We regret this and obviously we have to do what we can to attract jobs into the area.
"60 is quite a large number to lose from a small community such as Darley Dale. These type of specialist jobs are in short supply in the area."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:57:00
The future is bleak for workers at Cobb Slater Ltd as it was announced on Wednesday (11) that the site was closing and all workers were to be made redundant.
Parts of the machinery will be transferred to North Yorkshire and other parts will be sold off.
One worker, who wanted to remain anonymous, said: "This is a real blow to us all, the company was sold to BNL with no consultation with the employees and we were aware something was happening.
"We are all very low now as the majority of workers live locally and there is very little employment around the area.
"I have been with the company for nine years. I do not know what the future holds for me now."
Cobb Slater Ltd are a technical injection moulding company specialising in the design and manufacture of plastic rolling element bearings and assemblies, technical custom mouldings and security products for domestic electricity supplies.
A spokesman for the company said that staff would be paid their full notice period and would not have to work their full notice.
Brian Worth, production manager at BNL,
said: "The bottom line is BNL, a company in Knaresborough, bought all the shares in Cobb Slater.
"They only had a short term lease on the buildings and premises in Darley Dale.
"We are talking months not years and because the lease was so short it was not economically viable to continue the business here."
There will be a 30 day consultation period after which it will be decided which parts of the business will go to Knaresborough and which parts will be sold off to other companies.
Deputy Leader of Derbyshire Dales District Council Geoff Stevens said: "This is very bad news for the community, the loss of jobs is a bad blow for us in the area.
"We regret this and obviously we have to do what we can to attract jobs into the area.
"60 is quite a large number to lose from a small community such as Darley Dale. These type of specialist jobs are in short supply in the area."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:57:00
Now Digital applies for Derbyshire digital licence
Now Digital was the sole applicant for the Derbyshire local digital radio multiplex, Ofcom announced today.
Comprised of GCap (72.5%), Sabras Sound (20%) and Chrysalis Radio (7.5%), Now proposes to provide eight digital sound programme services by July 2008 using a network of 5 transmitters. It expects to achieve 80.5% outdoor coverage of the adult (15+) population in the licenced area.
The services proposed are: Ram FM (GCap), Classic Gold 945 (Classic Gold Digital), Xfm (GCap), Heart 106 (Chrysalis), Galaxy (Chrysalis), Smooth Radio (GMG), Peak FM (Grand Central Broadcasting) and UCB UK. BBC Radio Derby will also be carried on the multiplex in reserved capacity. Closing it down would be better.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:54:07
Comprised of GCap (72.5%), Sabras Sound (20%) and Chrysalis Radio (7.5%), Now proposes to provide eight digital sound programme services by July 2008 using a network of 5 transmitters. It expects to achieve 80.5% outdoor coverage of the adult (15+) population in the licenced area.
The services proposed are: Ram FM (GCap), Classic Gold 945 (Classic Gold Digital), Xfm (GCap), Heart 106 (Chrysalis), Galaxy (Chrysalis), Smooth Radio (GMG), Peak FM (Grand Central Broadcasting) and UCB UK. BBC Radio Derby will also be carried on the multiplex in reserved capacity. Closing it down would be better.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:54:07
Bank helps Churnet Valley railway get back on track
Churnet Valley Railway is expanding and developing its visitor facilities after switching its banking to Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank.
Anthony Hancock, Chairman of Churnet Valley Railway said: “We are planning to develop the railway by extending platforms, create additional visitor facilities and ultimately extending the current line to Leek. Our visitor numbers are increasing year on year and the developments are required not only to maintain the railway, but also to enable us to offer a great day out for our thousands of visitors each year. Switching toAlliance & Leicester Commercial Bankhas enabled us to put our plans into action and even saved us money in the process.”
The Churnet Valley Railway is the second most popular tourist attraction in the region, carrying nearly 60,000 people a year through Staffordshire’s beautiful Churnet Valley. The route runs between Leekbrook Junction, Cheddleton, Consall and Froghall bringing tourism to the region and boosting the local economy.
Craig Iley, Senior Business Banking Manager at Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank said: “The Churnet Valley Railway has been lovingly restored over the last 35 years, thanks to the dedicated support of its volunteers, shareholders and Directors, who contribute vast amounts of time, money and equipment in order to maintain the railway. This deal will not only help Churnet Valley Railway to expand and develop its service, but will also secure its future for future generations to enjoy.”
Craig Iley continues: “We are delighted to lend our support to such an important historical attraction. Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank has experience helping heritage railways to expand and achieve their full potential, having supported the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to secure their long term future.”
Churnet Valley Railway once formed part of the North Staffordshire Railway, which was the old main line between Manchester and London. The line first opened in 1849 and went on to play a key role in the Second World War by being one of the main transport routes due to the line being largely hidden from view. The line continued running until the Beeching review in the 1960’s.
In the mid 1970’s, the local authority acquired Cheddleton Station and had started to dismantle it, when the North Staffordshire Railway Society stepped in to preserve the station building. In 1978 the North Staffordshire Railway Company Ltd was formed to provide limited liability for its members. In 1992 a light railway order was granted and the Churnet Valley Railway was born. In 1995, Churnet Valley Railway purchased the line from British Rail and since that time, the line has been lovingly restored and gradually brought back into use.
Anthony Hancock continues: “The Railway now runs a full service and caters for weddings, special events and ghost trains. Our long term plan is to extend the line into Leek, the main town in the region and build an educational visitor centre, so people can learn more about the railway and the region’s history. The deal with Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank has enabled us to kick start these plans and our continued relationship with the bank will secure the long term future of this historic railway.”
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:47:07
Anthony Hancock, Chairman of Churnet Valley Railway said: “We are planning to develop the railway by extending platforms, create additional visitor facilities and ultimately extending the current line to Leek. Our visitor numbers are increasing year on year and the developments are required not only to maintain the railway, but also to enable us to offer a great day out for our thousands of visitors each year. Switching toAlliance & Leicester Commercial Bankhas enabled us to put our plans into action and even saved us money in the process.”
The Churnet Valley Railway is the second most popular tourist attraction in the region, carrying nearly 60,000 people a year through Staffordshire’s beautiful Churnet Valley. The route runs between Leekbrook Junction, Cheddleton, Consall and Froghall bringing tourism to the region and boosting the local economy.
Craig Iley, Senior Business Banking Manager at Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank said: “The Churnet Valley Railway has been lovingly restored over the last 35 years, thanks to the dedicated support of its volunteers, shareholders and Directors, who contribute vast amounts of time, money and equipment in order to maintain the railway. This deal will not only help Churnet Valley Railway to expand and develop its service, but will also secure its future for future generations to enjoy.”
Craig Iley continues: “We are delighted to lend our support to such an important historical attraction. Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank has experience helping heritage railways to expand and achieve their full potential, having supported the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to secure their long term future.”
Churnet Valley Railway once formed part of the North Staffordshire Railway, which was the old main line between Manchester and London. The line first opened in 1849 and went on to play a key role in the Second World War by being one of the main transport routes due to the line being largely hidden from view. The line continued running until the Beeching review in the 1960’s.
In the mid 1970’s, the local authority acquired Cheddleton Station and had started to dismantle it, when the North Staffordshire Railway Society stepped in to preserve the station building. In 1978 the North Staffordshire Railway Company Ltd was formed to provide limited liability for its members. In 1992 a light railway order was granted and the Churnet Valley Railway was born. In 1995, Churnet Valley Railway purchased the line from British Rail and since that time, the line has been lovingly restored and gradually brought back into use.
Anthony Hancock continues: “The Railway now runs a full service and caters for weddings, special events and ghost trains. Our long term plan is to extend the line into Leek, the main town in the region and build an educational visitor centre, so people can learn more about the railway and the region’s history. The deal with Alliance & Leicester Commercial Bank has enabled us to kick start these plans and our continued relationship with the bank will secure the long term future of this historic railway.”
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:47:07
Lord Nelson Brooch found in Uttoxeter
A 200-year-old brooch that belonged to Lord Nelson’s lover, Lady Hamilton, has been found in a chest of drawers.
The anonymous owner, an elderly woman, had kept it tucked away for years, unaware of its history.
When she died, her daughter had the contents of her cottage valued, unearthing the item.
The gold-and-blue enamel brooch, which dates back to 1805, is thought to have been made for Lady Hamilton just after Nelson’s death.
A picture of her holding an anchor and mourning the admiral had been painted on.
Charles Hanson, from BBC1’s Bargain Hunt, discovered the brooch at the house in Uttoxeter, Staffs. He said the woman may have been related to a member of Lady Hamilton’s staff.
It is due to be auctioned on May 3 in Lichfield and is expected to fetch at least £300. Back in 1805, it must have cost Nelson just an arm and no leg!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:38:27
The anonymous owner, an elderly woman, had kept it tucked away for years, unaware of its history.
When she died, her daughter had the contents of her cottage valued, unearthing the item.
The gold-and-blue enamel brooch, which dates back to 1805, is thought to have been made for Lady Hamilton just after Nelson’s death.
A picture of her holding an anchor and mourning the admiral had been painted on.
Charles Hanson, from BBC1’s Bargain Hunt, discovered the brooch at the house in Uttoxeter, Staffs. He said the woman may have been related to a member of Lady Hamilton’s staff.
It is due to be auctioned on May 3 in Lichfield and is expected to fetch at least £300. Back in 1805, it must have cost Nelson just an arm and no leg!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:38:27
Grade II listed Derbyshire rest home sold for redevelopment
Leading global property consultants, Knight Frank, has announced the sale of the prestigious Birdsgrove House, a Grade II listed mansion set in extensive grounds alongside the River Dove, in Mayfield, Ashbourne, Derbyshire.
A residential developer has purchased the freehold buildings with approximately 13,710 sq ft of accommodation and 11.3 acres of grounds for £2m.
This commanding Grade II listed mansion been used as a convalescent and rest home since 1946 until its closure in 2005. The entire estate includes the mansion house with former coach house (and garages), a separate two bedroom cottage, orchards, extensive lawns, woodland, 4.15 acres of pasture land and single double bank fishing rights on the River Dove and Bentley Brook.
Birdsgrove House is suitable for continued use as a rest home, refurbishment or redevelopment for a range of alternative uses including reversion to a magnificent private house or for example use as a hotel, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.
Emma Cleugh, partner, Knight Frank, comments: “Prestigious properties in rural settings with potential for redevelopment such as this, are difficult to come across. As such, the sale of Birdsgrove House has attracted a tremendous amount of interest, with several offers above asking price highlighting the demand for this type of property. The estate represents a number of opportunities for the developer, whether they chose to refurbish into a desirable family home or change its use entirely into separate dwellings or even a hotel.”
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:32:12
A residential developer has purchased the freehold buildings with approximately 13,710 sq ft of accommodation and 11.3 acres of grounds for £2m.
This commanding Grade II listed mansion been used as a convalescent and rest home since 1946 until its closure in 2005. The entire estate includes the mansion house with former coach house (and garages), a separate two bedroom cottage, orchards, extensive lawns, woodland, 4.15 acres of pasture land and single double bank fishing rights on the River Dove and Bentley Brook.
Birdsgrove House is suitable for continued use as a rest home, refurbishment or redevelopment for a range of alternative uses including reversion to a magnificent private house or for example use as a hotel, subject to obtaining the necessary consents.
Emma Cleugh, partner, Knight Frank, comments: “Prestigious properties in rural settings with potential for redevelopment such as this, are difficult to come across. As such, the sale of Birdsgrove House has attracted a tremendous amount of interest, with several offers above asking price highlighting the demand for this type of property. The estate represents a number of opportunities for the developer, whether they chose to refurbish into a desirable family home or change its use entirely into separate dwellings or even a hotel.”
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:32:12
Moorland blaze hits the Goyt Valley
AROUND 2,000 square metres of moorland in a protected area of the Goyt Valley has been ravaged by fire.
Investigations are continuing into the cause of the blaze at Wild Moor, near Buxton, last week.
Firefighters and Peak District National Park Rangers, working alongside other agencies including United Utilities, tackled the fire using water backpacks and spray guns.
Buxton Red Watch Manager Leigh Mullin said: “Our control centre was inundated with calls from motorists driving up Long Hill on Monday night, saying it looked as though a meteorite had hit.
“It was too hazardous to do anything up there in the dark, because of the location and the conditions, so we returned at around 5.30am the next morning and managed to get it under control.”
At the height of the fire, at least four fire appliances were at the scene, and a specialist all-terrain vehicle was used to transport equipment and personnel up to the remote site.
Chris Taylor, spokesman for the Peak District National Park Authority, said it was as yet unclear what long-term damage had been caused to the affected area, believed to be a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
But he added: “I would urge people to be careful and vigilant because at this time of year vegetation is very dry from the winter and fires can easily start and spread.
“It is also the start of the ground nesting season so fires could be very damaging, not only to the land but also to the wildlife, which can take years to recover.”
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:29:25
Investigations are continuing into the cause of the blaze at Wild Moor, near Buxton, last week.
Firefighters and Peak District National Park Rangers, working alongside other agencies including United Utilities, tackled the fire using water backpacks and spray guns.
Buxton Red Watch Manager Leigh Mullin said: “Our control centre was inundated with calls from motorists driving up Long Hill on Monday night, saying it looked as though a meteorite had hit.
“It was too hazardous to do anything up there in the dark, because of the location and the conditions, so we returned at around 5.30am the next morning and managed to get it under control.”
At the height of the fire, at least four fire appliances were at the scene, and a specialist all-terrain vehicle was used to transport equipment and personnel up to the remote site.
Chris Taylor, spokesman for the Peak District National Park Authority, said it was as yet unclear what long-term damage had been caused to the affected area, believed to be a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
But he added: “I would urge people to be careful and vigilant because at this time of year vegetation is very dry from the winter and fires can easily start and spread.
“It is also the start of the ground nesting season so fires could be very damaging, not only to the land but also to the wildlife, which can take years to recover.”
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:29:25
Derby 1 v Luton 0 Nyatanga sends Luton down
Luton Town's relegation from the Championship was confirmed last night by a player whose season has been almost as unexplainable as their own. Lewin Nyatanga has been both a help and a hindrance to Derby this term, the 18-year-old featuring in Barnsley's recent victory over Birmingham and also making 11 appearances for Sunderland during two separate loan spells before he was recalled by Billy Davies this week. The Derby manager's timing was perfect.
Nyatanga marked his first appearance in a Derby shirt since September with a goal that lifts his side back into an automatic promotion place, one point above Birmingham having played a game more. For Luton there was only misery, this result bringing the harsh reality of League One football next season. Needing a victory to have any chance of survival, Kevin Blackwell presided over a fourth defeat in a row, which means Luton have collected one point from his five matches in charge.
Not that Blackwell can take the blame for relegation. The damage had been done long before he took over from Mike Newell last month, the dramatic slide since the New Year, during which Luton have picked up eight points from a possible 54, turning a season that promised so much early on into the ultimate failure.
"It hurts to be relegated," admitted Blackwell. "I haven't come here to sit in the lower echelons of English football. I want to make sure this club gets back as quickly as I can."
The Luton manager believes that an immediate return to the second tier is possible, pointing to the arrival of David Pinkney as chairman as pivotal in changing the club's fortunes in the future. "He's got a business brain, he's dynamic and he has got high demands," added Blackwell. The Luton manager understands that funds will be made available next season, with a forward likely to be his first priority. "It's no secret that Luton have sold £4m of strikers," he added.
Steve Howard was among them although the Derby striker failed to score against his former club. He came close on two occasions, seeing a header cleared off the line by Chris Coyne before Gary Teale, his team-mate, managed to do the same in the second half.
Those moments might have pained Howard but relief for a nervous Derby side had come much earlier when Nyatanga converted from inside the six-yard box after Dean Brill, outstanding in goal for Luton, superbly repelled Dean Leacock's point-blank header.
"That's called needs must," said Davies, playing down suggestions that his decision to bring Nyatanga back from Oakwell was a masterstroke. The Derby manager said that "it would have been a travesty if we had not picked up three points", alluding to several near misses, with Matt Oakley striking the crossbar and the substitute Arturo Lupoli denied after Brill stuck out a foot.
Davies had good reason to be sanguine, however. "We have now put a lot of pressure elsewhere," he added.
Unfortunately Birmingham rose above the pressure and only maximum points from the remaining two games will give Derby any chance of automatic promotion.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:22:54
Nyatanga marked his first appearance in a Derby shirt since September with a goal that lifts his side back into an automatic promotion place, one point above Birmingham having played a game more. For Luton there was only misery, this result bringing the harsh reality of League One football next season. Needing a victory to have any chance of survival, Kevin Blackwell presided over a fourth defeat in a row, which means Luton have collected one point from his five matches in charge.
Not that Blackwell can take the blame for relegation. The damage had been done long before he took over from Mike Newell last month, the dramatic slide since the New Year, during which Luton have picked up eight points from a possible 54, turning a season that promised so much early on into the ultimate failure.
"It hurts to be relegated," admitted Blackwell. "I haven't come here to sit in the lower echelons of English football. I want to make sure this club gets back as quickly as I can."
The Luton manager believes that an immediate return to the second tier is possible, pointing to the arrival of David Pinkney as chairman as pivotal in changing the club's fortunes in the future. "He's got a business brain, he's dynamic and he has got high demands," added Blackwell. The Luton manager understands that funds will be made available next season, with a forward likely to be his first priority. "It's no secret that Luton have sold £4m of strikers," he added.
Steve Howard was among them although the Derby striker failed to score against his former club. He came close on two occasions, seeing a header cleared off the line by Chris Coyne before Gary Teale, his team-mate, managed to do the same in the second half.
Those moments might have pained Howard but relief for a nervous Derby side had come much earlier when Nyatanga converted from inside the six-yard box after Dean Brill, outstanding in goal for Luton, superbly repelled Dean Leacock's point-blank header.
"That's called needs must," said Davies, playing down suggestions that his decision to bring Nyatanga back from Oakwell was a masterstroke. The Derby manager said that "it would have been a travesty if we had not picked up three points", alluding to several near misses, with Matt Oakley striking the crossbar and the substitute Arturo Lupoli denied after Brill stuck out a foot.
Davies had good reason to be sanguine, however. "We have now put a lot of pressure elsewhere," he added.
Unfortunately Birmingham rose above the pressure and only maximum points from the remaining two games will give Derby any chance of automatic promotion.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:22:54
No action on Buxton dog attack
Police are to take no further action against the owner of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier which attacked a girl on a train in Blackpool.
Officers from British Transport Police investigating an incident, in which 11-year-old girl Megan Hall, of Layton was bitten by a dog on board a train travelling from Blackpool North to Buxton, have decided not to bring charges.
Officers formally interviewed a 15-year-old girl from Buxton in connection to the incident and after a thorough investigation and advice from the Crown Prosecution Service it has been decided that no further action will be taken.
The incident happened on March 22, when the dog bit into Megan's thigh and dragged her through the carriage, causing her to miss her stop.
As a result of the attack, Megan spent two days in Blackpool Victoria Hospital where she underwent an emergency operation on her leg.
A short time after an appeal from police the owners came forward and had the dog voluntarily put down.
Police say all parties have been notified and are satisfied with the outcome of the investigation.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:20:22
Officers from British Transport Police investigating an incident, in which 11-year-old girl Megan Hall, of Layton was bitten by a dog on board a train travelling from Blackpool North to Buxton, have decided not to bring charges.
Officers formally interviewed a 15-year-old girl from Buxton in connection to the incident and after a thorough investigation and advice from the Crown Prosecution Service it has been decided that no further action will be taken.
The incident happened on March 22, when the dog bit into Megan's thigh and dragged her through the carriage, causing her to miss her stop.
As a result of the attack, Megan spent two days in Blackpool Victoria Hospital where she underwent an emergency operation on her leg.
A short time after an appeal from police the owners came forward and had the dog voluntarily put down.
Police say all parties have been notified and are satisfied with the outcome of the investigation.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 10:20:22
Derbyshire Scouts Birthday Party
Thousands of Scouts, Beavers and Cubs enjoyed the thrilling rides of a theme park to celebrate the centenary of the Scouting movement.
Alton Towers was awash with green yesterday when 6,000 youngsters from Derbyshire visited.
The Scouts accounted for nearly a third of the day's visitors.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 09:52:26
Alton Towers was awash with green yesterday when 6,000 youngsters from Derbyshire visited.
The Scouts accounted for nearly a third of the day's visitors.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 09:52:26
Classic car sale big success in Buxton
New homes were found for 61 popular classics at H&H’s Spring sale at Buxton last week (April 18). They ranged in price from £40,700 for a 1958 Jaguar XK150 SE Drophead Coupe to £700 for a 1984 Jaguar XJS Coupe (what a lot of car for the money!), and in age from the 1926 Swift 10HP QA Sports (£9,570) to a 1992 Bentley Turbo RL (£13,200).
Good XK Jaguars are always in demand, and the Old English White XK150 cut quite a dash, as you might expect of a car that had been converted from left- to right-hand drive and had nearly £60,000 lavished on it back in 1990. Not far behind it on price was an equally stunning 1934 Alvis Speed 20 SC Four-Seat Tourer that had begun life as a drophead coupe. Always destined to be one of the stars of the show, it eventually sold for £39,600.
There was much competition over the 1967 Aston Martin DB6 that sold for £33,000. Of varying condition it is now likely to be the subject of considerable restoration. After which it could no doubt command nearer £80,000, considering the way Aston Martin prices have risen of late.
Among the many cars to better their top estimates were the totally immaculate Sun Bronze-coloured 1964 Jensen CV8 MKII - a well-known concours car that fetched £19,250 - and both the sale’s Frogeye Sprites that made £5,390 and £6,050 respectively. The very pretty red 1962 MGA MKII Coupe also surpassed expectations by realising £8,910.
Though the rarer of Porsche’s 911s are commanding ever higher prices these days, the regular cars remain great value. The 1990 Carrera 4 (£12,980), 1990 Carrera 2 (£9,360) and 1985 Carrera (£9,020) were all pretty much on the money.
Of the oddballs, the 1961 Downton-tuned 1275cc Morris Mini Pickup that made the Guinness Book of records for driving the 1900 miles from Oxford to Moscow on one tank of fuel, changed hands for £5,280. Of the four registration numbers on offer, 1 BBC fetched £22,000, though is thought to have gone to a private buyer rather than Auntie Beeb herself, as might have been expected.
Highlights of the previous day’s well-attended automobilia sale, included a trio of original Gurney Nutting sports car coachwork drawings (£844) and one of the 1932 Bluebird, signed by Malcolm Campbell himself (£1,238). The latter will remain in the UK, despite strong bidding from America. Interest in garage ephemera remains buoyant and the British Dominions Empire Motor Policy enamel sign fetched £1,350, while the Exide Batteries lightbox made £1,013.
The next H&H sale is at Kempton Park on May 12 and is for motorcycles, bicycles and motobilia. The next car and automobilia sale will be at Buxton on June 19/20.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 09:13:28
Good XK Jaguars are always in demand, and the Old English White XK150 cut quite a dash, as you might expect of a car that had been converted from left- to right-hand drive and had nearly £60,000 lavished on it back in 1990. Not far behind it on price was an equally stunning 1934 Alvis Speed 20 SC Four-Seat Tourer that had begun life as a drophead coupe. Always destined to be one of the stars of the show, it eventually sold for £39,600.
There was much competition over the 1967 Aston Martin DB6 that sold for £33,000. Of varying condition it is now likely to be the subject of considerable restoration. After which it could no doubt command nearer £80,000, considering the way Aston Martin prices have risen of late.
Among the many cars to better their top estimates were the totally immaculate Sun Bronze-coloured 1964 Jensen CV8 MKII - a well-known concours car that fetched £19,250 - and both the sale’s Frogeye Sprites that made £5,390 and £6,050 respectively. The very pretty red 1962 MGA MKII Coupe also surpassed expectations by realising £8,910.
Though the rarer of Porsche’s 911s are commanding ever higher prices these days, the regular cars remain great value. The 1990 Carrera 4 (£12,980), 1990 Carrera 2 (£9,360) and 1985 Carrera (£9,020) were all pretty much on the money.
Of the oddballs, the 1961 Downton-tuned 1275cc Morris Mini Pickup that made the Guinness Book of records for driving the 1900 miles from Oxford to Moscow on one tank of fuel, changed hands for £5,280. Of the four registration numbers on offer, 1 BBC fetched £22,000, though is thought to have gone to a private buyer rather than Auntie Beeb herself, as might have been expected.
Highlights of the previous day’s well-attended automobilia sale, included a trio of original Gurney Nutting sports car coachwork drawings (£844) and one of the 1932 Bluebird, signed by Malcolm Campbell himself (£1,238). The latter will remain in the UK, despite strong bidding from America. Interest in garage ephemera remains buoyant and the British Dominions Empire Motor Policy enamel sign fetched £1,350, while the Exide Batteries lightbox made £1,013.
The next H&H sale is at Kempton Park on May 12 and is for motorcycles, bicycles and motobilia. The next car and automobilia sale will be at Buxton on June 19/20.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 09:13:28
Sabian AWOL
Apologies for absence from The Peak District View News. The weather here in Derbyshire went suddenly from awful to wonderful, and I've been out in my garden, deck, garage, treehouse, repairing winter's ravages.
Plus the fact we have just moved offices from a matchbox to a shoe box.
But now we are back online ready to report on "what's going on!"
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 09:09:37
Plus the fact we have just moved offices from a matchbox to a shoe box.
But now we are back online ready to report on "what's going on!"
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 09:09:37
Essex v Derbyshire
Essex settled for a draw after being set a victory target of 376 in 74 overs by Derbyshire at Chelmsford.
Essex made no attempt to chase their target, the captains deciding to call it a day after 58 overs with the home side on 131 for three.
The game had bore draw all over it from the moment Essex began their innings as left-arm seamer Kevin Dean conceded just one run in his opening spell of eight overs.
During it he had Mark Pettini caught behind as he nicked an intended pull, and when Alistair Cook departed shortly afterwards, superbly caught at slip by Ian Harvey when cutting left-arm spinner Ant Botha, Derbyshire had a slight sniff of victory.
But on a batsman-friendly pitch Essex were able to steer a course to safety with ease as Ronnie Irani and Varun Chopra dispelled fears of a collapse.
They resisted until just before the close when Chopra's impressive knock came to an end as he put up a catch to cover point when attacking Harvey.
The 19-year-old produced several fine strokes off his legs as he gathered 69 with the help of eight boundaries.
But none of the six bowlers used was able to shift Irani. The Essex captain was at his most stubborn as he finished unbeaten with 28, an effort that spanned 35 overs and two hours.
Irani's defiance followed his 144 in the first innings and meant that he had batted for just over eight and a quarter hours in the match.
Earlier in the morning, the visitors added a further 91 in 21 overs after resuming from their overnight 140 for one.
They lost two more wickets on the way. Chris Taylor was within four of his century when he was caught at slip trying to force leg-spinner Danish Kaneria off the back foot.
Taylor collected 11 boundaries in the his 149-ball stay and shared in a second-wicket stand of 131 with Simon Katich, who then put on 70 with Hassan Adnan before the latter was run out.
Katich, who survived an escape on 62 when Tim Phillips put down a catch at short fine leg following a sweep against Kaneria, had reached 88 when he declared half and hour before lunch.
It was an innings that included three sixes in addition to seven fours but his declaration failed to persuade Irani to take up the challenge.
No doubt such an approach was dictated by the absence of two leading batsmen. Andy Flower is recovering from a torn cartilage that is expected to keep him out of action for at least another three weeks, while Ravinder Bopara was away on England World Cup duty.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 09:07:45
Essex made no attempt to chase their target, the captains deciding to call it a day after 58 overs with the home side on 131 for three.
The game had bore draw all over it from the moment Essex began their innings as left-arm seamer Kevin Dean conceded just one run in his opening spell of eight overs.
During it he had Mark Pettini caught behind as he nicked an intended pull, and when Alistair Cook departed shortly afterwards, superbly caught at slip by Ian Harvey when cutting left-arm spinner Ant Botha, Derbyshire had a slight sniff of victory.
But on a batsman-friendly pitch Essex were able to steer a course to safety with ease as Ronnie Irani and Varun Chopra dispelled fears of a collapse.
They resisted until just before the close when Chopra's impressive knock came to an end as he put up a catch to cover point when attacking Harvey.
The 19-year-old produced several fine strokes off his legs as he gathered 69 with the help of eight boundaries.
But none of the six bowlers used was able to shift Irani. The Essex captain was at his most stubborn as he finished unbeaten with 28, an effort that spanned 35 overs and two hours.
Irani's defiance followed his 144 in the first innings and meant that he had batted for just over eight and a quarter hours in the match.
Earlier in the morning, the visitors added a further 91 in 21 overs after resuming from their overnight 140 for one.
They lost two more wickets on the way. Chris Taylor was within four of his century when he was caught at slip trying to force leg-spinner Danish Kaneria off the back foot.
Taylor collected 11 boundaries in the his 149-ball stay and shared in a second-wicket stand of 131 with Simon Katich, who then put on 70 with Hassan Adnan before the latter was run out.
Katich, who survived an escape on 62 when Tim Phillips put down a catch at short fine leg following a sweep against Kaneria, had reached 88 when he declared half and hour before lunch.
It was an innings that included three sixes in addition to seven fours but his declaration failed to persuade Irani to take up the challenge.
No doubt such an approach was dictated by the absence of two leading batsmen. Andy Flower is recovering from a torn cartilage that is expected to keep him out of action for at least another three weeks, while Ravinder Bopara was away on England World Cup duty.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 09:07:45
Apartments for Old English in Matlock
MATLOCK could lose a well-known local amenity if plans to turn a historic hotel into residential apartments are approved.
Developers want to turn The Cromwell Hotel, previously known as the Olde English, on Dale Road, into apartments and shops.
This would see an extension created to include 14 residential units, shop floorspace and car parking.
Currently the site is a 13-bedroomed hotel with dining room and lounge, wine bar, public bar and nightclub.
David Smith from Matlock Civic Association said: "The association has always lamented the lack of choice of hotels in Matlock.
"We had hoped that a major plank of the Matlock Masterplan's Bakewell Road redevelopment would be attracting major hotel names into the area.
"Instead we are losing another, it is a real pity about the Cromwell Hotel but it is not a surprise as everything seems to become residential as that is where the money is.
"According to the local plan which runs until 2011, Matlock has already reached its housing quota, technically, anything extra would be an over supply.
"I have seen developments that were built a while ago still advertising for people to fill them."
The plans include a basement level loading bay for the retail unit, with a lift to the ground floor and 30 car parking spaces for residential units.
The ground floor level would become a retail unit with access from Dale Road while the first, second and third floors would become residential units complete with an internal courtyard and balconies.
The proposed development would be five storeys high including the basement at the Dale Road frontage and four storeys at the rear.
As the development is in a conservation area it is proposed to retain the exisiting facades to Dale Road and Olde Derwent Avenue as they are "good qualitiy interims of design and materials."
The owner of the hotel was unavailable for comment.
Anyone wanting to make representations about the application should write, before May 10, to the Planning Services Manager, Derbshire Dales District Council, Town Hall, Bank Road.
I would imagine the local residents will welcome the closing of the bar and more importantly the Underground night club which has been a source of rowdiness and drunken behavour for years.
As regards the hotel, unless it has been refurbished in the last two years, then quite frankly it is a shit hole and deserves to be closed.
But who would want a shop at that end of town? With Sainsburies on theway it will become an even bigger ghost area. Unless there are even more charity shops and hairdressers waiting in the wings.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 08:54:21
Developers want to turn The Cromwell Hotel, previously known as the Olde English, on Dale Road, into apartments and shops.
This would see an extension created to include 14 residential units, shop floorspace and car parking.
Currently the site is a 13-bedroomed hotel with dining room and lounge, wine bar, public bar and nightclub.
David Smith from Matlock Civic Association said: "The association has always lamented the lack of choice of hotels in Matlock.
"We had hoped that a major plank of the Matlock Masterplan's Bakewell Road redevelopment would be attracting major hotel names into the area.
"Instead we are losing another, it is a real pity about the Cromwell Hotel but it is not a surprise as everything seems to become residential as that is where the money is.
"According to the local plan which runs until 2011, Matlock has already reached its housing quota, technically, anything extra would be an over supply.
"I have seen developments that were built a while ago still advertising for people to fill them."
The plans include a basement level loading bay for the retail unit, with a lift to the ground floor and 30 car parking spaces for residential units.
The ground floor level would become a retail unit with access from Dale Road while the first, second and third floors would become residential units complete with an internal courtyard and balconies.
The proposed development would be five storeys high including the basement at the Dale Road frontage and four storeys at the rear.
As the development is in a conservation area it is proposed to retain the exisiting facades to Dale Road and Olde Derwent Avenue as they are "good qualitiy interims of design and materials."
The owner of the hotel was unavailable for comment.
Anyone wanting to make representations about the application should write, before May 10, to the Planning Services Manager, Derbshire Dales District Council, Town Hall, Bank Road.
I would imagine the local residents will welcome the closing of the bar and more importantly the Underground night club which has been a source of rowdiness and drunken behavour for years.
As regards the hotel, unless it has been refurbished in the last two years, then quite frankly it is a shit hole and deserves to be closed.
But who would want a shop at that end of town? With Sainsburies on theway it will become an even bigger ghost area. Unless there are even more charity shops and hairdressers waiting in the wings.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 08:54:21
Mac man gets top cricket job
MACCLESFIELD-raised cricketer Peter Moores has been named as the new coach of the England cricket team.
Following disappointing Ashes series and World Cup campaigns, coach Duncan Fletcher’s reign has ended after nearly eight years.
The Zimbabwean’s resignation paved the way for Moores, a former pupil at King’s School and the director of the National Academy, to take over on May 1.
The 44-year old scored more than 7,000 first-class runs and took more than 500 wickets during his time behind the stumps for Worcestershire and Sussex.
Moores first confirmed a reputation as one of the country’s best young coaches by leading Sussex to the 2003 County Championship.
He also coached the England A squad on the tour of the West Indies in 2000.
Ian Wilson, King’s School’s former cricket coach, said: “We knew from an early age that we had a special talent in Peter Moores, we did not know just how special.
“It wasn’t just his cricketing ability but his sheer enthusiasm and immense love of the game that persuaded us counsel him to take up the offer of a place on the MCC groundstaff, rather than a place at Durham university.
“We knew he would carve out a good career as a professional cricketer and that was the best place to continue to learn his trade.
“We have continued to watch his career develop with great pride and I can say that I have never heard a bad word said about him.
“What makes him a great coach is his ability to understand the individual. Like his brother Steve, King’s current first team coach, he is a wonderful ‘people person.’
“That was something that their father Bernard instilled. He came to every game they played and was the strongest influence on them becoming the men they are today.”
Moores also has strong ties with Macclesfield Cricket Club, having progressed through their junior system. His brother Tony is still a member of Macclesfield’s third team, and Peter manages to return to watch at least one game each season.
Current club captain Barney Cutbill said: “We’re really proud of Peter’s achievements and wish him every success with England. We hope he can turn their fortunes around.”
Moores himself said: “Men like Ian Wilson and fellow coach Mark Harbord gave me a great grounding in the game. It wasn’t just a technical foundation that I learned at King’s, but a love of the game, its wonderful traditions and sporting ethos.
“I will always be grateful and always enjoying meeting my old friends when I return to Macclesfield.”
I only hope this isn't another Steve McLaren scenario.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 08:44:35
Following disappointing Ashes series and World Cup campaigns, coach Duncan Fletcher’s reign has ended after nearly eight years.
The Zimbabwean’s resignation paved the way for Moores, a former pupil at King’s School and the director of the National Academy, to take over on May 1.
The 44-year old scored more than 7,000 first-class runs and took more than 500 wickets during his time behind the stumps for Worcestershire and Sussex.
Moores first confirmed a reputation as one of the country’s best young coaches by leading Sussex to the 2003 County Championship.
He also coached the England A squad on the tour of the West Indies in 2000.
Ian Wilson, King’s School’s former cricket coach, said: “We knew from an early age that we had a special talent in Peter Moores, we did not know just how special.
“It wasn’t just his cricketing ability but his sheer enthusiasm and immense love of the game that persuaded us counsel him to take up the offer of a place on the MCC groundstaff, rather than a place at Durham university.
“We knew he would carve out a good career as a professional cricketer and that was the best place to continue to learn his trade.
“We have continued to watch his career develop with great pride and I can say that I have never heard a bad word said about him.
“What makes him a great coach is his ability to understand the individual. Like his brother Steve, King’s current first team coach, he is a wonderful ‘people person.’
“That was something that their father Bernard instilled. He came to every game they played and was the strongest influence on them becoming the men they are today.”
Moores also has strong ties with Macclesfield Cricket Club, having progressed through their junior system. His brother Tony is still a member of Macclesfield’s third team, and Peter manages to return to watch at least one game each season.
Current club captain Barney Cutbill said: “We’re really proud of Peter’s achievements and wish him every success with England. We hope he can turn their fortunes around.”
Moores himself said: “Men like Ian Wilson and fellow coach Mark Harbord gave me a great grounding in the game. It wasn’t just a technical foundation that I learned at King’s, but a love of the game, its wonderful traditions and sporting ethos.
“I will always be grateful and always enjoying meeting my old friends when I return to Macclesfield.”
I only hope this isn't another Steve McLaren scenario.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-26 08:44:35
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Easter bunny girls a great success
Big-hearted bar staff from Chesterfield were bouncing into action as bunny-girls with an Easter fund-raiser for seriously ill children.
The staff, at The Barley Mow pub, Saltergate, dressed up as the Playboy magazine favourites during Saturday night to attract donations for The Chesterfield Children's Charity.
David Woodhead, charity trustee, said: "The Chesterfield Children's Charity was formed a couple of years ago to help very poorly youngsters from the area.
"I'm a regular at the pub and when I told them about the charity they were determined to help.
"The money will go towards organisations which help youngsters from this area including Bluebell Wood Hospice, at Dinnington, and the Fairplay charity which provides services and activities for disabled children."
Bar staff made collections throughout Saturday night. The pub has previously raised money for Chesterfield Royal Hospital's Nightingale Ward for children.
Roll on the next Bank Holiday
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 08:09:15
The staff, at The Barley Mow pub, Saltergate, dressed up as the Playboy magazine favourites during Saturday night to attract donations for The Chesterfield Children's Charity.
David Woodhead, charity trustee, said: "The Chesterfield Children's Charity was formed a couple of years ago to help very poorly youngsters from the area.
"I'm a regular at the pub and when I told them about the charity they were determined to help.
"The money will go towards organisations which help youngsters from this area including Bluebell Wood Hospice, at Dinnington, and the Fairplay charity which provides services and activities for disabled children."
Bar staff made collections throughout Saturday night. The pub has previously raised money for Chesterfield Royal Hospital's Nightingale Ward for children.
Roll on the next Bank Holiday
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 08:09:15
What becomes of the Matlock Jubilee Crown
Uncertainty hangs over the crowning glory of Matlock town centre.
The crown, which forms the centrepiece of the traffic island in Crown Square, is set to be deposed under planned changes to the junction joining Causeway Lane, Bank Road and the A6.
Although it is not yet clear where it will be relocated to, town leaders agree it is synonymous with Matlock and should continue to figure prominently.
Town mayor Sue Burfoot said: "The crown is certainly an iconic feature of Matlock.
"We must try and keep it at all costs, but it's a question of 'where?'
"One thing I would like to see is Crown Square remaining a gateway to the town with some special features, and the crown could form part of that.
"It needs to be somewhere in the hub of the town, perhaps on a podium at Park Head.
"The difficulty is getting somebody to pay for these things."
The stainless steel crown was made in 1977 by the apprentices of TI Chesterfield Ltd to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee.
It was presented as a gift to the town.
But under the Matlock Masterplan, the Crown Square island is set to be removed in favour of traffic lights – creating a crossroads.
Pavements at the bottom of Bank Road are to be narrowed to create a two-lane exit, while pavements in front of the shops will be widened in a bid to make them more pedestrian friendly.
All works must be completed no later than 12 months after the completion of the relief road.
A spokesperson for Derbyshire Dales District Council said: "There are no firm proposals at the moment on where the crown will go, but we will ensure that it is relocated to a prominent position in the town."
How about in the River Derwent.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 08:02:45
The crown, which forms the centrepiece of the traffic island in Crown Square, is set to be deposed under planned changes to the junction joining Causeway Lane, Bank Road and the A6.
Although it is not yet clear where it will be relocated to, town leaders agree it is synonymous with Matlock and should continue to figure prominently.
Town mayor Sue Burfoot said: "The crown is certainly an iconic feature of Matlock.
"We must try and keep it at all costs, but it's a question of 'where?'
"One thing I would like to see is Crown Square remaining a gateway to the town with some special features, and the crown could form part of that.
"It needs to be somewhere in the hub of the town, perhaps on a podium at Park Head.
"The difficulty is getting somebody to pay for these things."
The stainless steel crown was made in 1977 by the apprentices of TI Chesterfield Ltd to celebrate the Queen's Silver Jubilee.
It was presented as a gift to the town.
But under the Matlock Masterplan, the Crown Square island is set to be removed in favour of traffic lights – creating a crossroads.
Pavements at the bottom of Bank Road are to be narrowed to create a two-lane exit, while pavements in front of the shops will be widened in a bid to make them more pedestrian friendly.
All works must be completed no later than 12 months after the completion of the relief road.
A spokesperson for Derbyshire Dales District Council said: "There are no firm proposals at the moment on where the crown will go, but we will ensure that it is relocated to a prominent position in the town."
How about in the River Derwent.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 08:02:45
Deadline for comments on the Pav
Members of the public who wish to submit comments for the review of a Dales nightspot's licence must do so before Thursday April 12.
Police have called for a district council licensing committee to consider closing the Pav in Matlock Bath, stating: "The licensing objectives of prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm have been seriously undermined."
To make representations to the review, write to: The licensing and administration manager, licensing section, community services, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Town Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3NN.
The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday May 1.
The Pav has been recognised as the biggest creche in Derbyshire.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 07:59:05
Police have called for a district council licensing committee to consider closing the Pav in Matlock Bath, stating: "The licensing objectives of prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm have been seriously undermined."
To make representations to the review, write to: The licensing and administration manager, licensing section, community services, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Town Hall, Matlock, Derbyshire DE4 3NN.
The hearing is scheduled for Tuesday May 1.
The Pav has been recognised as the biggest creche in Derbyshire.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 07:59:05
Still no lottery bid for Elvaston gardens
Protesters fighting to keep Elvaston Castle open to the public want to know why Derbyshire County Council has not resubmitted a lottery bid to restore historic gardens there.
The Friends of Elvaston Castle have said the council is taking too long over the £10m bid, which would see the 185-acre garden area restored to its former glory.
The county council submitted an initial bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund last summer, seeking to restore the castle's gardens, which cover 185 acres of the 325-acre site.
But the bid was withdrawn in November when the Heritage Lottery Fund asked for more details.
The council said this would cause it to incur significant costs, and the withdrawal of the bid only came to light last month.
The council said that because the development of the castle was at an early stage, it was unwilling to cover the cost of providing detailed reports on the garden plans.
The Friends of Elvaston Castle believe the council is taking too long over the bid and should resubmit it as soon as possible.
Friends member Graham Mansey said: "Derbyshire County Council has been working on this garden restoration bid for the past six years.
"The Heritage Lottery Fund obviously still has problems with it. For Heritage Lottery Fund grants to be available, public access must be maintained at present levels or increased."
The restoration of the gardens was a key element of controversial plans to redevelop Elvaston Castle and the surrounding estate.
In 1999, the council announced it could no longer afford annual running costs of £500,000 or an essential repairs bill estimated at £4m.
It looked for developers to transform the site and, in November 2004, London-based Highgate Sanctuary was chosen to turn the run-down building into an £18m hotel with 160 rooms.
The plans also include a golf course. Remaining land, including the gardens, would be run by a trust.
Last June, the council decided to award Highgate a 150-year lease of the site, which states that Highgate Sanctuary would provide the £2.75m match funding required for a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the restoration of the historic gardens.
The lease on the site, which attracts an average of 500,000 visitors each year, has not yet been signed.
As the bid was withdrawn in November, the council has spent about £800,000 of the annual £4m running cost since that date.
Mr Mansey said the Friends would like to see the house, gardens and estate completely restored.
He said the Heritage Lottery Fund had informed the Friends that money was available for such restoration but that this money must benefit as wide a proportion of the community as possible and must not lead to loss of public access.
A council spokeswoman said the authority had not yet resubmitted the bid but that work was being carried out to solve the Heritage Lottery Fund's issues with it.
She said the authority was still committed to restoring the gardens.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 07:49:27
The Friends of Elvaston Castle have said the council is taking too long over the £10m bid, which would see the 185-acre garden area restored to its former glory.
The county council submitted an initial bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund last summer, seeking to restore the castle's gardens, which cover 185 acres of the 325-acre site.
But the bid was withdrawn in November when the Heritage Lottery Fund asked for more details.
The council said this would cause it to incur significant costs, and the withdrawal of the bid only came to light last month.
The council said that because the development of the castle was at an early stage, it was unwilling to cover the cost of providing detailed reports on the garden plans.
The Friends of Elvaston Castle believe the council is taking too long over the bid and should resubmit it as soon as possible.
Friends member Graham Mansey said: "Derbyshire County Council has been working on this garden restoration bid for the past six years.
"The Heritage Lottery Fund obviously still has problems with it. For Heritage Lottery Fund grants to be available, public access must be maintained at present levels or increased."
The restoration of the gardens was a key element of controversial plans to redevelop Elvaston Castle and the surrounding estate.
In 1999, the council announced it could no longer afford annual running costs of £500,000 or an essential repairs bill estimated at £4m.
It looked for developers to transform the site and, in November 2004, London-based Highgate Sanctuary was chosen to turn the run-down building into an £18m hotel with 160 rooms.
The plans also include a golf course. Remaining land, including the gardens, would be run by a trust.
Last June, the council decided to award Highgate a 150-year lease of the site, which states that Highgate Sanctuary would provide the £2.75m match funding required for a bid to the Heritage Lottery Fund for the restoration of the historic gardens.
The lease on the site, which attracts an average of 500,000 visitors each year, has not yet been signed.
As the bid was withdrawn in November, the council has spent about £800,000 of the annual £4m running cost since that date.
Mr Mansey said the Friends would like to see the house, gardens and estate completely restored.
He said the Heritage Lottery Fund had informed the Friends that money was available for such restoration but that this money must benefit as wide a proportion of the community as possible and must not lead to loss of public access.
A council spokeswoman said the authority had not yet resubmitted the bid but that work was being carried out to solve the Heritage Lottery Fund's issues with it.
She said the authority was still committed to restoring the gardens.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 07:49:27
Winster road closure
A road in Winster is to be closed for 10 days so a drain can be connected.
From tomorrow until Friday, April 20, East Bank will be shut for 200m from its junction with West Bank in the direction of the village centre.
For details, call 01629 580000 ext.7685
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 07:46:44
From tomorrow until Friday, April 20, East Bank will be shut for 200m from its junction with West Bank in the direction of the village centre.
For details, call 01629 580000 ext.7685
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 07:46:44
Fenny Bentley blackspot claims another life
A motorcyclist died in an accident on a notorious stretch of road near Fenny Bentley.
The 52-year-old man, who has not yet been named, was riding his Ducati motorbike when it was in collision with a Fiat Stilo on the A515 half-a-mile north of Tissington yesterday lunchtime.
The incident was attended by emergency services, including an air ambulance and police helicopter.
It was the sixth fatality in less than four years on the stretch of the A515 either side of Fenny Bentley.
The A515 was reopened at 5pm.
Any witnesses to the crash should call the police on 01773 572929.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 07:41:30
The 52-year-old man, who has not yet been named, was riding his Ducati motorbike when it was in collision with a Fiat Stilo on the A515 half-a-mile north of Tissington yesterday lunchtime.
The incident was attended by emergency services, including an air ambulance and police helicopter.
It was the sixth fatality in less than four years on the stretch of the A515 either side of Fenny Bentley.
The A515 was reopened at 5pm.
Any witnesses to the crash should call the police on 01773 572929.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 07:41:30
Derby Cathedral takes hand of grant
Windows at Derby Cathedral will undergo essential repairs this summer, thanks to a grant of £27,000.
Head verger Tony Grantham said that the money, from English Heritage and the Wolfson Foundation, would be used to repair six large windows overlooking College Place.
He said: "It's great that we have received this money as the window panes are beginning to fall out."
The work will take six months and each window will also be fitted with a new grate.
Dr Anthony Streeten, of English Heritage, said: "I'm delighted that we've been able to double the amount available for repairs by pooling our resources with the foundation, a major grant-making charity."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 07:36:07
Head verger Tony Grantham said that the money, from English Heritage and the Wolfson Foundation, would be used to repair six large windows overlooking College Place.
He said: "It's great that we have received this money as the window panes are beginning to fall out."
The work will take six months and each window will also be fitted with a new grate.
Dr Anthony Streeten, of English Heritage, said: "I'm delighted that we've been able to double the amount available for repairs by pooling our resources with the foundation, a major grant-making charity."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 07:36:07
Lamb spotting at Hardwick Hall
Families are being given the chance to enjoy a spring walk and see newborn lambs at an historic Derbyshire stately home.
A farmer will show people the new lambs at Hardwick Hall, on Saturday and Sunday.
Admission to the hall is £8.17 for adults, £4.08 for children or £20.44 for a family. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Call 01246 858400 for information.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 07:34:04
A farmer will show people the new lambs at Hardwick Hall, on Saturday and Sunday.
Admission to the hall is £8.17 for adults, £4.08 for children or £20.44 for a family. Sturdy shoes are recommended. Call 01246 858400 for information.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 07:34:04
Top Derby Chef for TV Finals
Top Derby chef Sat Bains is looking forward to battling it out in the finals of the television series Great British Menu.
After competing with Norfolk chef Galton Blackiston in the BBC2 show's central region heat, Normanton-born Mr Bains was named the winner.
Mr Bains said his original ideas helped him to win. Three other chefs will be chosen from regional heats to compete with Mr Bains in the final.
The overall winner will cook a banquet in Paris for the British Ambassador to France and his wife.
I wonder what the runner up gets?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 07:29:51
After competing with Norfolk chef Galton Blackiston in the BBC2 show's central region heat, Normanton-born Mr Bains was named the winner.
Mr Bains said his original ideas helped him to win. Three other chefs will be chosen from regional heats to compete with Mr Bains in the final.
The overall winner will cook a banquet in Paris for the British Ambassador to France and his wife.
I wonder what the runner up gets?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 07:29:51
Whatever happened to good old England?
One thing the whole Iran business has revealed to me is how it is possible to hate your own country, a thing I never understood before. I'm burning with anger and shame at the dishonor these giggling buffoons have brought to our country.
My grandfather was aveteran of the First World War and one of the last conversations I had with him, said: "I know I'm dying, but I don't mind. At least I knew England when she was England."
I discounted that at the time. Old people always grumble about the state of the world. Now I understand it, though. I haven't experienced old England but goes something like this—that bumptious, arrogant, self-confident old England, the England of complicated games, snobbery, irony, repression, and stoicism, the England of suet puddings, drafty houses, coal smoke and bad teeth, the England of throat-catching poetry and gardens and tweeds, the England that civilized the whole world and gave an example of adult behavior—the English Gentleman—that was admired from Peking to Peru.
It's all gone now, "dead as mutton," as English people used to say. Now there is nothing there but a flock of whimpering Eloi, giggling over their gadgets, whining for their handouts, crying for their Mummies, playing at soldiering for reasons they can no longer understand, from lingering habit. Lower the corpse down slowly, shovel in the earth. England is dead.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 07:18:
My grandfather was aveteran of the First World War and one of the last conversations I had with him, said: "I know I'm dying, but I don't mind. At least I knew England when she was England."
I discounted that at the time. Old people always grumble about the state of the world. Now I understand it, though. I haven't experienced old England but goes something like this—that bumptious, arrogant, self-confident old England, the England of complicated games, snobbery, irony, repression, and stoicism, the England of suet puddings, drafty houses, coal smoke and bad teeth, the England of throat-catching poetry and gardens and tweeds, the England that civilized the whole world and gave an example of adult behavior—the English Gentleman—that was admired from Peking to Peru.
It's all gone now, "dead as mutton," as English people used to say. Now there is nothing there but a flock of whimpering Eloi, giggling over their gadgets, whining for their handouts, crying for their Mummies, playing at soldiering for reasons they can no longer understand, from lingering habit. Lower the corpse down slowly, shovel in the earth. England is dead.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-10 07:18:
Sunday, April 08, 2007
Leicester 1 Derby 1 - Is a point enough at the Walkers?
Derby's progress towards the Premiership, seemingly serene, was interrupted by some difficulties close to home.
While the majority of their points have been gleaned on their travels, Leicester, their closest rivals - geographically, anyway - in the Championship, deprived Derby of a club record 13th away win of the season. The Leicester substitute Matty Fryatt's equaliser, as well as reducing the possibility that the club's new owner, Milan Mandaric, will have invested in a League One club, made it a profitable trip to the Walkers Stadium for the Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce. His side will displace Derby at the Championship summit if they beat Burnley today.
Given Derby's mastery of a one-goal lead - it has sufficed for 19 of their Championship victories this season - and Leicester's ineffectiveness in open play, it ranked as a surprise when Fryatt levelled. Yet Derby's failure to build on the advantage Craig Fagan gave them, coupled with their timid attempts to convert late chances, meant they did not merit victory.
They will, however, rue misses that could yet determine the destination of the Championship. David Jones was one culprit, misjudging a header when unmarked while the assurance Fagan displayed for his goal was lacking when Gary Teale supplied him. "He should have been more clinical at the end," Davies said.
And it served to reinforce the significance of the suspended Steve Howard. Howard is available for the visit of Coventry City on Monday and it is a safe assumption he will be restored to the team. "We've got four difficult points from six and now we can welcome back our striker," Davies added. "He's a big loss."
The forwards selected - Fagan, Jon Macken and Darren Currie - started without a single goal for Derby. Fagan remedied that in his 12th match since his £750,000 move from Hull, yet Derby were too ineffectual up front. The exception came when Jones began a counter-attack by feeding Giles Barnes. As four defenders congregated around the teenager, he found Fagan and the winger's finish curled around Paul Henderson in goal.
Leicester were doubly aggrieved. In the ascendancy for the opening quarter, they were still bemoaning referee Howard Webb's decision not to award them a penalty. As Danny Tiatto - who Davies felt should have been dismissed for elbowing Barnes - delivered a left-wing corner, Darren Moore both grappled with and leant on Patrick Kisnorbo. "It was a penalty,' said the Leicester manager, Robert Kelly, ruing his players' reaction to Webb's ruling as Fagan advanced to score. "That second or two of disappointment cost us."
He was happier with the response of his replacement. Freed by Jason Jarrett, Fryatt evaded Dean Leacock's attentions before placing his low shot beyond Stephen Bywater. The celebrations in Birmingham and Sunderland were surely as loud as those in Leicester.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-07 04:03:10
While the majority of their points have been gleaned on their travels, Leicester, their closest rivals - geographically, anyway - in the Championship, deprived Derby of a club record 13th away win of the season. The Leicester substitute Matty Fryatt's equaliser, as well as reducing the possibility that the club's new owner, Milan Mandaric, will have invested in a League One club, made it a profitable trip to the Walkers Stadium for the Birmingham City manager Steve Bruce. His side will displace Derby at the Championship summit if they beat Burnley today.
Given Derby's mastery of a one-goal lead - it has sufficed for 19 of their Championship victories this season - and Leicester's ineffectiveness in open play, it ranked as a surprise when Fryatt levelled. Yet Derby's failure to build on the advantage Craig Fagan gave them, coupled with their timid attempts to convert late chances, meant they did not merit victory.
They will, however, rue misses that could yet determine the destination of the Championship. David Jones was one culprit, misjudging a header when unmarked while the assurance Fagan displayed for his goal was lacking when Gary Teale supplied him. "He should have been more clinical at the end," Davies said.
And it served to reinforce the significance of the suspended Steve Howard. Howard is available for the visit of Coventry City on Monday and it is a safe assumption he will be restored to the team. "We've got four difficult points from six and now we can welcome back our striker," Davies added. "He's a big loss."
The forwards selected - Fagan, Jon Macken and Darren Currie - started without a single goal for Derby. Fagan remedied that in his 12th match since his £750,000 move from Hull, yet Derby were too ineffectual up front. The exception came when Jones began a counter-attack by feeding Giles Barnes. As four defenders congregated around the teenager, he found Fagan and the winger's finish curled around Paul Henderson in goal.
Leicester were doubly aggrieved. In the ascendancy for the opening quarter, they were still bemoaning referee Howard Webb's decision not to award them a penalty. As Danny Tiatto - who Davies felt should have been dismissed for elbowing Barnes - delivered a left-wing corner, Darren Moore both grappled with and leant on Patrick Kisnorbo. "It was a penalty,' said the Leicester manager, Robert Kelly, ruing his players' reaction to Webb's ruling as Fagan advanced to score. "That second or two of disappointment cost us."
He was happier with the response of his replacement. Freed by Jason Jarrett, Fryatt evaded Dean Leacock's attentions before placing his low shot beyond Stephen Bywater. The celebrations in Birmingham and Sunderland were surely as loud as those in Leicester.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-07 04:03:10
Thursday, April 05, 2007
Cannabis factories in Buxton
Police in Buxton have uncovered three cannabis 'factories' at addresses in St James Street, Clough St and Dale Road in Buxton town centre within the past week.
The officer in charge of the investigations, Detective Inspector Dean Wheeldon, said: "We acted on information we had received from members of the local community and executed drugs warrants at three separate town centre addresses.
"At each address we uncovered sophisticated cannabis cultivation equipment together with many hundreds of fully grown cannabis plants that were potentially worth thousands of pounds."
DI Wheeldon added: "We are appealing to the public, and in particular local landlords, to help us combat the problems caused by drug misuse.
"People should be on the lookout for premises which appear to have had windows and doors totally boarded up or have material or closed curtains at windows to prevent people looking inside, air vents appearing from the side or attics of premises and the distinctive smell of cannabis.
"Advice leaflets on these telltale signs are available free of charge from the enquiry office at Buxton Police Station."
The charity DrugScope recently issued a report stating that nationally, the number of cannabis factories being uncovered by police has trebled over the last two years with an average of three 'factories' raided each day in the last six months.
The charity says more than 60 per cent of cannabis sold in the UK was grown here, compared with only 11 per cent just 10 years ago.
Detective Inspector Wheeldon added: "We will always act on any information we receive and we encourage members of the public to tell us about any suspicions they may have.
"We would rather have a report that turns out to be false than miss out on the chance of arresting a suspect.
"Anyone who suspects that any premises are being used for growing cannabis should contact their local police on 0845 123 33 33 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 500111."
Yeh man, like far out.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-05 03:20:24
The officer in charge of the investigations, Detective Inspector Dean Wheeldon, said: "We acted on information we had received from members of the local community and executed drugs warrants at three separate town centre addresses.
"At each address we uncovered sophisticated cannabis cultivation equipment together with many hundreds of fully grown cannabis plants that were potentially worth thousands of pounds."
DI Wheeldon added: "We are appealing to the public, and in particular local landlords, to help us combat the problems caused by drug misuse.
"People should be on the lookout for premises which appear to have had windows and doors totally boarded up or have material or closed curtains at windows to prevent people looking inside, air vents appearing from the side or attics of premises and the distinctive smell of cannabis.
"Advice leaflets on these telltale signs are available free of charge from the enquiry office at Buxton Police Station."
The charity DrugScope recently issued a report stating that nationally, the number of cannabis factories being uncovered by police has trebled over the last two years with an average of three 'factories' raided each day in the last six months.
The charity says more than 60 per cent of cannabis sold in the UK was grown here, compared with only 11 per cent just 10 years ago.
Detective Inspector Wheeldon added: "We will always act on any information we receive and we encourage members of the public to tell us about any suspicions they may have.
"We would rather have a report that turns out to be false than miss out on the chance of arresting a suspect.
"Anyone who suspects that any premises are being used for growing cannabis should contact their local police on 0845 123 33 33 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 500111."
Yeh man, like far out.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-05 03:20:24
Sisters support road campaign
Two sisters who lost their parents in two separate motorbike accidents on Derbyshire Dales roads have joined British Superbike star Leon Haslam to launch Derbyshire Constabulary's annual motorcycle casualty reduction campaign.
Melanie and Kerry Smith's father Philip Griffin was travelling at around 70mph in a 50mph zone when he crashed on the A6 at Cromford, in October 2005.
Their mother, Colleen, was killed in a collision on Alicehead Road, in Ashover, in August 2001.
The launch of Operation Focus 2007 took place at the collision hotspot on the A6, near Cromford, on Monday, and aims to reduce deaths and injuries involving motorcyclists on the county's roads.
Melanie, 28, of Leabrooks, said: "By backing this campaign, we hope that it will encourage bikers to slow down and ride more safely.
"Think of the effect that a crash has on the family that is left behind. It has been so incredibly tough for us and I wouldn't want anybody else to have to go through that."
Operation Focus, which will run from April to September, will use a combination of enforcement and education to encourage motorcyclists to slow down and reduce the number of casualties on the county's roads.
The following routes have been highlighted as collision hot routes and will receive increased enforcement during Operation Focus: A6 Homesford Cottage near Cromford, A5012 Via Gellia, B5035 Ashbourne to Wirksworth and A6 Matlock Bath to High Peak Junction.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-05 03:15:49
Melanie and Kerry Smith's father Philip Griffin was travelling at around 70mph in a 50mph zone when he crashed on the A6 at Cromford, in October 2005.
Their mother, Colleen, was killed in a collision on Alicehead Road, in Ashover, in August 2001.
The launch of Operation Focus 2007 took place at the collision hotspot on the A6, near Cromford, on Monday, and aims to reduce deaths and injuries involving motorcyclists on the county's roads.
Melanie, 28, of Leabrooks, said: "By backing this campaign, we hope that it will encourage bikers to slow down and ride more safely.
"Think of the effect that a crash has on the family that is left behind. It has been so incredibly tough for us and I wouldn't want anybody else to have to go through that."
Operation Focus, which will run from April to September, will use a combination of enforcement and education to encourage motorcyclists to slow down and reduce the number of casualties on the county's roads.
The following routes have been highlighted as collision hot routes and will receive increased enforcement during Operation Focus: A6 Homesford Cottage near Cromford, A5012 Via Gellia, B5035 Ashbourne to Wirksworth and A6 Matlock Bath to High Peak Junction.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-05 03:15:49
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Ashbourne Slogan result gets closer
Like a long running series of the X Factor the contest to find a new slogan for Ashbourne is now down to the last two.
You must be on the edge of your seats just waiting for the result. Will it be Pride of the Peak – or Gateway to Dovedale?
100 people bothered to suggest a new slogan and mine were ignored.
Following consultation with anyone that could stay awake long enough and through a string of meetings, the Ashbourne Partnership has shortlisted two possible slogans for the new signage, which is due to be installed at key points around the town.
Now the Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne must decide to either stay with what we've got in Gateway to Dovedale or adopt Pride of the Peak. Which is surely against the Trades Descriptions Act, since Ashbourne is not in the Peak District.
Just like the X Factor - a complete and utter waste of time and money.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-04 13:15:50
You must be on the edge of your seats just waiting for the result. Will it be Pride of the Peak – or Gateway to Dovedale?
100 people bothered to suggest a new slogan and mine were ignored.
Following consultation with anyone that could stay awake long enough and through a string of meetings, the Ashbourne Partnership has shortlisted two possible slogans for the new signage, which is due to be installed at key points around the town.
Now the Simon Cowell and Sharon Osbourne must decide to either stay with what we've got in Gateway to Dovedale or adopt Pride of the Peak. Which is surely against the Trades Descriptions Act, since Ashbourne is not in the Peak District.
Just like the X Factor - a complete and utter waste of time and money.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-04 13:15:50
Trust to run Bakewell Town Hall
A decision on Bakewell Town Hall's future has finally been made after councillors voted to hand over the running to a community trust.
The crumbling hall faces a huge bill of upto £400,000 to modernise and repair and this monumental task is finally being passed onto volunteer group Bakewell Town and Community Trust .
The trust was set up in 2005 to take control of the hall and work towards raising money for desperately needed repairs and improvements.
There have been several delays in the handover of the hall but following the meeting on Friday the ball can start rolling.
On Friday members of Bakewell Town Council voted to approve an agreement allowing the Trust to take over the running of the town hall.
Councillor Bill Kirkland said: "There has been a long debate on the future of the Town hall and we wanted to make sure that whatever happened would be in the best interests of the town.
"We want to get a vibrant and viable community centre.
"There are still some details and conditions to be ironed out but we hope to have the agreement formally signed in about a weeks time.
"Then the Trust can start to look at ways of developing the hall, providing facilities and getting funding in place."
Bakewell Town Council will financially support the trust for the first five years of the agreement on a decreasing scale and will also help towards the cost of installing a lift in the building to make the first floor accessible.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-04 13:11:26
The crumbling hall faces a huge bill of upto £400,000 to modernise and repair and this monumental task is finally being passed onto volunteer group Bakewell Town and Community Trust .
The trust was set up in 2005 to take control of the hall and work towards raising money for desperately needed repairs and improvements.
There have been several delays in the handover of the hall but following the meeting on Friday the ball can start rolling.
On Friday members of Bakewell Town Council voted to approve an agreement allowing the Trust to take over the running of the town hall.
Councillor Bill Kirkland said: "There has been a long debate on the future of the Town hall and we wanted to make sure that whatever happened would be in the best interests of the town.
"We want to get a vibrant and viable community centre.
"There are still some details and conditions to be ironed out but we hope to have the agreement formally signed in about a weeks time.
"Then the Trust can start to look at ways of developing the hall, providing facilities and getting funding in place."
Bakewell Town Council will financially support the trust for the first five years of the agreement on a decreasing scale and will also help towards the cost of installing a lift in the building to make the first floor accessible.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-04 13:11:26
Derby to get talking CCTV cameras
Talking Cctv cameras will be coming to Derby following an announcement that the Government will fund them.
It was announced this morning that the city will receive £9,000 to pay for the cameras.
They will be linked to speakers which could boom out warnings to litter louts, vandals and anyone else acting in an anti-social way.
They could also be used to stop arguments turning into fights, to stop people quarrelling in the streets or for crowd control at major events.
CCTV operators could issue warnings to people on the streets and also direct police to the scene of any crime or aggravation.
Derby City Council leader Chris Williamson said he was "delighted" that funding had been awarded.
But he said he did not yet know how much the cameras cost or how many would be installed.
He said: "This is another tool in the locker to help us combat anti-social behaviour, which is a priority for us."
The Home Office has agreed to give cash to 20 of its 40 Respect areas, including Derby. Among the others are Nottingham, which will receive £9,830, and Mansfield, which will get £25,000.
The talking CCTV cameras are said to have been a huge success in Middlesbrough, where they have been undergoing tests since last year.
They were introduced by the town's mayor, Ray Mallon, a former police superintendent who was dubbed Robocop for pioneering a zero-tolerance approach to crime.
Initially, eight speaking cameras were introduced in September at a cost of £39,000. They have since been used more than 150 times.
An extra £20,000 will now be spent on 10 more cameras to be installed this month.
Mr Williamson said: "I have read that the cameras have been successful and all the evidence certainly points to the fact that they are very helpful," he said.
"It only takes a small number of people to spoil things for everyone else and I think the cameras will deter, detect and make people feel safer."
Mr Williamson said that despite the general awareness in the increase of CCTV cameras in the city, people could still be "oblivious" to them.
However, some councillors in Derby have criticised the new scheme.
Councillor Philip Hickson, leader of the city's Conservative group and city council cabinet member for community safety, described it as "Big Brother gone mad".
Derby was named as one of the Government's 40 Respect action areas earlier this year.
The so-called Respect towns and cities were chosen for already having made great strides in tackling anti-social behaviour.
It was hoped they would spread good ideas to other areas.
Speaking about the funding announcement, Home Secretary John Reid said: "The new funding for talking CCTV is aimed at the small minority who think it is acceptable to litter our streets, vandalise our communities and damage our properties.
"We all pay council tax, so in the end we all pay when our communities are disrespected - both in our pockets as well as in our daily lives."
I wonder if the announcer will translate the message into 35 languages in order to be politically correct and protect the human rights of non English speaking offenders. Somehow I doubt it.
It sounds more like Candid Camera meets Game for a Laugh.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-04 12:56:11
It was announced this morning that the city will receive £9,000 to pay for the cameras.
They will be linked to speakers which could boom out warnings to litter louts, vandals and anyone else acting in an anti-social way.
They could also be used to stop arguments turning into fights, to stop people quarrelling in the streets or for crowd control at major events.
CCTV operators could issue warnings to people on the streets and also direct police to the scene of any crime or aggravation.
Derby City Council leader Chris Williamson said he was "delighted" that funding had been awarded.
But he said he did not yet know how much the cameras cost or how many would be installed.
He said: "This is another tool in the locker to help us combat anti-social behaviour, which is a priority for us."
The Home Office has agreed to give cash to 20 of its 40 Respect areas, including Derby. Among the others are Nottingham, which will receive £9,830, and Mansfield, which will get £25,000.
The talking CCTV cameras are said to have been a huge success in Middlesbrough, where they have been undergoing tests since last year.
They were introduced by the town's mayor, Ray Mallon, a former police superintendent who was dubbed Robocop for pioneering a zero-tolerance approach to crime.
Initially, eight speaking cameras were introduced in September at a cost of £39,000. They have since been used more than 150 times.
An extra £20,000 will now be spent on 10 more cameras to be installed this month.
Mr Williamson said: "I have read that the cameras have been successful and all the evidence certainly points to the fact that they are very helpful," he said.
"It only takes a small number of people to spoil things for everyone else and I think the cameras will deter, detect and make people feel safer."
Mr Williamson said that despite the general awareness in the increase of CCTV cameras in the city, people could still be "oblivious" to them.
However, some councillors in Derby have criticised the new scheme.
Councillor Philip Hickson, leader of the city's Conservative group and city council cabinet member for community safety, described it as "Big Brother gone mad".
Derby was named as one of the Government's 40 Respect action areas earlier this year.
The so-called Respect towns and cities were chosen for already having made great strides in tackling anti-social behaviour.
It was hoped they would spread good ideas to other areas.
Speaking about the funding announcement, Home Secretary John Reid said: "The new funding for talking CCTV is aimed at the small minority who think it is acceptable to litter our streets, vandalise our communities and damage our properties.
"We all pay council tax, so in the end we all pay when our communities are disrespected - both in our pockets as well as in our daily lives."
I wonder if the announcer will translate the message into 35 languages in order to be politically correct and protect the human rights of non English speaking offenders. Somehow I doubt it.
It sounds more like Candid Camera meets Game for a Laugh.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-04 12:56:11
Derby kids go undercover to beat underage drinking
Children will be asked to try to buy alcohol in Derby pubs as part of a police crackdown on premises that sell booze to underage revellers.
An army of teenage test purchasers will begin visiting premises around the city to see if staff challenge them about their age.
Police said the move was in response to an increase in drink-related anti-social behaviour caused by young people.
They warn that licensees who serve alcohol to the young customers could face court action and that pubs and bars which consistently fail the test could have their licences suspended.
The scheme, in which the children will be accompanied by undercover officers, is due to begin later this month.
Derby licensing officer Sergeant Katie Hobbs said: "We know there's an issue with underage people trying to buy alcohol, and that coincides with anti-social behaviour.
"More young people are wanting to drink, and that causes problems for other people. It also causes health problems for themselves and we want to be seen to be doing something pro-active in preventing that.
"We really don't want pubs to fail. If we can get everywhere in Derby to pass, it will be fantastic.
"When it gets around and people know that the police are targeting underage sales, more underage people will get turned away."
Children aged 15 and 16 will be used in the scheme and volunteers have been picked from city schools and other organisations.
During visits, they will be accompanied by two plain-clothes officers and will try to buy drinks. They will admit their age if asked by staff.
Sgt Hobbs warned that bar staff who failed the test could personally face a fixed penalty fine of £80. Managers and licensees caught selling to the test purchasers could end up in court.
The scheme will initially run for six months and police have warned that premises which fail the test three times during that period could have their licence suspended.
Craig Sharp-Weir, deputy chairman of PubWatch and general manager of Barracuda, in the Strand, said he welcomed the campaign.
He said special scanners had been installed at his bar, which can spot fake ID.
"I don't see the police campaign as a threat. At the end of the day we don't want underage drinkers in here," Mr Sharp-Weir said. "It's no use kidding yourself that some people don't slip through the net but all we can do is our very best."
I'll drink to that!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-04 12:48:53
An army of teenage test purchasers will begin visiting premises around the city to see if staff challenge them about their age.
Police said the move was in response to an increase in drink-related anti-social behaviour caused by young people.
They warn that licensees who serve alcohol to the young customers could face court action and that pubs and bars which consistently fail the test could have their licences suspended.
The scheme, in which the children will be accompanied by undercover officers, is due to begin later this month.
Derby licensing officer Sergeant Katie Hobbs said: "We know there's an issue with underage people trying to buy alcohol, and that coincides with anti-social behaviour.
"More young people are wanting to drink, and that causes problems for other people. It also causes health problems for themselves and we want to be seen to be doing something pro-active in preventing that.
"We really don't want pubs to fail. If we can get everywhere in Derby to pass, it will be fantastic.
"When it gets around and people know that the police are targeting underage sales, more underage people will get turned away."
Children aged 15 and 16 will be used in the scheme and volunteers have been picked from city schools and other organisations.
During visits, they will be accompanied by two plain-clothes officers and will try to buy drinks. They will admit their age if asked by staff.
Sgt Hobbs warned that bar staff who failed the test could personally face a fixed penalty fine of £80. Managers and licensees caught selling to the test purchasers could end up in court.
The scheme will initially run for six months and police have warned that premises which fail the test three times during that period could have their licence suspended.
Craig Sharp-Weir, deputy chairman of PubWatch and general manager of Barracuda, in the Strand, said he welcomed the campaign.
He said special scanners had been installed at his bar, which can spot fake ID.
"I don't see the police campaign as a threat. At the end of the day we don't want underage drinkers in here," Mr Sharp-Weir said. "It's no use kidding yourself that some people don't slip through the net but all we can do is our very best."
I'll drink to that!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-04 12:48:53
Another convict on the run from Sudbury
A man jailed for attempted murder, who is believed to have links with the Salford area, is on the run after escaping from a low security prison in Derbyshire.
Sean Christopher McDonagh 27, who was sentenced to twelve years behind bars at Cardiff Crown Court in June 2000, vanished from Sudbury jail near Ashbourne on Friday.
It is the latest in a series of escapes from the prison in recent months, which has prompted severe criticism of a policy of holding dangerous offenders in open prisons.
Derbyshire Police say twelve prisoners who have escaped over the last seven months are still at large, including a convicted killer from Greater Manchester.
On the good news front latest statistics show that Sudbury is the safest place to live in England. Well there are no criminals around are there!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-04 12:17:42
Sean Christopher McDonagh 27, who was sentenced to twelve years behind bars at Cardiff Crown Court in June 2000, vanished from Sudbury jail near Ashbourne on Friday.
It is the latest in a series of escapes from the prison in recent months, which has prompted severe criticism of a policy of holding dangerous offenders in open prisons.
Derbyshire Police say twelve prisoners who have escaped over the last seven months are still at large, including a convicted killer from Greater Manchester.
On the good news front latest statistics show that Sudbury is the safest place to live in England. Well there are no criminals around are there!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-04 12:17:42
Easter Jollies at Crich Tramway Museum
The Trams at Crich Tramway Village will be back on the tracks during the Easter Holidays, ready for a fun and action packed year of great days out and special events.
There will be an egg trail each day and craft workshops including rabbit and chick mask making.
Cara Marchant, marketing coordinator said: "The Easter events offer something for everyone where children of all ages will find lots to keep them entertained. Even the grown-ups can join in."
There's also the 'Discovery Depot' – a huge indoor play area with ball pits, 'snakes' to weave through and soft shapes for the toddlers to enjoy safe play. While the more adventurous take to the outdoor adventure playground.
Another highlight of the Easter break will be the 1940s Weekend which will take place on Easter Sunday and Monday, April 8 and 9.
Crich Tramway Village is open at weekends in March then daily from March 31 until October 29 and weekends in November and December. It is situated near Matlock, Derbyshire, eight miles from M1 junction 28. Admission prices: adult £9.50 senior £8.50 child (3-15) £5 family (two adults, three children) £26.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-04 12:12:12
There will be an egg trail each day and craft workshops including rabbit and chick mask making.
Cara Marchant, marketing coordinator said: "The Easter events offer something for everyone where children of all ages will find lots to keep them entertained. Even the grown-ups can join in."
There's also the 'Discovery Depot' – a huge indoor play area with ball pits, 'snakes' to weave through and soft shapes for the toddlers to enjoy safe play. While the more adventurous take to the outdoor adventure playground.
Another highlight of the Easter break will be the 1940s Weekend which will take place on Easter Sunday and Monday, April 8 and 9.
Crich Tramway Village is open at weekends in March then daily from March 31 until October 29 and weekends in November and December. It is situated near Matlock, Derbyshire, eight miles from M1 junction 28. Admission prices: adult £9.50 senior £8.50 child (3-15) £5 family (two adults, three children) £26.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-04 12:12:12
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
New Signs for Dales Trail
Yorkshire Dales National Park Authority (YDNPA) staff are currently replacing 95 signs and way marker posts in the 51-mile section of the Pennine Way National Trail thanks to a £7,000 grant from Natural England.
The 270-mile National Trail, which runs from the Peak District National Park to the Scottish Borders, is undergoing a revamp to its way marking and the YDNPA is one of the first National Park Authorities to take advantage of the funding to carry out the work.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-02 16:45:29
The 270-mile National Trail, which runs from the Peak District National Park to the Scottish Borders, is undergoing a revamp to its way marking and the YDNPA is one of the first National Park Authorities to take advantage of the funding to carry out the work.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-02 16:45:29
Sunday, April 01, 2007
TV Screen in Derby Market Place
Work to install a big TV screen in Derby's Market Place is set to start next month.
The city council had hoped that the screen would be installed by April.
But a number of delays in planning and paying for it, plus the fact that TV licence detector vans have been in the area recently, have led to the date being put back.
Council leader Chris Williamson said that work to install the supporting posts would get under way.
"Once that work is done, we're hoping we can have the screen in place by May," he said.
"It will be a big thing for Derby to have this screen, particularly in what we're trying to achieve in boosting the Cathedral Quarter."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View- 2007-04-01 06:05:50
The city council had hoped that the screen would be installed by April.
But a number of delays in planning and paying for it, plus the fact that TV licence detector vans have been in the area recently, have led to the date being put back.
Council leader Chris Williamson said that work to install the supporting posts would get under way.
"Once that work is done, we're hoping we can have the screen in place by May," he said.
"It will be a big thing for Derby to have this screen, particularly in what we're trying to achieve in boosting the Cathedral Quarter."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View- 2007-04-01 06:05:50
At last an ice rink for Derby
Councillor Chris Williamson, leader of Derby City Council, announced plans on Wednesday to set up an ice rink in the Market Place during this year's festive period, after similar schemes in other centres proved popular with shopkeepers.
Last year, Exeter introduced a rink for the first time. Lead councillor for economy Ian Martin, said it had been a huge success.
"We had a lot of return visitors and in total we had around 27,000 visits," he said. I was impressed with the fact that the retail economy really benefited from this."
The rink was in place for six weeks.
Mr Williamson said that Derby's open-air rink would be in the Market Place between November and January, subject to a contract being signed in the new few weeks.
"It is all about bringing in another reason for people to come to the Cathedral Quarter and that side of Derby while capitalising on the extra footfall created by the new Westfield centre when it opens," he said.
The rink will be operated by Creative Ice, which will cover its costs by keeping the money charged to skate.
It's a pity it isn't permanent. But if it is a success maybe the proposed cinema for the Riverlights will be exchanged for an ice rink. Afterall, Nottingham has two!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-01 05:14:28
Last year, Exeter introduced a rink for the first time. Lead councillor for economy Ian Martin, said it had been a huge success.
"We had a lot of return visitors and in total we had around 27,000 visits," he said. I was impressed with the fact that the retail economy really benefited from this."
The rink was in place for six weeks.
Mr Williamson said that Derby's open-air rink would be in the Market Place between November and January, subject to a contract being signed in the new few weeks.
"It is all about bringing in another reason for people to come to the Cathedral Quarter and that side of Derby while capitalising on the extra footfall created by the new Westfield centre when it opens," he said.
The rink will be operated by Creative Ice, which will cover its costs by keeping the money charged to skate.
It's a pity it isn't permanent. But if it is a success maybe the proposed cinema for the Riverlights will be exchanged for an ice rink. Afterall, Nottingham has two!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-01 05:14:28
Tory Plans for Local Elections
Derby's controlling Labour group is currently considering whether or not to bid for Government cash for reducing congestion, but it is likely that any grant would come with the condition that road charging is introduced.
The city's Conservative group is totally opposed to the introduction of congestion charges
Richard Smalley, Conservative group deputy leader, said: "Congestion charging, or road pricing as it has been called, does nothing to reduce congestion.
"It is a blunt tax, and people who drive are taxed to the hilt. They are already taxed on fuel, on road fund licence - congestion charging is not the way forward.
"It will cost people around £1,200 pounds a year or more to access the city centre for work. If they have just left school or university and are on a low income, it could deter people from working in the city."
The Tory group said it instead wanted to continue supporting a feasibility study into tram and electric bus schemes in the city and explore the possibility of a direct rail link to East Midlands Airport.
The Conservatives also outlined plans for an extended pedestrianised area in the city centre.
Mr Smalley said he personally wanted to extend the restriction on traffic to Wardwick and Friar Gate to create a more cafe-style environment. The group said it would also push for more demanding recycling targets and a separate Green Commission at the council to scrutinise council actions and decisions.
On education, Conservative group leader Philip Hickson promised people living in the city would get to send their children to city schools.
"At the moment places are being taken by people who live outside the city.
"People who live in the city will get a city school under us," he said. "This ties in with our green agenda because, at the moment, we have parents travelling the length and breadth of the city to get to schools."
Arts and culture were also high on the list of priorities in the manifesto, with plans to establish a summer music festival in the city as well as a venue to host big name acts.
Mr Hickson said: "We want that festival established in the next year to bring talent and entertainment to the city over the summer period.
"We also need a new venue developed for attracting big name entertainment to the city as well as supporting amateur dramatic groups."
There are promises to increase funding to the youth service and improve and rebuild Derby Library.
The Tories would also increase pressure on getting development under way at the Friar Gate Goods Yard before buildings fall into disrepair.
Mr Smalley also said it was essential to improve gateways into the city through using innovative signage and public art.
Perhaps David Cameron should listen to these boys. At least they seem to have some new ideas albeit expensive ones.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-01 03:32:14
The city's Conservative group is totally opposed to the introduction of congestion charges
Richard Smalley, Conservative group deputy leader, said: "Congestion charging, or road pricing as it has been called, does nothing to reduce congestion.
"It is a blunt tax, and people who drive are taxed to the hilt. They are already taxed on fuel, on road fund licence - congestion charging is not the way forward.
"It will cost people around £1,200 pounds a year or more to access the city centre for work. If they have just left school or university and are on a low income, it could deter people from working in the city."
The Tory group said it instead wanted to continue supporting a feasibility study into tram and electric bus schemes in the city and explore the possibility of a direct rail link to East Midlands Airport.
The Conservatives also outlined plans for an extended pedestrianised area in the city centre.
Mr Smalley said he personally wanted to extend the restriction on traffic to Wardwick and Friar Gate to create a more cafe-style environment. The group said it would also push for more demanding recycling targets and a separate Green Commission at the council to scrutinise council actions and decisions.
On education, Conservative group leader Philip Hickson promised people living in the city would get to send their children to city schools.
"At the moment places are being taken by people who live outside the city.
"People who live in the city will get a city school under us," he said. "This ties in with our green agenda because, at the moment, we have parents travelling the length and breadth of the city to get to schools."
Arts and culture were also high on the list of priorities in the manifesto, with plans to establish a summer music festival in the city as well as a venue to host big name acts.
Mr Hickson said: "We want that festival established in the next year to bring talent and entertainment to the city over the summer period.
"We also need a new venue developed for attracting big name entertainment to the city as well as supporting amateur dramatic groups."
There are promises to increase funding to the youth service and improve and rebuild Derby Library.
The Tories would also increase pressure on getting development under way at the Friar Gate Goods Yard before buildings fall into disrepair.
Mr Smalley also said it was essential to improve gateways into the city through using innovative signage and public art.
Perhaps David Cameron should listen to these boys. At least they seem to have some new ideas albeit expensive ones.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-01 03:32:14
Derby Canal display
An exhibition about the Derby and Sandiacre Canal opened yesterday in the Silk Mill Museum.
Produced by members of the Derby Canal Society, it combines images old and new with plans for the waterway's restoration.
Also on show are objects celebrating the canal's 18th-Century engineering.
Entry is free to the Silk Mill, which is in Full Street, Derby.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-01 03:26:54
Produced by members of the Derby Canal Society, it combines images old and new with plans for the waterway's restoration.
Also on show are objects celebrating the canal's 18th-Century engineering.
Entry is free to the Silk Mill, which is in Full Street, Derby.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-01 03:26:54
Chatsworth on TV
A Television company has announced the date that Chatsworth House will appear in a programme where people can vote for their favourite historic site.
Britain's Best is a new series being show on UKTV History. It covers 25 sites, including historic homes, castles and gardens. Chatsworth House is to appear in the first episode of the series, which will be screened at 9pm on Monday, April 9.
The show, presented by Alan Titchmarsh, will also have a website where viewers can add their comments to help compile an online guide to the sites.
Check out Chatsworth at www.peakdistrictview.com
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-01 03:22:58
Britain's Best is a new series being show on UKTV History. It covers 25 sites, including historic homes, castles and gardens. Chatsworth House is to appear in the first episode of the series, which will be screened at 9pm on Monday, April 9.
The show, presented by Alan Titchmarsh, will also have a website where viewers can add their comments to help compile an online guide to the sites.
Check out Chatsworth at www.peakdistrictview.com
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-01 03:22:58
Derbyshire top cop defends force
One of Derbyshire's top police officers has defended the force's reputation after a third officer in six weeks was convicted of a crime.
As previously reported, PC David Stoll was given a six-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, for misconduct.
He denied misconduct in public office but was found guilty after a trial at Nottingham Crown Court.
Earlier this month, former PC Mark Cutherbertson was jailed for nine months for lying in an attempt to dodge a speeding fine while he was still in the Derbyshire force.
Another former officer, Stephen Smith, 48, was also fined £1,200 after pleading guilty to passing on confidential information.
Assistant Chief Constable Peter Goodman yesterday defended his force.
He said: "We have over 2,000 officers in Derbyshire Constabulary, the overwhelming majority of whom are hard-working, seriously committed officers.
"If you look at those convictions, all are for very different things and if you look at the details, most of them are as a result of investigations carried out by the force.
"Like any organisation, we have a minority of employees that are bad apples and we are working hard to weed them out."
Two other police officers have also been arrested this month.
Sergeant Alistair Kenworthy was arrested following an allegation that he sexually assaulted a woman in a pub. He was suspended following an incident which is alleged to have taken place during Ashbourne's Shrovetide football celebrations last month.
Detective Inspector Louis Martin was also questioned by Derbyshire police colleagues and is subject to an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct.
But no doubt Derbyshire Police will win some meaningless award this year to show how "good" they are. What about Bent Force of the Year or Old Bill to Old Lag Award.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-01 03:14:12
As previously reported, PC David Stoll was given a six-month jail sentence, suspended for two years, for misconduct.
He denied misconduct in public office but was found guilty after a trial at Nottingham Crown Court.
Earlier this month, former PC Mark Cutherbertson was jailed for nine months for lying in an attempt to dodge a speeding fine while he was still in the Derbyshire force.
Another former officer, Stephen Smith, 48, was also fined £1,200 after pleading guilty to passing on confidential information.
Assistant Chief Constable Peter Goodman yesterday defended his force.
He said: "We have over 2,000 officers in Derbyshire Constabulary, the overwhelming majority of whom are hard-working, seriously committed officers.
"If you look at those convictions, all are for very different things and if you look at the details, most of them are as a result of investigations carried out by the force.
"Like any organisation, we have a minority of employees that are bad apples and we are working hard to weed them out."
Two other police officers have also been arrested this month.
Sergeant Alistair Kenworthy was arrested following an allegation that he sexually assaulted a woman in a pub. He was suspended following an incident which is alleged to have taken place during Ashbourne's Shrovetide football celebrations last month.
Detective Inspector Louis Martin was also questioned by Derbyshire police colleagues and is subject to an ongoing investigation into alleged misconduct.
But no doubt Derbyshire Police will win some meaningless award this year to show how "good" they are. What about Bent Force of the Year or Old Bill to Old Lag Award.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-01 03:14:12
Why Gordon Brown has failed the poor
In our last look at Gordon Brown's final budget let us see how he has failed the less well off. Gordon Brown tried to use the final few words of his final Budget to give himself a much needed image makeover.
Uncle Gord is hoping that the Great British Public will be taken in by his sleight-of-hand and forget how taxes have shot up in the last decade. During the last four years of sustained economic growth, disposable income in the average household has risen by just £9 a week.
The primary reason hard-working people have seen their disposable income rise by a pittance is that the state is taking a hugely bigger slice of the national economic cake than ever before. According to the OECD, the state now takes 42.7% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as compared with just 39.5% in 1997.
The difference between a paycheque and a handout
So how is it that Gordon Brown can announce that people are better off after eleven Budgets and ten years of Labour and yet average households are taking home no more than they were four years ago in real terms? How can both these statements be true?
The answer lies in the way Brown sees income. He sees no difference between income from a pay cheque and income from a handout. It doesn't matter to Gordon that one type of income is earned through personal effort and the other is welfare received regardless of personal effort.
This psychological flaw is why Brown regards it as efficient to reduce your income savagely through tax and then return some of it to you through the welfare state. All that matters to Gordon is that income rises in certain sections of society so that he can claim to have reduced poverty, he doesn't care where that income comes from. You might think this sounds laudable, but there are big problems with this approach.
Welfare dependency destroys the poor
The main problem with most of Gordon's handouts is that they harm the people they are intended to benefit. Welfare payments do increase incomes among the poor but they also take away the incentive for the poor to improve their own lives.
The only true way out of poverty is to increase income from paid employment. For the low paid this means working longer hours and/or getting some training to increase their chances of getting a higher paid job. For the unemployed getting out of poverty means actually getting a job.
The rewards for getting a job, or taking on more hours, or increasing your earning power through training should far outweigh the rewards for not doing those things. But that is not what happens in Britain today.
Paying people not to work
Because Brown can see no difference between standing on your own two feet and being a client of his welfare state, he pays tax credits to those not in work. The Child Tax Credit (CTC) could be worth as much as £5,500 a year to an unemployed parent of three children. You don't need to work to claim CTC, and you get more if you have three kids rather than one. Can you see what type of behaviour is rewarded by the CTC?
Add CTC to Child Benefit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Job Seekers' Allowance or Incapacity Benefit and you have a fully funded 100% work-free lifestyle. This is why 'social protection' cost the taxpayer £80 billion in 2005/6.
Of course, Brown also developed the Working Tax Credit (WTC). This is only payable to people in work and on low incomes. Making work pay for the low paid should be sound strategy. But you can't get the WTC until you are 25 years old and working 30 hours a week - unless you have a child, in which case you can get it at sixteen if you work 16 hours a week. Can you see what type of behaviour is rewarded by the WTC?
The big money for teenagers is in benefits… not work
All this means that for someone who leaves school with few qualifications, the big money is in benefits - not in work. That's why all the tosh in the Budget about tax cuts to reward work is just a scam. And why Gordon Brown will never achieve a lasting and genuine reduction in poverty.
The system he has created starts the young on benefits from sixteen years old (and soon will pay parents benefits for their unborn children). The system punishes the low paid for working by imposing marginal tax rates of as much as 70% as earnings increase, benefits are withdrawn and income tax and NI start to bite. Now Brown has removed the 10% band for income tax in this year's Budget the low paid will suffer even more for working.
So, the next time you hear Gordon Brown boast that he has lifted hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty, remember this: in 2005, 1.4 million people who were not working claimed tax credits. These are the people that Gordon claims to have helped.
But these people have not been lifted out of poverty. They are not working. They have been given a handout. A handout that makes it far less likely that they will ever work their way out of poverty themselves. A handout that actually entrenches poverty for generation after generation as their children learn how the system punishes work and rewards unemployment and the concept of work being better than welfare recedes into family history.
So what do we think of the next Prime Minister?- A complete and utter tosser!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-01 03:01:54
Uncle Gord is hoping that the Great British Public will be taken in by his sleight-of-hand and forget how taxes have shot up in the last decade. During the last four years of sustained economic growth, disposable income in the average household has risen by just £9 a week.
The primary reason hard-working people have seen their disposable income rise by a pittance is that the state is taking a hugely bigger slice of the national economic cake than ever before. According to the OECD, the state now takes 42.7% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), as compared with just 39.5% in 1997.
The difference between a paycheque and a handout
So how is it that Gordon Brown can announce that people are better off after eleven Budgets and ten years of Labour and yet average households are taking home no more than they were four years ago in real terms? How can both these statements be true?
The answer lies in the way Brown sees income. He sees no difference between income from a pay cheque and income from a handout. It doesn't matter to Gordon that one type of income is earned through personal effort and the other is welfare received regardless of personal effort.
This psychological flaw is why Brown regards it as efficient to reduce your income savagely through tax and then return some of it to you through the welfare state. All that matters to Gordon is that income rises in certain sections of society so that he can claim to have reduced poverty, he doesn't care where that income comes from. You might think this sounds laudable, but there are big problems with this approach.
Welfare dependency destroys the poor
The main problem with most of Gordon's handouts is that they harm the people they are intended to benefit. Welfare payments do increase incomes among the poor but they also take away the incentive for the poor to improve their own lives.
The only true way out of poverty is to increase income from paid employment. For the low paid this means working longer hours and/or getting some training to increase their chances of getting a higher paid job. For the unemployed getting out of poverty means actually getting a job.
The rewards for getting a job, or taking on more hours, or increasing your earning power through training should far outweigh the rewards for not doing those things. But that is not what happens in Britain today.
Paying people not to work
Because Brown can see no difference between standing on your own two feet and being a client of his welfare state, he pays tax credits to those not in work. The Child Tax Credit (CTC) could be worth as much as £5,500 a year to an unemployed parent of three children. You don't need to work to claim CTC, and you get more if you have three kids rather than one. Can you see what type of behaviour is rewarded by the CTC?
Add CTC to Child Benefit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Benefit and Job Seekers' Allowance or Incapacity Benefit and you have a fully funded 100% work-free lifestyle. This is why 'social protection' cost the taxpayer £80 billion in 2005/6.
Of course, Brown also developed the Working Tax Credit (WTC). This is only payable to people in work and on low incomes. Making work pay for the low paid should be sound strategy. But you can't get the WTC until you are 25 years old and working 30 hours a week - unless you have a child, in which case you can get it at sixteen if you work 16 hours a week. Can you see what type of behaviour is rewarded by the WTC?
The big money for teenagers is in benefits… not work
All this means that for someone who leaves school with few qualifications, the big money is in benefits - not in work. That's why all the tosh in the Budget about tax cuts to reward work is just a scam. And why Gordon Brown will never achieve a lasting and genuine reduction in poverty.
The system he has created starts the young on benefits from sixteen years old (and soon will pay parents benefits for their unborn children). The system punishes the low paid for working by imposing marginal tax rates of as much as 70% as earnings increase, benefits are withdrawn and income tax and NI start to bite. Now Brown has removed the 10% band for income tax in this year's Budget the low paid will suffer even more for working.
So, the next time you hear Gordon Brown boast that he has lifted hundreds of thousands of children out of poverty, remember this: in 2005, 1.4 million people who were not working claimed tax credits. These are the people that Gordon claims to have helped.
But these people have not been lifted out of poverty. They are not working. They have been given a handout. A handout that makes it far less likely that they will ever work their way out of poverty themselves. A handout that actually entrenches poverty for generation after generation as their children learn how the system punishes work and rewards unemployment and the concept of work being better than welfare recedes into family history.
So what do we think of the next Prime Minister?- A complete and utter tosser!
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-04-01 03:01:54
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