Author: Stephen Barr

The Highways Agency has notified us that they need to undertake major repairs to Mytham Bridge (between the Hope Valley Garden Centre and Sickleholme garage). Depending on the scale of the works undertaken, which may involve temporary closure of the bridge, this has potential to cause significant disruption to traffic movement throughout the valley. We have asked for full consultation and detailed information on the planned works and will share further news as and when we have it.

At the Parish Council meeting on 9 May, Steve Platt presented the recent analysis undertaken by the Hope Valley Climate Action group on the future needs of the Hope Valley for increased electricity supplies as we move into a low carbon environment, and how these can be met.   The HVCA has recently written to Robert Largan MP outlining changes in legislation and in government policy which will be needed to enable this transition.   The Parish Council welcomed the analysis undertaken by the HVCA and will be writing to Robert Largan to add its voice supporting the HVCA's recommendations.

Severn Trent and Yorkshire Water have indicated that they are in the early stages of considering a substantial escalation of the reservoir system in the Derwent Valley.  Options being considered include raising the existing dams, constructing a new dam immediately downstream from the existing dams, or development of a fourth reservoir above Howden.  As we understand it, these options are among many which are being considered as strategic responses to the risk of water shortage in the UK as a whole.  There is an extensive process of planning and consultation ahead;  we will keep you informed as it develops.   For more information at this point, see https://www.yorkshirewater.com/media/bcgco3hv/upper-derwent-valley-reservoir-expansion-business-case-udvre-final-8_12_21.pdf

The Parish Council has discussed the possibility of developing a Code for Hope, on the lines of the guidance issued by some other villages in the Hope Valley (see for example Castleton's, at https://castletonvillage.co.uk/castleton-code/).    If anyone would like to be involved in developing such a code, please let us know by contacting the Parish Clerk.