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
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Showing posts with label news. Show all posts
Friday, April 27, 2007
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Saturday, March 24, 2007
Slavery and Apologies
Britain marks the 200th anniversary of the abolition of slavery this weekend with the government proposing an annual commemoration day - but still refusing to make a full apology. And quite right.
In contrast the Anglican church has made an unreserved mea culpa, and on Saturday Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams will lead hundreds of people on a "Walk of Witness" marking the bicentenary.
The walk includes the culmination of the March of the Abolitionists - a group of walkers who have worn yokes and chains during a 250-mile journey beginning in Hull.
Ken livingstone has apologised for London's part.
Despite voicing its regret, the government has never made a full, formal apology for its role in the trade. Tony Blair must believe that hereditary guilt makes no more sense than hereditary honours but paying for it is okay.
Earlier this month Blair reiterated that he was sorry for Britain's role in the slave trade on Wednesday, labelling it "entirely unacceptable."
On the eve of the anniversary, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said Britain is to hold an annual commemoration day to remember its role in the slave trade, as well as the fight to end it.
I am perplexed as to who should be doing the apologising and to whom. My ancestors had no part in the slave trade and were, in fact, treated little better than slaves.
The life of farm workers during the latter part of the 18th century and the 19th century is well documented - long hours in appalling conditions for pittance wages. The life of factory workers was even worse - consider the child workers in the mills, for example. Who is going to apologise for this?
The truth is that the wealthy entrepreneur always lifts his profits off the backs of the workers and is still doing so today. A better recompense for the slavery of the past would be to see that it doesn't happen today.
The unfortunate thing is that it is still going on, and on our own doorstep. What is Livingstone and the Church doing about that?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-24 02:17:22
In contrast the Anglican church has made an unreserved mea culpa, and on Saturday Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams will lead hundreds of people on a "Walk of Witness" marking the bicentenary.
The walk includes the culmination of the March of the Abolitionists - a group of walkers who have worn yokes and chains during a 250-mile journey beginning in Hull.
Ken livingstone has apologised for London's part.
Despite voicing its regret, the government has never made a full, formal apology for its role in the trade. Tony Blair must believe that hereditary guilt makes no more sense than hereditary honours but paying for it is okay.
Earlier this month Blair reiterated that he was sorry for Britain's role in the slave trade on Wednesday, labelling it "entirely unacceptable."
On the eve of the anniversary, Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott said Britain is to hold an annual commemoration day to remember its role in the slave trade, as well as the fight to end it.
I am perplexed as to who should be doing the apologising and to whom. My ancestors had no part in the slave trade and were, in fact, treated little better than slaves.
The life of farm workers during the latter part of the 18th century and the 19th century is well documented - long hours in appalling conditions for pittance wages. The life of factory workers was even worse - consider the child workers in the mills, for example. Who is going to apologise for this?
The truth is that the wealthy entrepreneur always lifts his profits off the backs of the workers and is still doing so today. A better recompense for the slavery of the past would be to see that it doesn't happen today.
The unfortunate thing is that it is still going on, and on our own doorstep. What is Livingstone and the Church doing about that?
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-03-24 02:17:22
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