Author: Stephen Barr

Breedon are going to submit two new planning applications this autumn. They want to extend the limestone quarry and to set up a solar farm in the former western shale quarry on their site. There will be a public exhibition about the proposals in Loxley Hall on 24th and 25th September. Please do go along to find out more and to comment on the proposals.

As previously mentioned there is an ongoing process initiated by central government which will lead to a complete reorganization of local government. At this moment, there are multiple options being debated about what will replace the High Peak Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council.  For more information on the options, and to express your views on this issue, there is a consultation currently being run by DCC (closing on 19 August) at: https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/council/have-your-say/consultation-search/consultation-details/local-government-reorganisation-in-derby-and-derbyshire.aspx.  This is only one stage in what will be an extended process leading ultimately to elections to the new local authorities which are planned to take place in 2027.

Derbyshire County Council are currently seeking feedback on an Active Travel Masterplan which has been developed to encourage and support ease of movement around the Hope Valley.  Significant changes are proposed in this plan, including the creation of a multi-user route (one which supports pedestrian, bicycle and wheelchair users) connecting Castleton, Hope and Bamford, based on changes to the existing roadside pavements. Go to https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/transport-roads/transport-plans/sustainable-travel/active-travel-masterplans/active-travel-masterplans.aspx to see and respond to these proposals.

The B6049 Brough Road will be closed on three dates in September - Sunday 7th, 14th and 21st, from 9 am to 6 pm, to carry out essential gas works.

The long-awaited repair work on Mytham Bridge (next to the Hope Valley Garden Centre and the turn-off for Shatton) is starting on Monday 23rd June.  The road will remain open with the existing traffic light controls while the work is undertaken, which is expected to take around 15 weeks.  Once the repairs have been completed, the lights will finally be removed. More information can be found on the DCC website at https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/transport-roads/roads-traffic/mytham-bridge/mytham-bridge.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawLJCG1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHgPuPU-LrIXf9IHcaYugCAv649DZ1y6TGUWzqPyMP2xQSHszxnig88995aGP_aem_X4qkl3lAZzJYyGZf5hXzZA .

At a number of dates yet to be determined but between 21 July and 8 August, the A6187 between Sickleholme and Hathersage will be closed overnight, from 7 pm to 5 am.

Thursday 8th May will mark the 80th anniversary of VE day, the formal acceptance by the Allies of the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany's armed forces.  To mark the occasion we will be putting up bunting in the village centre.  Many thanks to both councillors and others who have volunteered for this task.

In line with our regular practice, we will be holding two annual meetings in the coming weeks.  Hope residents are invited to attend the annual meeting taking place at 7.00 pm immediately prior to the normal Parish Council meeting on Monday 12 May at the Old School in School Lane (see attached link for more information: Parish Meeting 2025).  Aston residents are invited to attend the annual meeting taking place in the Travellers Rest at 7.30 pm on Monday 28th April.

On 10 April we held a special meeting of the Parish Council as an open public Q&A session with our local MP, Jon Pearce.  Detailed notes of the questions asked by both Parish Councillors and members of the public present at the meeting, and Jon Pearce's comments in response, are available here:  Minutes -HwAPC Extraordinary Meeting April 2025

Feb 2025 Notice of Vacancy Parish Councillor Ian Ord has indicated that he will be resigning from the Parish Council with effect from the end of March.  This will create a vacancy on the Parish Council, which will coopt an additional member to fill the vacancy.  Anyone interested in applying to fill this position should contact the Clerk ahead of the next Parish Council meeting on 10 March to express their interest. The Parish Council is grateful to Ian Ord for his many contributions to our community, including through his membership of the Parish Council and through his tireless endeavours as the coordinator of HEARD (the Hope Environmental and Rail Delegation).