COMMUNITY leaders have vowed to step up their campaign to save Dales post offices following an announcement that thousands of outlets nationwide are to close.
The Government has unveiled plans to shut at least 2,500 post offices in a bid to rationalise a network it says is haemorrhaging money.
No specific outlets have been officially earmarked for closure, but with one in five post offices set to shut it is unlikely the Derbyshire Dales will escape the axe.
District and county Cllr Nigel Allwood said: "It is outrageous that the Government has ignored the concerns of local people and are continuing with their plan to close at least 2,500 post offices.
"That means we could lose yet more post offices here in Derbyshire Dales.
"Along with many local people, I have been campaigning against the Government's post office closure plans and will now be stepping up the fight once again.
"Twenty-four post offices have closed in West Derbyshire since 1999 - we cannot afford to see more of these valuable local resources closed."
Welcome to Blair/Brown's Britain-stuff the community and small businesses.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-22 08:47:31
Tuesday, May 22, 2007
Speed Camera Alert
Derbyshire Safety Camera Partnership has mobile speed cameras operating this week.
The camera locations will include: A514 Derby Road, Chellaston; Warwick Avenue, Derby; The Hollow, Littleover; Main Road, Pye Bridge; B600 Somercotes Hill; Ripley Road, Heage; A515 Sudbury; A511 Station Road, Hatton; A515 Fenny Bentley; A5012 Via Gellia; A6 London Road, Derby; Stenson Road, Derby; A52 Ashbourne Road, Derby; A6 Bakewell; A6 Dove Holes; A623 Stoney Middleton; A6 Ashford in the Water; Acorn Way, Derby; Kedleston Road, Derby; B6179 Lower Kilburn to Little Eaton; A6005 Draycott to Breaston; Quarry Hill Road, Ilkeston; Alfreton Road, Derby.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-22 08:39:03
The camera locations will include: A514 Derby Road, Chellaston; Warwick Avenue, Derby; The Hollow, Littleover; Main Road, Pye Bridge; B600 Somercotes Hill; Ripley Road, Heage; A515 Sudbury; A511 Station Road, Hatton; A515 Fenny Bentley; A5012 Via Gellia; A6 London Road, Derby; Stenson Road, Derby; A52 Ashbourne Road, Derby; A6 Bakewell; A6 Dove Holes; A623 Stoney Middleton; A6 Ashford in the Water; Acorn Way, Derby; Kedleston Road, Derby; B6179 Lower Kilburn to Little Eaton; A6005 Draycott to Breaston; Quarry Hill Road, Ilkeston; Alfreton Road, Derby.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-22 08:39:03
Derbyshire Food and Drink Show
Food-lovers queued up to try specialty cuisine and delicacies as part of a festival this weekend.
The Derbyshire Food and Drink Show, at Bolsover Castle on Saturday, marked the launch of a week-long Derbyshire Food festival, run by the county council.
Hotels, pubs, restaurants and food shops are participating in the festival with a series of events, ranging from tasting sessions to special menus and promotions.
Attractions at the castle included a honey stall from Littleover Apiaries and demonstrations by celebrity chef Ed Baines.
Unfortunately the marquee, in my opinion, is too small and therefore led to huge congestion in the aisles and made it difficult to get to the trade stands on Sunday.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-22 08:35:49
The Derbyshire Food and Drink Show, at Bolsover Castle on Saturday, marked the launch of a week-long Derbyshire Food festival, run by the county council.
Hotels, pubs, restaurants and food shops are participating in the festival with a series of events, ranging from tasting sessions to special menus and promotions.
Attractions at the castle included a honey stall from Littleover Apiaries and demonstrations by celebrity chef Ed Baines.
Unfortunately the marquee, in my opinion, is too small and therefore led to huge congestion in the aisles and made it difficult to get to the trade stands on Sunday.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-22 08:35:49
Matlock Candid Camera
A New mobile CCTV system is being installed in Matlock and Matlock Bath.
The cameras will begin operating in the middle of June and monitored by Derbyshire police.
Chief Inspector Pat Walker said they would play a major part in delivering the two-month blitz on known criminals - Operation Relentless. Relentless for two months anyway. In which time the known criminals will be arrested, charged, done a bit of community service and back on the streets.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View- 2007-05-22 08:24:25
The cameras will begin operating in the middle of June and monitored by Derbyshire police.
Chief Inspector Pat Walker said they would play a major part in delivering the two-month blitz on known criminals - Operation Relentless. Relentless for two months anyway. In which time the known criminals will be arrested, charged, done a bit of community service and back on the streets.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View- 2007-05-22 08:24:25
MPs hide expense claims
A Derby Liberal Democrat has attacked moves by MPs to keep their expenses claims under wraps.
A bill was backed by MPs last week which would exempt Parliament from the Freedom of Information Act, meaning they would not have to declare information about how much in expenses they claim each year.
Blagreaves councillor Ruth Skelton, pictured, wrote to MPs before the vote in an attempt to get the bill stopped. She said she was appalled that MPs had passed the measure.
"Many MPs have had to justify why they expect the taxpayer to pay for so much travel by car and plane. If their travel expenses are public, the evidence is clear."
Bob Laxton, Derby North and Liz Blackman, Erewash, were the only Derbyshire MPs to take part in the vote and both backed the move.
The bill, introduced by Tory ex-chief whip David Maclean, now passes to the Lords.
One rule for us and one rule for them. They are just a bunch of freeloaders who are accountable to no one even though the electorate voted them in.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-22 08:19:09
A bill was backed by MPs last week which would exempt Parliament from the Freedom of Information Act, meaning they would not have to declare information about how much in expenses they claim each year.
Blagreaves councillor Ruth Skelton, pictured, wrote to MPs before the vote in an attempt to get the bill stopped. She said she was appalled that MPs had passed the measure.
"Many MPs have had to justify why they expect the taxpayer to pay for so much travel by car and plane. If their travel expenses are public, the evidence is clear."
Bob Laxton, Derby North and Liz Blackman, Erewash, were the only Derbyshire MPs to take part in the vote and both backed the move.
The bill, introduced by Tory ex-chief whip David Maclean, now passes to the Lords.
One rule for us and one rule for them. They are just a bunch of freeloaders who are accountable to no one even though the electorate voted them in.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-22 08:19:09
Shepley Spring Festival a success
REVELLERS enjoyed the first Shepley Spring Festival over the weekend.
The event took place on three stages set up in the grounds of Shepley Cricket Club.
More than 100 local, national and international artists took part.
Friday night's entertainment in the concert marquee was headlined by folk legend Roy Bailey, who is also the festival patron.
In the dance tent Bedlam entertained the crowds. The foursome were all educated in the area. Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Dan McKinnon took centre stage at the acoustic cafe in St Paul's Church Hall.
Continue storyJohn Tams and Barry Coope, from Derbyshire, played the marquee on Saturday night, followed by jazz and folk fusion group Parallelogram.
Yesterday saw legendary folk musicians Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson headline.
Village pubs the Farmer's Boy and Black Bull also hosted musicians and singers' sessions and there was a parade on Saturday afternoon.
The festival even took to the railways, with musicians and dancers entertaining passengers.
Schools in Shepley, Shelley, Highburton and Kirkburton showcased their traditional music and dance talents on Saturday while the students from Scissett Middle School played in yesterday's lunchtime family ceilidh.
Cricket club vice-chairman and secretary Ian Watkinson said: "It's been an absolutely fantastic occasion. What stood out was the atmosphere, the way the musicians mixed with people in the bar after their performances."
And Mr Watkinson thinks hosting the event put his club on the map.
He added that the festival had won him over to folk music.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-22 03:35:50
The event took place on three stages set up in the grounds of Shepley Cricket Club.
More than 100 local, national and international artists took part.
Friday night's entertainment in the concert marquee was headlined by folk legend Roy Bailey, who is also the festival patron.
In the dance tent Bedlam entertained the crowds. The foursome were all educated in the area. Award-winning Canadian singer-songwriter Dan McKinnon took centre stage at the acoustic cafe in St Paul's Church Hall.
Continue storyJohn Tams and Barry Coope, from Derbyshire, played the marquee on Saturday night, followed by jazz and folk fusion group Parallelogram.
Yesterday saw legendary folk musicians Martin Carthy and Norma Waterson headline.
Village pubs the Farmer's Boy and Black Bull also hosted musicians and singers' sessions and there was a parade on Saturday afternoon.
The festival even took to the railways, with musicians and dancers entertaining passengers.
Schools in Shepley, Shelley, Highburton and Kirkburton showcased their traditional music and dance talents on Saturday while the students from Scissett Middle School played in yesterday's lunchtime family ceilidh.
Cricket club vice-chairman and secretary Ian Watkinson said: "It's been an absolutely fantastic occasion. What stood out was the atmosphere, the way the musicians mixed with people in the bar after their performances."
And Mr Watkinson thinks hosting the event put his club on the map.
He added that the festival had won him over to folk music.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-22 03:35:50
Monday, May 21, 2007
Sheffield fly tipping costs £10m
FLY-TIPPING cost council taxpayers in Sheffield more than £10 million in only two years, staggering new figures have revealed.
There were 161,907 separate incidents of rubbish being illegally dumped in the city in 2005 to 2006, which cost the council £4,909,438 to clear up, according to Government statistics.
Fly-tippers struck another 170,570 times in 2004 to 2005, which left taxpayers with a whopping £5,529,643 bill for clean-up costs.
But there was only one successful prosecution for fly-tipping over the entire two year period - and that was the only case brought to the courts.
The figures were revealed by environment minister Ben Bradshaw following a question by Sheffield Hallam's Liberal Democrat MP Nick Clegg - but Sheffield Council today challenged the accuracy of the figures.
Mr Clegg said: "These figures are worrying. Fly-tipping remains a real blight for many communities in Sheffield.
"So it's a disappointment to see that only one prosecution has taken place and no money has been raised in fines from the perpetrators.
"A lot more clearly needs to be done to deal with fly-tipping."
Sheffield Council's Lib Dem leader Coun Paul Scriven said the figures were "shocking" and blamed the Labour council for not getting its priorities right.
"The figure will shock many people, including myself, about just how much money is being spent," he said.
"But many Sheffield residents will not be surprised at Labour's repeated failures in tackling this issue. Time and time again we see them going big on city centre projects but not dealing with day-to-day issues in the local neighbourhoods."
Green Party councillor Bernard Little was also outraged by the scale of the problem.
"I am shocked and it is disgraceful. But in a way it is an inevitable result of our throwaway society," he said. "We need to be much more effective at publicising the outlets for disposing of something once we're finished with it."
Sheffield Council admitted fly-tipping is a significant problem in the city but claims the figures quoted by Mr Bradshaw were "inaccurate" due to changes in how fly-tipping incidents were recorded before October 2006.
Nick Hetherington, the council's head of Streetscene, said: "The number of incidents recorded in Sheffield in past years does not accurately reflect the true scale of fly-tipping in the city.
"The actual cost of removal is much lower here than the national average cost produced by Government. Overall, the cost of clearing fly-tipping in Sheffield is around £600,000 a year - considerably less than the figures being quoted.
"We accept fly-tipping is a serious issue and a blight on the environment, so we have recently invested in new CCTV cameras to begin covert surveillance operations."
Fly-tipping figures for 2006 to 2007 will be published later in the summer and maximum penalties for fly-tipping have been raised from £20,000 to £50,000.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-21 08:34:16
There were 161,907 separate incidents of rubbish being illegally dumped in the city in 2005 to 2006, which cost the council £4,909,438 to clear up, according to Government statistics.
Fly-tippers struck another 170,570 times in 2004 to 2005, which left taxpayers with a whopping £5,529,643 bill for clean-up costs.
But there was only one successful prosecution for fly-tipping over the entire two year period - and that was the only case brought to the courts.
The figures were revealed by environment minister Ben Bradshaw following a question by Sheffield Hallam's Liberal Democrat MP Nick Clegg - but Sheffield Council today challenged the accuracy of the figures.
Mr Clegg said: "These figures are worrying. Fly-tipping remains a real blight for many communities in Sheffield.
"So it's a disappointment to see that only one prosecution has taken place and no money has been raised in fines from the perpetrators.
"A lot more clearly needs to be done to deal with fly-tipping."
Sheffield Council's Lib Dem leader Coun Paul Scriven said the figures were "shocking" and blamed the Labour council for not getting its priorities right.
"The figure will shock many people, including myself, about just how much money is being spent," he said.
"But many Sheffield residents will not be surprised at Labour's repeated failures in tackling this issue. Time and time again we see them going big on city centre projects but not dealing with day-to-day issues in the local neighbourhoods."
Green Party councillor Bernard Little was also outraged by the scale of the problem.
"I am shocked and it is disgraceful. But in a way it is an inevitable result of our throwaway society," he said. "We need to be much more effective at publicising the outlets for disposing of something once we're finished with it."
Sheffield Council admitted fly-tipping is a significant problem in the city but claims the figures quoted by Mr Bradshaw were "inaccurate" due to changes in how fly-tipping incidents were recorded before October 2006.
Nick Hetherington, the council's head of Streetscene, said: "The number of incidents recorded in Sheffield in past years does not accurately reflect the true scale of fly-tipping in the city.
"The actual cost of removal is much lower here than the national average cost produced by Government. Overall, the cost of clearing fly-tipping in Sheffield is around £600,000 a year - considerably less than the figures being quoted.
"We accept fly-tipping is a serious issue and a blight on the environment, so we have recently invested in new CCTV cameras to begin covert surveillance operations."
Fly-tipping figures for 2006 to 2007 will be published later in the summer and maximum penalties for fly-tipping have been raised from £20,000 to £50,000.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-21 08:34:16
Police target trail bikers
Police have launched an operation to stop motorbikes and quad bikes being raced along a picturesque tourist trail.
The move follows complaints about motorbikes and quad machines being used along the Nutbrook Trail.
The 10-mile route for walkers and cyclists runs between Long Eaton and Heanor, passing through Shipley Country Park.
Inspector Pete Szabo, who is responsible for policing in the Ilkeston section, said there were reports of people speeding along the route on motorised machines.
He said patrols were being stepped up along the trail and those caught breaking the law could have their bikes confiscated and even crushed.
He said: "We are taking it seriously. Having motorbikes racing up and down there is a disaster waiting to happen.
"We're targeting the area as much as we can, especially at weekends and evenings when we get increased calls for service."
The police operation, codenamed Barton, involves plain-clothed police officers patrolling the trail, which passes through Ilkeston.
But Insp Szabo said he was also looking at ways in which those responsible could be steered away from using the machines illegally.
He appealed for landowners to come forward with potential venues where the popular bikes could be used privately.
Operation Barton follows successful operations to tackle the illegal use of mini motos in Derby.
Police and the Derby Community Safety Partnership made several arrests and seized vehicles during two campaigns last year and early this year in areas including Alvaston, Shelton Lock, Sinfin, Chaddesden and Spondon.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-21 08:19:46
The move follows complaints about motorbikes and quad machines being used along the Nutbrook Trail.
The 10-mile route for walkers and cyclists runs between Long Eaton and Heanor, passing through Shipley Country Park.
Inspector Pete Szabo, who is responsible for policing in the Ilkeston section, said there were reports of people speeding along the route on motorised machines.
He said patrols were being stepped up along the trail and those caught breaking the law could have their bikes confiscated and even crushed.
He said: "We are taking it seriously. Having motorbikes racing up and down there is a disaster waiting to happen.
"We're targeting the area as much as we can, especially at weekends and evenings when we get increased calls for service."
The police operation, codenamed Barton, involves plain-clothed police officers patrolling the trail, which passes through Ilkeston.
But Insp Szabo said he was also looking at ways in which those responsible could be steered away from using the machines illegally.
He appealed for landowners to come forward with potential venues where the popular bikes could be used privately.
Operation Barton follows successful operations to tackle the illegal use of mini motos in Derby.
Police and the Derby Community Safety Partnership made several arrests and seized vehicles during two campaigns last year and early this year in areas including Alvaston, Shelton Lock, Sinfin, Chaddesden and Spondon.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-21 08:19:46
Wembley ticket trouble
Derby County today replied to criticism from frustrated Rams fans after queues for Wembley tickets descended into chaos and confusion.
More than 3,000 fans snaked around three sides of Pride Park Stadium overnight on Saturday in the hope of securing tickets for next Monday's play-off final against West Brom.
But a carnival atmosphere was spoiled by queue-jumpers and drunken yobs causing scuffles and using foul language.
And about a thousand fans, some of whom had been queuing for more than five hours, were angry that it was not until 11pm that club officials told them there would not be tickets for them when the box office opened at 10am.
Disgruntled fans claimed the club did not provide enough information and should have had more stewards to deal with the volume of people.
But Derby County spokesman Jim Fearn said 20 stewards were on duty on Saturday night - the same number that had been on duty since tickets went on sale to season ticket holders on Thursday.
He said: "There was no difference in volume of people between Sunday and the other days we sold tickets. The difference was a small group of yobs that we couldn't have predicted.
"If people thought there were fewer stewards than before that would be because they were all dealing with young men in the south stand who had drunk too much.
"The atmosphere was really friendly until they arrived. Some people even had guitars.
"But, when the yobs turned up, they started to cause scuffles and used foul language in front of small children.
"Queue-jumping was an issue at one stage and the club hopes in the sober light of day that the people responsible are sincerely regretting their action."
The problems led to police being called to sort out the troublemakers.
Some fans are also believed to have donned fluorescent yellow jackets to try to restore order themselves.
Mr Fearn said police were called at 9pm and officers were worried that the yobs in the south stand might try to get to the east stand where people queuing were guaranteed a ticket.
He said: "When we told the people in the south stand that they wouldn't be getting any tickets, some of them wouldn't move on and continued to make trouble. It was a really nasty atmosphere."
Mr Fearn admitted the system for internet sales was working only intermittently because so many fans were logging on.
He said: "It also happened on Thursday. The site can't cope with the demand."
Despite the troubles at Pride Park, Derby County said no arrests were made.
A spokesman for Derbyshire police said officers stayed at the ground until the ticket office closed yesterday at 2pm.
Unfortunately this story has been replicated at Chelsea and Manchester United for the Cup Final. Clearly in light of the number of season ticket holders and average home crowd plus the size of Derby and overall expectation DCFC should have been prepared.
In the good old days there was no such thing as buying tickets on the internet and there was never a problem.
Needless to say your intrepid reporter will be there in a working capacity of course.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-21 08:11:19
More than 3,000 fans snaked around three sides of Pride Park Stadium overnight on Saturday in the hope of securing tickets for next Monday's play-off final against West Brom.
But a carnival atmosphere was spoiled by queue-jumpers and drunken yobs causing scuffles and using foul language.
And about a thousand fans, some of whom had been queuing for more than five hours, were angry that it was not until 11pm that club officials told them there would not be tickets for them when the box office opened at 10am.
Disgruntled fans claimed the club did not provide enough information and should have had more stewards to deal with the volume of people.
But Derby County spokesman Jim Fearn said 20 stewards were on duty on Saturday night - the same number that had been on duty since tickets went on sale to season ticket holders on Thursday.
He said: "There was no difference in volume of people between Sunday and the other days we sold tickets. The difference was a small group of yobs that we couldn't have predicted.
"If people thought there were fewer stewards than before that would be because they were all dealing with young men in the south stand who had drunk too much.
"The atmosphere was really friendly until they arrived. Some people even had guitars.
"But, when the yobs turned up, they started to cause scuffles and used foul language in front of small children.
"Queue-jumping was an issue at one stage and the club hopes in the sober light of day that the people responsible are sincerely regretting their action."
The problems led to police being called to sort out the troublemakers.
Some fans are also believed to have donned fluorescent yellow jackets to try to restore order themselves.
Mr Fearn said police were called at 9pm and officers were worried that the yobs in the south stand might try to get to the east stand where people queuing were guaranteed a ticket.
He said: "When we told the people in the south stand that they wouldn't be getting any tickets, some of them wouldn't move on and continued to make trouble. It was a really nasty atmosphere."
Mr Fearn admitted the system for internet sales was working only intermittently because so many fans were logging on.
He said: "It also happened on Thursday. The site can't cope with the demand."
Despite the troubles at Pride Park, Derby County said no arrests were made.
A spokesman for Derbyshire police said officers stayed at the ground until the ticket office closed yesterday at 2pm.
Unfortunately this story has been replicated at Chelsea and Manchester United for the Cup Final. Clearly in light of the number of season ticket holders and average home crowd plus the size of Derby and overall expectation DCFC should have been prepared.
In the good old days there was no such thing as buying tickets on the internet and there was never a problem.
Needless to say your intrepid reporter will be there in a working capacity of course.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-21 08:11:19
Worcestershire v Derbyshire
Graeme Hick and Ben Smith both made half-centuries as Worcestershire cruised to a target of 199 at New Road to beat Derbyshire by seven wickets in the Friends Provident Trophy.
After two defeats and a no result, the Royals revived their challenge in the North Conference but like Derbyshire, who have now lost two of their four games, they cannot afford any more slip-ups if they are to qualify for the semi-finals.
The run-chase got off to the worst possible start with a first-ball duck by Stephen Moore in the opening over from Graham Wagg, but Phil Jaques and Vikram Solanki then punished some off-target bowling in a partnership of 58 in 10 overs.
Wagg secured a second wicket when Simon Katich did well to take an over-the-shoulder catch from Jaques (20) at mid-off and Solanki's sparkle was dimmed when Tom Lungley bowled the home captain for 39.
With Kevin Dean a new addition to their injury list, the Phantoms' attack lacked experience to apply consistent pressure.
Hick followed up last week's 86 against Yorkshire with a fluent 65 from 78 balls and Smith also remained unbeaten with 66 from 81 deliveries, his first one-day half-century of the season.
They put on 131 and sealed an easier-than-expected victory with 11 overs to spare.
Such serene progress was in complete contrast to Derbyshire's struggle on a slow pitch after maintaining their 100% record in winning the toss in every game this season.
Opener Phil Weston dug in for a dogged 78 against his first county and Greg Smith was the one batsman to find even a semblance of freedom in making 45 from 66 balls in a stand of 85 with Weston.
The Australian input was minimal for the first time this season. Travis Birt edged to second slip, attempting to drive Nadeem Malik in the sixth over, and Gareth Batty bowled Katich as Worcestershire's spinners imposed restrictions on the grudging surface.
Smith's enterprising innings ended when he was run out by wicketkeeper Steve Davies' return to the bowler in the first over from Solanki.
Chris Taylor also tried to raise the pace, making 25 from 42 balls, but was caught at mid-off from a misplaced drive off left-arm spinner Ray Price.
Weston reached his 50 with only three fours and continued in the anchor role until run out by Smith's throw from long on in the 47th over.
The left-hander, who joined Derbyshire in the winter after four seasons with Gloucestershire, faced 139 balls but found the boundary only six times.
Another former Worcestershire player, Jamie Pipe, popped up a catch to extra cover off Kabir Ali in a low-key finish to Derbyshire's innings.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-21 03:30:28
After two defeats and a no result, the Royals revived their challenge in the North Conference but like Derbyshire, who have now lost two of their four games, they cannot afford any more slip-ups if they are to qualify for the semi-finals.
The run-chase got off to the worst possible start with a first-ball duck by Stephen Moore in the opening over from Graham Wagg, but Phil Jaques and Vikram Solanki then punished some off-target bowling in a partnership of 58 in 10 overs.
Wagg secured a second wicket when Simon Katich did well to take an over-the-shoulder catch from Jaques (20) at mid-off and Solanki's sparkle was dimmed when Tom Lungley bowled the home captain for 39.
With Kevin Dean a new addition to their injury list, the Phantoms' attack lacked experience to apply consistent pressure.
Hick followed up last week's 86 against Yorkshire with a fluent 65 from 78 balls and Smith also remained unbeaten with 66 from 81 deliveries, his first one-day half-century of the season.
They put on 131 and sealed an easier-than-expected victory with 11 overs to spare.
Such serene progress was in complete contrast to Derbyshire's struggle on a slow pitch after maintaining their 100% record in winning the toss in every game this season.
Opener Phil Weston dug in for a dogged 78 against his first county and Greg Smith was the one batsman to find even a semblance of freedom in making 45 from 66 balls in a stand of 85 with Weston.
The Australian input was minimal for the first time this season. Travis Birt edged to second slip, attempting to drive Nadeem Malik in the sixth over, and Gareth Batty bowled Katich as Worcestershire's spinners imposed restrictions on the grudging surface.
Smith's enterprising innings ended when he was run out by wicketkeeper Steve Davies' return to the bowler in the first over from Solanki.
Chris Taylor also tried to raise the pace, making 25 from 42 balls, but was caught at mid-off from a misplaced drive off left-arm spinner Ray Price.
Weston reached his 50 with only three fours and continued in the anchor role until run out by Smith's throw from long on in the 47th over.
The left-hander, who joined Derbyshire in the winter after four seasons with Gloucestershire, faced 139 balls but found the boundary only six times.
Another former Worcestershire player, Jamie Pipe, popped up a catch to extra cover off Kabir Ali in a low-key finish to Derbyshire's innings.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-05-21 03:30:28
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