Police are clamping down on drunken yobs in the Peak District over the festive season by arming patrols with booze-testing kits.
Derbyshire Dales and High Peak beat bobbies and police community support officers will be targeting youngsters' favourite street hang-outs to test anyone suspected of underage drinking in public.
Insp Tony Dales said: "We're concerned about youngsters lacing their own soft drinks and cans of pop with alcohol and the effects this can have on causing anti-social behaviour and disturbances over the festive season.
"So these special testing kits will help police easily identify any potential problems and allow officers to discuss any findings with parents or any off-licences which may have illegally sold alcohol to an under-age drinker."
The kits include special strips of white card which can be inserted into suspect drinks and if there are any traces of alcohol the strip will change colour.
Strips which turn green indicate a small trace of alcohol present, blue indicates a larger amount and brown indicates an excessive amount of booze which may warrant serious action.
Police will have the right to confiscate or dispose any laced drinks, make arrests for any related public order offences and make arrangements to contact parents or off-licences to establish how the youngsters concerned obtained alcohol.
Insp Dales added: "We're urging mums and dads to be vigilant because some youngsters may raid cabinets over Christmas and take alcohol with them and we aim to talk to parents of any youngsters found to have been under-age drinking."
Police hope the patrols and tests will also deter youngsters from under-age boozing on street corners.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-30 15:38:25
Friday, November 30, 2007
Resident's fears over 24-hour drinking bid
Plans to turn two youth hostels into 24-hour drinking premises have concerned residents, who say it could increase problems with noise in their quiet villages.
The Youth Hostel Association has applied for the new licences for their buildings in Fountain Square, Youlgreave, and Hawkhill Road, in Eyam.
But residents have objected to the plans because they are worried it will encourage more people to party until the early hours of the morning.
Steven Newhouse, who lives next door to the youth hostel in Fountain Square, said: “Naturally we are very concerned that the proposed regular noise, drinking and music between 11pm and 5am will affect our sleep.”
He added that he was concerned about the extension of hours as people may spill out on to the forecourt of the hostel, which is below his bedroom window.
He said: “We support the YHA but not this proposed extension of noise all night long.”
Other concerns which have been raised include more people spending time outside smoking late into the night.
Youlgreave Youth Hostel currently sells alcohol between 11am and 11pm Monday to Saturday and from midday to 10.30pm on Sundays.
It is already allowed to put on entertainment or late night refreshments.
Eyam Youth Hostel has a licence to sell alcohol between 11am and midnight Monday to Saturday and from Midday to 11.30pm on Sundays.
The new licence would permit 24-hour drinking, with a restriction that no activities would be provided between 11pm and 10am other than for residents and guest.
The application has been made to Derbyshire Dales District Council as part of a change to all youth hostels owned by the association.
It is hoped a new licence will allow them to stage events with live music and dancing and to put themselves forward as venues for private parties.
A decision on both of the applications was due to be made at meeting of the licensing sub-committee yesterday.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-30 15:35:40
The Youth Hostel Association has applied for the new licences for their buildings in Fountain Square, Youlgreave, and Hawkhill Road, in Eyam.
But residents have objected to the plans because they are worried it will encourage more people to party until the early hours of the morning.
Steven Newhouse, who lives next door to the youth hostel in Fountain Square, said: “Naturally we are very concerned that the proposed regular noise, drinking and music between 11pm and 5am will affect our sleep.”
He added that he was concerned about the extension of hours as people may spill out on to the forecourt of the hostel, which is below his bedroom window.
He said: “We support the YHA but not this proposed extension of noise all night long.”
Other concerns which have been raised include more people spending time outside smoking late into the night.
Youlgreave Youth Hostel currently sells alcohol between 11am and 11pm Monday to Saturday and from midday to 10.30pm on Sundays.
It is already allowed to put on entertainment or late night refreshments.
Eyam Youth Hostel has a licence to sell alcohol between 11am and midnight Monday to Saturday and from Midday to 11.30pm on Sundays.
The new licence would permit 24-hour drinking, with a restriction that no activities would be provided between 11pm and 10am other than for residents and guest.
The application has been made to Derbyshire Dales District Council as part of a change to all youth hostels owned by the association.
It is hoped a new licence will allow them to stage events with live music and dancing and to put themselves forward as venues for private parties.
A decision on both of the applications was due to be made at meeting of the licensing sub-committee yesterday.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-30 15:35:40
Derby City Parking Costs Going Up
The cost of car parking is set to rise across Derby City Council car parks.
Prices for pay and display, on-street and multi-storey parking will go up by about nine per cent but some will soar by 25 per cent.
Changes in the daytime tariffs will be introduced to car parks and pay and display car parks will have their evening tariffs changed.
The cheaper evening rate in these car parks currently starts at 6pm, but under the new parking charges, people would pay the daytime rate until 8pm, after which parking would be free.
Free parking at on-street sites controlled by pay and display machines would also only apply after 8pm, instead of after 6pm as it currently does.
The changes have been agreed by the council's cabinet and will come in from January.
Councillor Ranjit Banwait, cabinet member for transportation and highways, said the changes would make parking charges more consistent.
"We have not increased charges for nearly two years," he said.
"This is about rationalising the parking tariffs. We got a lot of feedback saying the two different tariffs were confusing so this should alleviate that."
The new pay and display bays will be created around Keble Close, Sidney Street and Barlow Street, near Derbyshire Royal Infirmary and aim to control parking in areas where there are currently no restrictions.
Others will be created in the Bridge Street, Great Northern Road, City Hospital, Littleover district centre and Vernon Street areas.
On-street parking will go up 10p to £1.40 an hour and motorists will be charged until 8pm rather than the present 6pm.
At the short stay car parks in Ford Street, Little City, Liversage Street, Sacheverel Street and Wilmot Street, the cost of an hour's parking will go from £1.10 to £1.20.
People will be charged to park there until 8pm on the usual day rate but the previous evening charge of 80p has been scrapped.
Multi-storey car parks will still have different daytime and evening rates but their prices will also go up.
For example, the cost of parking for two hours at Chapel Street will go up from £1.60 to £1.70.
The changes are expected to bring the council £357,000 in a year. Parking attendants will cover the later operating times.
Talk about the slow death of a city centre. Congestion charges, buses that can not afford to subsidise OAPs and now this.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-30 14:47:17
Prices for pay and display, on-street and multi-storey parking will go up by about nine per cent but some will soar by 25 per cent.
Changes in the daytime tariffs will be introduced to car parks and pay and display car parks will have their evening tariffs changed.
The cheaper evening rate in these car parks currently starts at 6pm, but under the new parking charges, people would pay the daytime rate until 8pm, after which parking would be free.
Free parking at on-street sites controlled by pay and display machines would also only apply after 8pm, instead of after 6pm as it currently does.
The changes have been agreed by the council's cabinet and will come in from January.
Councillor Ranjit Banwait, cabinet member for transportation and highways, said the changes would make parking charges more consistent.
"We have not increased charges for nearly two years," he said.
"This is about rationalising the parking tariffs. We got a lot of feedback saying the two different tariffs were confusing so this should alleviate that."
The new pay and display bays will be created around Keble Close, Sidney Street and Barlow Street, near Derbyshire Royal Infirmary and aim to control parking in areas where there are currently no restrictions.
Others will be created in the Bridge Street, Great Northern Road, City Hospital, Littleover district centre and Vernon Street areas.
On-street parking will go up 10p to £1.40 an hour and motorists will be charged until 8pm rather than the present 6pm.
At the short stay car parks in Ford Street, Little City, Liversage Street, Sacheverel Street and Wilmot Street, the cost of an hour's parking will go from £1.10 to £1.20.
People will be charged to park there until 8pm on the usual day rate but the previous evening charge of 80p has been scrapped.
Multi-storey car parks will still have different daytime and evening rates but their prices will also go up.
For example, the cost of parking for two hours at Chapel Street will go up from £1.60 to £1.70.
The changes are expected to bring the council £357,000 in a year. Parking attendants will cover the later operating times.
Talk about the slow death of a city centre. Congestion charges, buses that can not afford to subsidise OAPs and now this.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-30 14:47:17
Last Act at the Playhouse
Derby Playhouse defied the liquidators to stage a final performance last night - only hours after being told to close its doors for good.
At 3pm yesterday, the board of trustees took the theatre into voluntary liquidation after a last-ditch rescue package, which had seen the Playhouse's joint artistic director, Stephen Edwards, offer £282,000 of his own cash to save the theatre, had been rejected.
But despite being told that they no longer had jobs, the entire cast, crew and staff at the Playhouse defied orders to shut up shop and staged one last, emotional performance of their Christmas show, Treasure Island.
After the show, the Playhouse's chief executive, Karen Hebden, urged the people of Derby to take up the fight to keep a theatre in the city.
And former Playhouse chairman Jonathan Powers revealed that Mr Edwards had put £70,000 of his own cash into the theatre at the last moment - £40,000 of which will pay staff wages.
The board of trustees had not wanted last night's performance to take place but secretary Roger Patten said: "The performance was not authorised by the board but we couldn't take any action practically to stop it."
So, more than 500 theatre-goers, some with tickets, many without, some sitting or standing in the aisles, saw Derbyshire actor Ben Roberts and Playhouse favourite Glyn Kerslake lead the cast in a final rousing performance.
It received a standing ovation and afterwards the entire staff joined the cast on stage, along with three former chairmen of the board, Mr Edwards and Ms Hebden.
Ms Hebden said: "This performance took place against the wishes of the board of trustees. Stephen and I have been fighting for the survival of this theatre since 2002. This theatre does not deserve to close.
"We have done all we can but tonight we are handing over the fight to you, the people of Derby. We are asking, you, your friends, your family, your colleagues to ask the city council what are they going to do? On behalf of everybody on this stage I have to say we don't deserve it, you don't deserve it. The fight now is yours."
Chris Sabian,Peak District View - 2007-11-30 14:28:56
At 3pm yesterday, the board of trustees took the theatre into voluntary liquidation after a last-ditch rescue package, which had seen the Playhouse's joint artistic director, Stephen Edwards, offer £282,000 of his own cash to save the theatre, had been rejected.
But despite being told that they no longer had jobs, the entire cast, crew and staff at the Playhouse defied orders to shut up shop and staged one last, emotional performance of their Christmas show, Treasure Island.
After the show, the Playhouse's chief executive, Karen Hebden, urged the people of Derby to take up the fight to keep a theatre in the city.
And former Playhouse chairman Jonathan Powers revealed that Mr Edwards had put £70,000 of his own cash into the theatre at the last moment - £40,000 of which will pay staff wages.
The board of trustees had not wanted last night's performance to take place but secretary Roger Patten said: "The performance was not authorised by the board but we couldn't take any action practically to stop it."
So, more than 500 theatre-goers, some with tickets, many without, some sitting or standing in the aisles, saw Derbyshire actor Ben Roberts and Playhouse favourite Glyn Kerslake lead the cast in a final rousing performance.
It received a standing ovation and afterwards the entire staff joined the cast on stage, along with three former chairmen of the board, Mr Edwards and Ms Hebden.
Ms Hebden said: "This performance took place against the wishes of the board of trustees. Stephen and I have been fighting for the survival of this theatre since 2002. This theatre does not deserve to close.
"We have done all we can but tonight we are handing over the fight to you, the people of Derby. We are asking, you, your friends, your family, your colleagues to ask the city council what are they going to do? On behalf of everybody on this stage I have to say we don't deserve it, you don't deserve it. The fight now is yours."
Chris Sabian,Peak District View - 2007-11-30 14:28:56
Matlock gets ready for a fun weekend
Matlock's popular Victorian Market returns this weekend for three full days of festive delights.
Hall Leys Park is set to become the focal point for the Christmas celebration which will include entertainment, stalls, a children’s reindeer ride and a magnificent firework finale.
The market’s coolest attraction yet is an artificial ice rink will be open to the public.
Around 200 stalls including continental, crafts, traditional English and farmers markets will be available to purchase seasonal gifts.
BBC Radio Derby presenter and Matlock Bath resident, Aleena Naylor, will be switching-on Matlock's Christmas Lights on Saturday afternoon, when she will ride through the streets of Matlock in a horse drawn carriage provided by the Red House Stables of Darley Dale, along with Father Christmas.
The Christmas weekend and market takes place from tomorrow until Sunday. The lights will be switched on the Christmas from the bandstand in Hall Leys Park at 4.30 pm
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 16:17:00
Hall Leys Park is set to become the focal point for the Christmas celebration which will include entertainment, stalls, a children’s reindeer ride and a magnificent firework finale.
The market’s coolest attraction yet is an artificial ice rink will be open to the public.
Around 200 stalls including continental, crafts, traditional English and farmers markets will be available to purchase seasonal gifts.
BBC Radio Derby presenter and Matlock Bath resident, Aleena Naylor, will be switching-on Matlock's Christmas Lights on Saturday afternoon, when she will ride through the streets of Matlock in a horse drawn carriage provided by the Red House Stables of Darley Dale, along with Father Christmas.
The Christmas weekend and market takes place from tomorrow until Sunday. The lights will be switched on the Christmas from the bandstand in Hall Leys Park at 4.30 pm
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 16:17:00
New chapter for district's lost landmarks
Lost buildings in the Peak District have been brought back to life in a new book.
Author Lindsey Porter has put together the publication consisting of 228 photographs and drawings of buildings around Matlock which have been demolished or altered, including Matlock Bath station, Bakewell cinema and Carsington windmill.
Buildings which have changed use such as Matlock cinema are also included.
The book records the factories, pubs and large country houses which have quietly disappeared into the landscape and magnificent lost hotels such as The Royal at Matlock Bath, reflecting a demand lost during the Great War.
Local historian Lindsey hopes his book will stimulate more research and highlight what else could be lost if we are not careful.
He said: "I started to think about the changes in the Peak District and about how many buildings had been lost and I decided to bring the collection together.
"As a historian I am interested in not only where we have come from but what we have left behind for future generations. It is quite interesting to see the comparisons and sow seeds in people's minds when we talk about whether buildings should be pulled down."
Lindsey said he was interested in how many buildings had been used for other purposes.
He added: "They show how buildings contribute to the history of the area. Things move on and we have to accept that but we ought to decide whether we are going to keep them or let them go for a new development because once they are gone they are gone forever."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 16:09:35
Author Lindsey Porter has put together the publication consisting of 228 photographs and drawings of buildings around Matlock which have been demolished or altered, including Matlock Bath station, Bakewell cinema and Carsington windmill.
Buildings which have changed use such as Matlock cinema are also included.
The book records the factories, pubs and large country houses which have quietly disappeared into the landscape and magnificent lost hotels such as The Royal at Matlock Bath, reflecting a demand lost during the Great War.
Local historian Lindsey hopes his book will stimulate more research and highlight what else could be lost if we are not careful.
He said: "I started to think about the changes in the Peak District and about how many buildings had been lost and I decided to bring the collection together.
"As a historian I am interested in not only where we have come from but what we have left behind for future generations. It is quite interesting to see the comparisons and sow seeds in people's minds when we talk about whether buildings should be pulled down."
Lindsey said he was interested in how many buildings had been used for other purposes.
He added: "They show how buildings contribute to the history of the area. Things move on and we have to accept that but we ought to decide whether we are going to keep them or let them go for a new development because once they are gone they are gone forever."
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 16:09:35
Work on track for station revamp
Work is set to begin on Cromford's derelict railway station as part of a £263,000 revamp.
The Arkwright Society has had the go ahead to start alterations next week to turn the listed building into office space.
The condition of the 'at risk' building – which was last used as a scout hostel – has declined over the past two decades prompting the society to act and restore it.
Director Dr Christopher Charlton said the regeneration work, which is expected to take about a year, marked a huge step forward for the project, after it has been tied up with funding negotiations since January.
He said: "There is a lot to do. We will return the lay out of the station to its original features.
"We are very concerned to use original materials and essentially put it back to use in its traditional form."
He added that a new floor would need to be laid as well as repairing serious problems with parts of the roof, where stone had been pushed out of place.
The building will initially be used as office space then as a world heritage site portal, housing exhibitions and information for visitors arriving by train.
The plans will help meet Derwent Valley Rural Transport aims to regenerate local stations on the Derwent Valley Line between Matlock and Derby.
Dr Charlton, said: "It seems an ideal project. We are saving a piece of otherwise deteriorating world heritage and also creating jobs, new opportunities with office space and heritage regeneration."
The society secured significant funding from Railways Heritage Trust, hired architects and commissioned a study of how the building could be used.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 16:08:17
The Arkwright Society has had the go ahead to start alterations next week to turn the listed building into office space.
The condition of the 'at risk' building – which was last used as a scout hostel – has declined over the past two decades prompting the society to act and restore it.
Director Dr Christopher Charlton said the regeneration work, which is expected to take about a year, marked a huge step forward for the project, after it has been tied up with funding negotiations since January.
He said: "There is a lot to do. We will return the lay out of the station to its original features.
"We are very concerned to use original materials and essentially put it back to use in its traditional form."
He added that a new floor would need to be laid as well as repairing serious problems with parts of the roof, where stone had been pushed out of place.
The building will initially be used as office space then as a world heritage site portal, housing exhibitions and information for visitors arriving by train.
The plans will help meet Derwent Valley Rural Transport aims to regenerate local stations on the Derwent Valley Line between Matlock and Derby.
Dr Charlton, said: "It seems an ideal project. We are saving a piece of otherwise deteriorating world heritage and also creating jobs, new opportunities with office space and heritage regeneration."
The society secured significant funding from Railways Heritage Trust, hired architects and commissioned a study of how the building could be used.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 16:08:17
Store powers in to boost wind energy
A top outdoor shop in the Peak District has signed up to a green power scheme to boost funding for wind power.
The Outside shop in Hathersage has joined 24 major retailers making an eco-conscious choice to support wind power.
The store will be investing in renewable power by donating money for every unit of energy it uses to fund more wind farms and pay for them to be run.
Climbing brand PrAna, which is sold at Outside, is expanding the wind power initiative.
It is working with stores to look at new ways to use sustainable materials and practices in their work and reduce the impact on soils, water supplies and other natural resources.
PrAna became an ambassador for wind generated power and as a member of the Organic Trade Association, is continually increasing the use of organic cotton, as well as sourcing other natural fibers and recycled materials.
Outside Director, Fran Beardon, said: “As a retailer of outdoor products with a business in the Peak District we are very much in favour of supporting the environment.
“Most of our customers and staff enjoy making use of the valuable resources this area has to offer and this is a way we can make a positive impact.
Fran said that Outside would give an audit of their electrical consumption for the year to PrAna and they would offset it with wind power to the same amount.
He added: “It is about building awareness of ways we can reduce our carbon footprint.”
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 16:06:56
The Outside shop in Hathersage has joined 24 major retailers making an eco-conscious choice to support wind power.
The store will be investing in renewable power by donating money for every unit of energy it uses to fund more wind farms and pay for them to be run.
Climbing brand PrAna, which is sold at Outside, is expanding the wind power initiative.
It is working with stores to look at new ways to use sustainable materials and practices in their work and reduce the impact on soils, water supplies and other natural resources.
PrAna became an ambassador for wind generated power and as a member of the Organic Trade Association, is continually increasing the use of organic cotton, as well as sourcing other natural fibers and recycled materials.
Outside Director, Fran Beardon, said: “As a retailer of outdoor products with a business in the Peak District we are very much in favour of supporting the environment.
“Most of our customers and staff enjoy making use of the valuable resources this area has to offer and this is a way we can make a positive impact.
Fran said that Outside would give an audit of their electrical consumption for the year to PrAna and they would offset it with wind power to the same amount.
He added: “It is about building awareness of ways we can reduce our carbon footprint.”
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 16:06:56
Flats scheme for closed youth hostel in Matlock
A Derbyshire youth hostel could be converted to flats.
Stuart Brock has submitted an application to convert Matlock Youth Hostel, in Bank Road, into 10 homes.
The hostel is in the process of closing after it was sold last month.
Because of the extensive investment required to modernise the 19th-century building, the Youth Hostel Association said it was no longer worth the expense.
The application seeks to convert and extend the existing building into seven new apartments and also build a smaller building on the site, in which three further flats will be created.
The plans include 11 parking spaces, but residents raised concerns this will not be enough.
Officers at Derbyshire Dales District Council have recommended that the planning committee approves the application when it meets at Matlock Town Hall on Tuesday at 6pm.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 15:46:11
Stuart Brock has submitted an application to convert Matlock Youth Hostel, in Bank Road, into 10 homes.
The hostel is in the process of closing after it was sold last month.
Because of the extensive investment required to modernise the 19th-century building, the Youth Hostel Association said it was no longer worth the expense.
The application seeks to convert and extend the existing building into seven new apartments and also build a smaller building on the site, in which three further flats will be created.
The plans include 11 parking spaces, but residents raised concerns this will not be enough.
Officers at Derbyshire Dales District Council have recommended that the planning committee approves the application when it meets at Matlock Town Hall on Tuesday at 6pm.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 15:46:11
Breaking news, 3.10pm: Playhouse closes doors
Derby Playhouse closed its doors at 3.01pm today amid fears surrounding its finances.
It is not yet known whether or not the performance of Treasure Island will go ahead tonight.
The closure follows a week of speculation about whether or not the theatre would go into liquidation.
More news and reaction to follow.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 15:40:41
It is not yet known whether or not the performance of Treasure Island will go ahead tonight.
The closure follows a week of speculation about whether or not the theatre would go into liquidation.
More news and reaction to follow.
Chris Sabian, Peak District View - 2007-11-29 15:40:41
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