Today on propertyweek.com we read that Urbo Regeneration, a partnership between AGD Regeneration, Bolsterstone Group and Arnold Laver Group, is joining with Chesterfield Borough Council to develop Chesterfield Waterside.

The plans include:

• 1,200 homes
• Retail space
• Business space.
• Restoration of the local canal network
• A new public square
• Waterside bars and restaurants

This to be constructed next to the A61 in the River Rother corridor.

Full story here 

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The Derbyshire Times reports today that the Mayor of Chesterfield and her husband were arrested  in the early hours of Friday morning in an incident involving an axe and a baseball bat.

Apparently the incident, involving a 30 year old woman, took place in Poolsbrook - and all three were arrested and later released on police bail until next month.

Full story here

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A Chesterfield jewellery shop assistant was kidnapped and forced to hand over keys to two men, writes Jennifer Ivers on the DT website today.

The failed attempt was carried out last Thursday and shop owner Jonathan Haag is quoted as saying, “I’m offering a substantial cash reward in the hope that the men who did this will be brought to justice. It was an awful crime, and we don’t want them to target other people or businesses.”

Said Det Insp Dick Severns, “We are determined to find the offenders who did this.”

Read the full story here 

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York’s biggest employer, CPP, is to open a contact centre in Chesterfield creating 300 new jobs. In an article on the ThisIsYork.co.uk website we learn that the centre will open in July with 200 new jobs and another 100 jobs will be created before the end of the year.

CPP are a rapidly expanding group are providing outsourced marketing services on behalf of its business partners and turned over £225.2 million last year.

Stephen Kennedy, CPP UK managing director, said: “We are very excited about the business expansion, as our York and Tamworth offices have experienced incredible success and growth over the past few years, and we expect the same in Chesterfield.”

Read the full story here 

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News on the BBC website that police have a man in custody as a suspect in the case of a Chesterfield man found hanging from a tree.

The victim has been named as Derek Byfleet, 76, of Ringwood Avenue, Chesterfield. He leaves a wife, two daughters and a son.

Detective Chief Inspector Christine Kelk appealed for anyone with information about Mr Byfleet’s movements on Sunday evening to come forward.

Full story here

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In a move more remeniscient of old Labour, the major power companies have been told by the government to use some of their massive profits to help the poor and old people of this country - this report from the Observer.

It is said the power firms have made three billion pounds profit whilst pensioners in the UK are expected to live on £85 a week - and if projections that power prices are set to average £1,100 by the end of the year, this means approximately one quarter of their total income is gone before they start to think about food, clothing etc. Even with a few extra benefits for the poorest pensioners (who are often too proud to claim after a working lifetime of paying Nation Insurance) this situation is a disgrace.

In a country as developed as the UK, the gulf between the rich and the poor is a national scandal - the same website also carries the story of Adam Applegarth, former boss at Northern Rock, he is to get a £750,000 pay-off - for running a company so badly that they had to be rescued by the taxpayer.

It’s not so long ago that pensioners here in Chesterfield were stretched beyond their financial limits as a result of the floods - and much discussion on this subject saw very little interest or sympathy for victims.

Full story here

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Sad, but predictably, as the council unveil a new sculpture on Saltergate the voices of complaint rise from the masses. Described variously as looking like “a lump of rubble, that has just fallen off the Twin Towers”, “meaningless”, “garbage” and (obviously) “a waste of taxpayers money”, the sculpture by Michael Dan Archer is a two piece work. The main bit is a piece of tiger skin granite and the second is a girder-like casting with the names of old collieries on its sides.

I am not against the council spending money on art, if left to the whingers our towns would be soulless places - but I’m afraid I also think it’s wrong - but for different reasons. Art that is as politically correct as this piece invariably has little depth - the artist justifying why the work is appropriate. It is also unsuitable for its site - with all the posts, ramps, canopies, doors, etc, the work is lost in a maze of lines until you are on top of it. It has no presence, it lacks any feeling of stature or importance - sorry, but it’s just boring and bland.

Also it is a little insensitive of the council to have it outside council offices just as the people of the town are facing another tax increase.

It seems a little ironic that this same town has let a piece as wonderful and captivating as Barbara Hepworth’s Rosewall slip through its fingers a few years ago.

It was installed at the original AGD back in the 1960s and I passed it most days on my way into town and felt so proud that we had such a wonderful thing in our town.

When the Royal Mail threatened to sell it a couple of years ago our MP and the council wittered on how this important piece is part of Chesterfield’s heritage, but nothing really happened. Both sides backed off and the last time I saw it, it was up at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park.

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Good News!

::NauticDive:: have announced their first gig at Rock Shots (Ex Marsdens/Erotica) - This from Robbo, on ChesterfieldForum, “Also Dj’s Connie, Ruffa & Roonski will b bringing the floorboard vibrating drum n bass (All from Chesterfield). Its all happening Good Friday (21st of March) and is free b4 10.30, 3 pounds after!! C u there.

Also - LeonM is moving Pride to Rock Shots - first gig on 5th April.

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OK not strictly news or comment on Chesterfield, but…

I came across this cartoon on the web and it struck a chord or two - enjoy.

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News on the ChesterfieldForum website that the Green Room, one of Chesterfield’s last remaining music pubs, has closed.

A favourite gig for many local musicians, the Green Room was loved by many and offered one of the very few places in Chesterfield that promoted live bands and dance nights.

Word is that some acts (LeonM, Max Hall of ::NauticDive:: and hopefully Aaron’s Detune) will move over to Marsdens on Marsden Street, which is currently being revamped as Rockshots.

Read the forum thread here

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Apparently Chesterfield experienced an earthquake in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Discussion on Chesterfield Forum here

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The DT website is currently running a story of a vicious attack on two young teenage girls. Hayley James (14) and her friend were walking through Boythorpe last Friday evening when they were attacked from behind, beaten to the ground and kicked.

The gang, four girls and a boy, stole bags with hundreds of pounds worth of clothes, jewellery and make-up. Two attackers had blonde hair, wore Golddigga jackets, dark-coloured trousers and white trainers and one had a lazy eye.

It is thought that the boy videoed the attack on a mobile phone.

Read the whole story here 

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David Clarke and his dog Benson are to walk the 200 miles of the Trans Pennine Trail to raise funds for Chesterfield’s Ashgate Hospice.

David, furniture manager at Chesterfield Co-op said he and work colleagues were trying to raise £10,000 for the hospice through his walk and other events.

To get fit for the walk David and his dog have been walking 12 miles a day - even walking to work in Chesterfield from his home in Pilsley.

If you wish to help, contact David at Chesterfield Co-op on 01246 220200.

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The DT website reports that Chesterfield Magistrates have imposed a custodial sentence on a Duckmanton youth for a vicious attack on a couple’s three pet sheep. Darryl Broadhurst, 19, of North Crescent, Duckmanton was sentenced to four months for his part in the evil events.

The sheep were discovered by owners Susan Smith and her husband suffering from horrendous injuries including one sheep with its eyes missing, covered in blood and with one leg shattered. The second sheep had a broken back and the third had its head split open. It was said that Broadhurst and his friend laughed whilst videoing the scene on a mobile phone.

Read the full, sickening story here

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I’ve just got word that this year’s FreeFest in Queens Park is on. Rich Alsop emailed iChesterfield the following:

CONFIRMED LINEUP FOR FREEFEST 08 - CHESTERFIELD
DIGITAL CORRUPTIONS PRESENTS “FREEFEST 08″
SATURDAY 9TH AUGUST - QUEENS PARK, CHESTERFIELD

WHAT A BEAUTY!

CONFIRMED LINEUP FOR THE HALF MOON OUTDOOR STAGE.

UNFORTUNATELY/FORTUNATELY THIS YEAR THE BANDSTAND WILL NOT BE USED AS A STAGE DUE TO THE PROGRESSION OF THE FESTIVAL, THIS YEAR THE BANDSTAND WILL BE USED AS A FIRES HOW & PERFORMANCE CIRCLE.

ZION TRAIN - 22.30 - 0.00 (CONFIRMED)
SOOTHSAYERS - 21.15 - 22.15 (CONFIRMED)
HIJAK OSCAR - 20.15 - 21.00 (CONFIRMED)
TARANTISM - 19.15 - 20.00 (CONFIRMED)
ALVAREZ KINGS - 18.15 - 19.00 (CONFIRMED)
VEGAS CHILD - 17.15 - 18.00 (CONFIRMED)
CENSORED - 16.15 - 17.00 (CONFIRMED)
SMILING IVY - 15.15 - 16.00 (CONFIRMED)
GYPPOS - 14.30 - 15.00 (CONFIRMED)
RUBERLARIS - 13.30 - 14.00 (CONFIRMED)
LEFT HAND DRIVE - 12.45 - 13.15 (CONFIRMED)
POPULATION LOST - 12.00 - 12.30 (CONFIRMED)

FULL LINEUP FOR THE 2ND STAGE WILL BE ANNOUNCED VERY SOON.

KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THIS YEARS POSTERS & FLIERS WHICH WILL BE HITTING THE STREETS VERY SOON.
ALSO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR THIS YEARS PROGRAMMES WHICH WILL BE ON SALE IN A FEW MONTHS TIME £3.00.

Flyers here 

Pictures from FreeFest 07 here

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I just read this piece by Matthew Parris on the TimesOnline website and thought I would share.

“Chesterfield was hit very hard by Eighties Thatcherism. A few miles down the railway from Sheffield, the Derbyshire town depended directly and indirectly on a regional economy rooted in steel and coal. When such jobs disappeared, many youths without much academic qualification joined the Army. Today the deaths in Afghanistan of soldiers from Chesterfield and nearby towns such as Mansfield and Ilkeston appear regularly on the front pages of local papers.

Here’s a snapshot from last Sunday, outside Chesterfield station. It is early afternoon. In the driving, freezing January rain stands a young serviceman, in full, neatly pressed, new-looking desert kit, taking a drag on a cigarette. He is standing in the rain because station and platforms have become, by law, smoke-free. He is waiting for the Virgin Cross-Country train.

Thatcher, Major, Blair, Brown. Pit closures, private rail companies, foreign wars, and a ban on smoking. People tell you politics make no difference, but - for good or ill - every element in this snapshot was placed there by politicians. Boy in uniform smoking in the rain. Chesterfield, 15.30, 20/01/08. I wish I’d had a camera. ”

Parris full article here.

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Good news for youngsters in the Stand Road area, Friends of Stand Road Park have secured funds to build a skateboard park. The following is the official news release. Nice to see something positive happening for the young people of Chesterfield. Well done Friends!

News Release

Friends of Stand Road Park have been successful in raising the money needed to install a new skateboard park on Stand Road Park. The new skateboard facility will be installed as Stage 2 of a major regeneration scheme for Stand Road Park developed by the Friends group with the help of their landscape architect, James Jackson..

The £45,000 of funding needed for the project has been awarded by Biffaward and Viridor Credits - Derbyshire under the Landfill Communities Fund. Under this fund 10% of the award must come from a third party and Chesterfield Community Safety Partnership have provided this vital contribution.

Graham King, the Group’s Chairperson, said, “ This is great news. We are currently putting together the project plan for installing the skate ramps and we have appointed James Jackson, landscape architect from WSP Environmental, to oversee the work. We expect it to be completed in spring or early summer. This is a great example of the community doing things for themselves”.

The Group’s Secretary, Ian Sutherland, said, “I am delighted that we now have the money to put in the skateboard ramps. Last year we installed the new Muti Use Games Area and park entrance gates, and are now working with artist Graeme Mitchison and children from Cavendish and Gilbert Heathcote Schools on the design of a major artwork for the park . And, looking to the future, we are consulting the community to find out what park users want to see as the next stage of improvement to the park. Anyone wishing to give their views can download the consultation questionnaire from our website at www.fosrp.org.uk and send the completed questionnaire to us by e-mail or post”.

For more information contact:

Graham King, Chairperson on 0114 291 2353 or Ian Sutherland, Secretary, on 0114 2597116

Continues

Notes For Editors

Friends of Stand Road Park is a group of community volunteers who have come together with the aim of making the park safe and enjoyable for everyone and something that the community can be proud of. Membership is free and open to all users of the park. The Group was formed in 2002 and has prepared a regeneration scheme for the park in consultation with the community. The scheme will be implemented in stages over the next few years as the funds are raised.

Friends of Stand Road Park have raised the funding needed for the stage 2 development project from the following sources. We are grateful for their support.

• Biffaward.
• Viridor Credits-Derbyshire.
• Chesterfield Community Safety Partnership.

Under the Landfill Communities Fund, registered landfill site operators can donate a percentage of their landfill tax liability in return for a tax credit. This credit is available to environmental bodies to fund mainly environmental, community and restoration projects. Landfill operators are currently permitted to donate up to 6.7% of their landfill tax liability.

Together, Biffaward and Viridor Credits have granted more than £150 million to environmental and community projects as part of the Landfill Communities Fund.

ENDS

Friends of Stand Park website here

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A 46 year old Dronfield woman has been rescued two days after her car careered down an embankment by Longstone Edge in the Peak District on Sunday afternoon..

The car was spotted Tuesday afternoon by Roger Cox, a farmer, who was out looking for his animals. “She didn’t appear to have any visible injuries but she said she had come over the edge and knocked her head but she had clearly come a long way down,” said Mr Cox.

The victim, Helen Sykes, had to be cut from the vehicle by the emergency services and was air-lifted to Nottingham’s Queen’s Medical Centre with non-life threatening injuries.

Full story on the BBC website here

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The DT website today reports that a woman was robbed of her purse on Saturday evening whilst walking along Chatsworth Road.

Apparently the male offender asked for change, grabbed the purse and ran off.

DT story here

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The Derbyshire Police website announces the first surgery for residents in the Walton and West area of chesterfield.

PC David Randell will meet concerned residents on February 1st.

Full details here

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Following an outbreak of the vomiting and diarrhoea bug, norovirus, Chesterfield Royal Hospital has been forced to close Manvers ward.

The ward will undergo a deep clean before being reopened says an article on the DT website.

DT story here

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In a news story on the Derby Evening Telegraph we read that Ian Murray, the principal of Chesterfield College has been suspended from his job over “concerns” about the management of a £37m redevelopment project.

Read the story here

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Chesterfield council has been awarded £40,000 for an Historic Landscape Survey and restoration plan to revive Eastwood Park in Hasland. The money, from the the Heritage Lottery Fund’s “Parks for People” programme, will kick start ambitious plans to restore the 15 acre park which was donated to the town by Alderman GA Eastwood in 1913.

Read the story on The Star website here

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Chesterfield Football Supporters’ Society are holding a memorabilia evening at the Olde House on Loundsley Green Road, Chesterfield, on Thursday Feb 7 at 7.30pm.

Highlights are film of two cup matches from the 1930s and footage of the 1945 War League Cup Semi-Final against Manchester United.

Full details are on the Chesterfield FC pages here

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Pensioners - No excuses, no “second chance”

In an impassioned and eloquent letter to the Derbyshire Times, Paul Webber tells a tale of woe and anxiety about two pensioners, both in their eighties, one blind and one diabetic, who unwittingly broke the parking rules. Although they had a Blue Badge they were not aware that they also had to pay 50 pence, they parked on Holywell Cross car park for 35 minutes and were fined £35, doubled to £70 if they did not pay within 14 days. Mr Webber helped them to appeal against this, but they were refused. No excuses, no “second chance”.

“It might only be a parking fine to you. To them it feels like a jail sentence”.

In an era of obsession for zero-tolerance rules and regulations Mr Webber uses two words that resound with truth, they are commonsense and compassion, words that are missing from the vocabulary of officialdom these days.

Read it here

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North East Derbyshire Council have been criticised in a report by the Audit Commission for “poor” repairs and maintenance and scored them zero on a one to three star rating.

In an article by Tony Belshaw on The Star website, the Audit Commission is quoted as saying, “Although improvements have been made since our last inspection, the service still does not focus sufficiently on its customers”.

The summary on the Audit Commission’s website has a huge list of problems that need addressing, but did finish up by stating, “The service has promising prospects for improvement”.

Audit Commission report here

Star article here

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On the Chad website today is a story about police raiding the house of a woman from Bolsover and recovering 57 pence worth of cannabis resin.

The woman was fined £115 and ordered to pay £60 costs after admitting to the offence. She claimed she used it whilst recovering from a stroke that left her in a coma for six weeks.

Chad story here.

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I read today on the DT website that a group of beer lovers have re-launched the Brampton Brewery brand and have begun making beer in new premises 200 yards from the old brewery site - knocked down for the B&Q building.

The new team are brewing four different beers - Golden Bud, Brampton Best, Impy Dark and Wasp Nest.

Read the DT article here

Old Brampton Brewery pictures here

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On the council website is the result of the ‘Pride of Place’ survey - and Queens Park takes the number one spot!

The park is a firm favourite with the people of Chesterfield and beat off competition from Barrow Hill Roundhouse, Chesterfield Canal and the Crooked Spire parish church.

Pictures from the FreeFest 07 in Queens Park can be seen here

Video from Queens Park as part of the Chesterfield Market Festival can be seen here

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Police are appealing for witnesses and information following a serious attack in Loundsley Green on Wednesday. The Derbyshire Police website reports, “A 38-year-old man was assaulted in Flamsteed Crescent at around 8pm on Wednesday by up to four men and a woman dressed in hoodies.”

The man suffered serious facial and bodily injuries after being hit by a “heavy metal object”.

Read about it here .

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Six men found guilty of dealing drugs were given sentences at Derby Crown Court last week. Chesterfield men, Thomas Hurst and Paul White, were both given three and a half year prison sentences for a variety of charges including conspiracy to supply ecstasy, supplying amphetamines and possession of a stun gun.

A Matlock man, David Booth, was sentenced to 12 years for conspiracy to supply ecstasy and amphetamines.

Police seized 985 ecstasy tablets and a kilo of cocaine.

Read the full story on the DT website here

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Travel and Tourism is key to many residents who have businesses that provide services to Derbyshire’s many intrigued tourists. However, in North East Derbyshire, a major landmark that was set to be built at Poolsbrook Country Park is now heading south.

Work on the 147 foot solar pyramid was due to start next Spring and was set to be a major tourist attraction for the area. But after months of planning the people behind the project have pulled out saying they’ve not had enough support from local and regional agencies.

The local Labour MP Natascha Engel was a key member of the campaign to get the Solar Pyramid located in North Derbyshire. This sundial could have been a massive tourist attraction for Derbyshire and would have had massive positives for the tourism industry in Derbyshire. The fact that councils and individual politicians cannot be bothered to put some effort in to secure this major architectural masterpiece, is completely disgusting. I am sick of our elected officials putting themselves first and it’s time for a change.

Next May, vote common sense and rid Derbyshire of the joke that are the career councillors who don’t deserve to represent you.

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Police in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire are warning householders not to be taken in by cold callers who telephone them offering home security equipment.

In recent weeks police have received several calls from worried residents who feel they have been pressurised by salespeople who claim they are working with or affiliated to the police.

Police in both counties have stressed that they do not give their support to any particular commercial home security companies and advise anyone who receives one of these calls to be on their guard.

One firm, who aren’t regulated by any of the security bodies, is allegedly using hard sales tactics to get older and vulnerable people to sign up to having a monitored security alarm with them at a cost of several thousand pounds.

The police advice to anyone who wants any equipment or work done on their home is to always get at least three quotes from reputable companies and then take time to consider the options.

Detective Inspector Phil Cox from Derbyshire police, said: “Monitored alarm systems are not normally needed in homes. Don’t let anyone rush you into buying a security system, and never sign for anything until you are completely satisfied.”

Police crime prevention officers will be happy to give free security advice to anyone who requires it. Derbyshire officers can be contacted on 0845 123 33 33 or Nottinghamshire Police on 0115 9670999.

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Over on the Derbyshire Police website is a CD Fit image of a distraction burglar who robbed an 80 year old Chesterfield man back in October.

Apparently the man conned his way into the Derby Road home of the elderly gentleman and kept him distracted whilst his accomplice went into the house.

They escaped with the pensioner’s bank books.

Do you know this face? Click here now

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In a piece on the DT website, we learn that a woman was sexually assaulted and hit on the side of the head by a young man who had exposed himself to her - and a young woman was also flashed in Newbold the same evening.

Both incidents took place on Ringwood Avenue, Newbold on Monday night - and police believe the attacks were committed by the same offender.

The youth was wearing a dark hoodie with the hood up and is described as slim with dark hair, aged 17 to 20.

Police are appealing for further information and a youth has since been arrested.

Read the full story here.

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The Regal Bingo & Social Club in Staveley has closed after 37 years. Stylus Sports, the company that owned The Regal said the clubs had “become economically unviable” and the move came with “much regret and sadness”.

Stylus Sports said high tax rates and the recent smoking ban had contributed to the closures.

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A spokesman for Somerfield, whose Pavements store was destroyed by fire this summer, has announced redundancies across the board for all staff. Apparently the extent of the damage and unconfirmed timescales for re-opening have forced the company into this position.

In an article on the DT website a council spokesman said that the store would be ready for a refit in April 2008.

Full DT story here.

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Welcome to the first in a new series of articles reporting the nitty gritty issues being discussed in Westminster. This week i’m focusing on : MP’s Expenses.

After some searching through news websites and Parliamentary documents, I found the in-depth expenses of our beloved Members of Parliament. I highlighted all the Derbyshire MP’s and thought that I would share their expenses with you!

So with the most expensive Derbyshire Member of Parliament first:

1. Tom Levitt MP (High-Peak) = £168,660

2. Paul ‘Golden Boy’ Holmes MP (Chesterfield) = £155,429

3. Patrick McLoughlin (Derbyshire Dales) = £148,662

4. Liz Blackman (Erewash) = £145,000

5. Natascha Engel (NE Derbyshire) = £144,099

6. Judy Mallaber (Amber Valley) = £127,410

7. Denis Skinner (Bolsover) = £67,891

So overall the Derbyshire MP’s cost the taxpayer: £957, 151.

Taxpayers picked up the bill for first-class travel, second homes, computers, office costs and stamps. They also pay into MPs’ pension pots. The figures show £11.5million was claimed for housing, nearly £1million on air fares and £3.2million on stationery and postage. Mileage and rail fares cost £4.2million, while office running costs hit £13million. MPs’ staffs cost £53.7million. Ex-PM Tony Blair claimed £97,084, Gordon Brown £135,525 and Tory leader David Cameron £143,385.

It begs the question: ‘Are our Politicians in for it to change the country, or to look after their wallets?’

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The DT is carrying an update on the investigation into the shooting of a 16 year old in Sheffield last week. Police have arrested a 26 year old man from Unstone on suspicion of murder, the third arrest so far with two other arrests in Sheffield.

The victim, Jonathan Matondo was shot in the head in a playground, at Nottingham Cliff, in the Burngreave area of Sheffield.

Derbyshire Times story here

BBC coverage here

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Four people were taken to hospital after an accident on Brimington Road North this afternoon. The accident, involving a Hyundai Accent and a VW Polo, happened under the bridge near Pottery Lane, police and firefighters said that the four victims suffered facial injuries, cuts, bruises, chest and back injuries.

The DT site reports that one car collided with the bridge and one car caught fire. Police are asking for witnesses to come forward.

Full story here.

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Police are claiming to have seriously disrupted the supply of illegal drugs in Chesterfield. In a piece by Helen Beighton on the DT website police have “seized thousands of pounds worth of heroin and other drugs, plus £10,000 in cash, cars to the value of £35,000, suspected stolen property and weapons – including guns and a crossbow”

The arrests are part of Operation Relentless 2 and there are more on the way said Det Insp Osbaldeston.

Read the story here

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A man carrying a three inch knife threatened and robbed a Chesterfield shop assistant on Monday afternoon.

The man, described as “about 60 years old” stole cash from the News Box on West Bars.

Story here on DT website.

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News this morning on the Derbyshire Police website that a 33 year old man from Brimington has been charged with murder.

The body of Gerald Victor Harris was found dead at an address in Honiton Court, Chesterfield, on the morning of Wednesday, September 26.

Police are appealing for witnesses and specifically wish to speak to two men seen in the St Johns Road/Littlemoor area on Tuesday evening.

Full story here

DT story here

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The BBC News website reports that two children and three men died in a head-on collsion on Chesterfield Road, Shuttlewood.

A Ford Sierra, carrying the three men and a Renault Megane with the two children, aged four and seven, crashed head-on on Saturday afternoon.

Police said a local 17-year-old boy was in custody as they investigated whether the Sierra was racing a motorcycle at the time of the collision are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

The children who died have been named as Joshua Lewis Taylor, (7) and his brother Leon James Taylor (4) of Woodthorpe Road, Shuttlewood.

The men in the Sierra have been named as Kenneth Jones (25) and his brother Martin Jones (22) from the Bolsover area and Andrew Darnell (21) of Springfield Crescent, Bolsover.

BBC News item here

Info from Derbyshire police here 

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I saw a feature on the council website today referring to our success in the “East Midlands in Bloom” floral contest. Seems we won a Silver Gilt Medal, Yay! Nice to hear a bit of positive news coming from the council.

This from the council web site - Cllr Ian Openshaw, the Borough’s Lead Member for Environmental Services, said: “We are delighted to have maintained our standards from last year, despite this summer’s awful weather which hampered our preparations and did not do much to improve the appearance of the town when the judges visited us.

Read the feature here

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News just breaking on the DT site of an accident this morning on Chatsworth Road that left a young man critically ill in hospital, fighting for his life.

The accident, which involved an articulated lorry and the young man’s Peugeot 206, happened around 10.30 this morning near Morrisons supermarket.

Read the whole story here

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We have all heard about the Scottish National Party taking overall control of the Scottish Government and are now pushing forward the case for total independence from the British Union. So after the success of a Scottish Parliament and the birth of devolution in Wales, is it time for England to have it’s own Parliament?

Now I know what your thinking…England has it’s own Parliament. No we don’t! We have a British Parliament based in England. The last time we had a totally English Parliament was during the 13th century, comprising members of the nobility and clergy, and representatives from shires and boroughs. It developed a bicameral arrangement with an upper House of Lords for the nobility and clergy, and a lower House of Commons for the shires and boroughs. The powers of the parliament were fairly great: the king could not institute a new law or tax without its consent. Now some of you might be clued up on this matter, but for those of you who aren’t too sure, let me explain it. An MP elected in Scotland can vote on issues and decisions regarding England and Wales. A Welsh MP can make decisions and vote on issues affecting Wales and England. However an English MP can only vote on English matters…surely this cannot be fair?

There have been calls for English only days in the House of Commons but this is surely not enough. It’s about time that we have an English Parliament to represent English people and the important issues affecting us. For too long the country I love, am proud to call home, and will never leave has been but to rack & ruin by a largely non-English government. What the Scottish and Welsh do for the benefits of their proud nations makes me believe hand on heart that England needs to do the same.

Do your bit for England and visit either The Campaign for an English Parliament or these parties calling for an English Parliament - The English Democrats and The England First Party.

Just take a minute to read through the articles on both websites and decide whether you want your precious England to be run by Scots. England is more than just Football. I believe strongly in this cause and will leave you with a quote which saddens me:

“There is a forgotten, nay almost forbidden word, that means more to me than any other. That word is England.”

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I read on the DT’s website a letter about the council’s lack of committment to revitalising the town centre from Crispin Fisher - a kindred spirit when it comes to halting the decline of the town centre. See this item - Chesterfield Town Centre Dying?

Mr Fisher goes on to suggest that the council save money by scrapping the council’s newspaper Our Town, which he quite rightly suggests is merely a vehicle for the council to “…blow its own trumpet at the expense of council tax payers.”

I am totally in agreement here and wish there were more people from this town that cared enough to get involved and put pen to paper and comment on the state of Chesterfield.

Over the last few months I have read about, and spoken to, many people about the decline of the town centre - shopkeepers, publicans, DJs, etc all to the same conclusion - we are in trouble!

Read the DT letter here

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Well today we saw Gordon Brown’s position in the polls secured with a lead of 8 points over Cameron’s Conservatives and rumours are rife amongst political activists and candidates that a General Election is on it’s way…and soon!

Most political parties have been gearing up for this after the ‘Brown Bounce’ in the polls and his rethink on major policies implemented by his predecessor Tony Blair. However, plans obtained by iChesterfield state that Gordon Brown may ask the Queen to dissolve parliament on Monday 3 September 2007, with the General Election to possibly take place on Thursday 4 October 2007.

Now the party who has most to lose are on the backfoot more than ever. The Conservative Party have booked their Annual Conference on the 30th September until the 3rd October, clashing with the General Election. Gordon Brown is certainly no fool.

The figures released this morning show that Brown would win the election with a majority of 188, leaving Cameron gaining just 8 new MPs. I will be keeping my eyes and ears open for any other developments.

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Over at ChesterfieldForum, EyeballPaul reports that the cost of parking on Chesterfield’s “donut” car park has risen to £1.70.

Nothing particularly dramatic about that I thought, prices are always going up - then I read the response from councilor Toby Perkins… Apparently, “Car Parking is the Council’s only ticket away from financial oblivion” says Perkins. He then goes on to explain that “the overall profit on Car Parking made by this Council went up 878% in the first 4 years the Lib Dems were in power, and now contributes over £1M profit a year for Council coffers”.

So having got themselves into major trouble with our finances, the council are coming after motorists to get themselves out of the poo.

ChesterfieldForum thread here.

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Not In My Back Yard say councilors.

Whilst residents in the Derbyshire town of Chesterfield are counting the cost of the worst flooding in known history, the residents of Derbyshire village Carsington are doing their level best to promote global warming!

A proposal to put four wind turbines at Carsington has been rejected by Derbyshire Dales District Council. The alternatives to wind power all contribute to global warming and/or pollution, not that the local council gives a flying monkeys about that.

One of the reasons given is that it would distract motorists and there would be accidents - try telling that to the residents of Gateshead, home to Gormley’s “Angel of the North” sculpture that is seen by many, many thousands of motorists on the A1 every day, with no increase in accidents!

Another reason is, and I quote, “Whilst the benefits of this scheme in terms of energy policy and climate change are not contested, these matters do not outweigh the very significant visual intrusion…and harm that would result to landscape character and appearance having due regard to the proximity to the National Park.” So they admit that they are not actually in the Peak District National Park, an area of some 555 square miles and the most popular national park in the UK which I personally love, and therefore does not in any way detract from the beauty of the park. Is 555 square miles not enough when the planet is in such perilous need of help?

Truth be told this is rampant nimbyism at its worst. They should be ashamed.

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Commenting on our Great Chesterfield Flood Clean-Up Scandal news thread here - Councilor Toby Perkins announces how to help.

If anyone wishes to contribute to the welfare of the victims of the recent flooding - an appeal has been set up with the Zion Church on Brampton (next street to Alma St).

If anyone would like to make a donation to help Chesterfield flood victims, then they can write with a cheque to ‘Chesterfield Flood Victims Appeal, c/o Zion Church, 90 Chatsworth Road, Chesterfield, S40 2AN, or call them on 01246 237815.

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The Sheepbridge Industrial Estate has been evacuated after a gas cylinder caught fire at the new ‘Easy Tigers’ building site.

Neighbouring units and businesses were evacuated including Peak FM. A circle of safety has been established which means any buildings within a 200m radius of the site are not safe to enter.

Police and Fire Crews are not letting anyone onto Foxwood Road and people are being urged to stay away.

More information at peakfm.net

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The DT website is carrying a story about masked, armed robbers holding up security guards on Elder Way.

Three men wearing balaclavas held up the guards at the Nationwide Building Society on Monday and escaped with cash - no one was harmed.

Full story here

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Heading off to France and Germany is something that I look forward to every year. I grab my boots, my goggles and more importantly my skis and countdown the hours and minutes from when we leave home to when we finally pull up at our favoutite hotel in Strasbourg. When I finally got to the usual hotel room and opened the curtains, I was bitterly disappointed. Usually I am greeted to a view which would melt the hardest of hearts. However, this time I was shocked and stunned to be looking at the hills and see absolutely no snow. It was December and was bitterly cold in the mountains, but no snow.

Now this is merely an inconvenience compared to what it means for the French and also every other person in the entire world. The Earth is warming up and we have basically accepted that with open arms. Warmer summers and colder winters are something we have all longed for, but at what cost? In the next few years we will begin to loose so many things we have taken for granted.

Polar Bears will be killed off because they have nowhere to live because the ice caps are quickly melting and Harbour Porpoises in British waters are starving to death - because of the effects of global climate change. A study has found they are under threat because warmer seas are affecting the availability of sand eels, their staple food source.

Also it has been scientifically predicted that by the year 2100, dozens of the world’s cities, including London and New York, will be flooded. Also, research suggests that global warming will increase sea levels more rapidly than was previously thought. The first study to combine computer models of rising temperatures with records of the ancient climate has indicated that sea levels could rise by up to 20ft by 2100, placing millions of people at risk.

This is absolutely scary, but people really annoy me when they say, ‘Well it won’t be in my lifetime!’. “No but you selfish pigs, it’ll be in somebody else’s lifetime and what about them?”

We need to start doing something right now.

People may think that becoming green may be a costly affair, but it will become even more costly when rising sea levels and temperatures will leave millions of people homeless or dead.

We need to do basic things first. Things like turning off your TV and not on Standby either! When your phone is fully charged, unplug your charger. When you make a cuppa, fill the kettle with only what you need, not overflowing when you only need to make two cups of tea. Just buy energy saving light bulbs, yes they’re going to be more expensive to buy but they last for almost eight years!

We need to start saving money, saving energy and saving lives. Start slowly and simple and then work your way up.

Remember, every little helps.

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I cannot believe what I read today whilst searching the internet. The much-loved Market Horse has been told to pack his bags and clip clop out of Chesterfield. I read it on the Chesterfield Labour Party website (which I have to say is excellent) and got this part of the story:

Chesterfield Borough Council’s financial crisis has claimed an unusual victim, with the laying off of the Market Horse.

The Lib Dem Cabinet met yesterday (Tuesday) to discuss a number of financial savings to alleviate the position at the cash strapped Council. Amongst the measures proposed is a reduction in street entertainment & the £15,000 horse & cart that collects the refuse on Market Day.

Can you believe this pathetic council - and the Liberal Democrats full stop?

Soon they will be burning down buildings to make way for the new ones…hang on a minute!

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Let’s start with the basics. I am a fan of Gordon Brown and of the Labour Government for all the great achievements since their landslide victory in 1997. We have free museums, compensation for our miners, civil partnerships, reform of the House of Lords and of course peace in Northern Ireland. However the biggest gripe I have with the new Prime Minster and the Government is the one word we all hate: Tax.

Mainly my travel insurance has gone up, stamp duty has gone up and national insurance contributions have shot up too. Since 1997 we have had over 80 new or increased taxes.

So the last thing we need is another tax, but we have surely got one coming. The biggest contributor to tax is the luxury items most of us love, Alcohol and Tobacco. Smoking was good news for the Treasury, with about £4.10 of the £5.50 cost of a packet of cigarettes taken in taxes. Excluding VAT, this earned the Treasury more than £8bn in 2005-6. So with the new Smoking Ban, we have a record number of smokers making a July resolution to kick the habit. This basically means less smokers equals less tax money for the government. Which leaves Gordon and his new Chancellor Alistair Darling very shortchanged. So it’s just a matter of time until we are being hit hard by another ridiculous tax on another essential item. I can just imagine the news bulletin now.
‘Today the new Chancellor announced a 2.5percent increase on Mr. Sheen and a 12percent increase on Cillit Bang.’ So get ready for Darling taking a few more of our pennies.

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Over on the DT website is a story by Tracy Mitchell about the misery left for the poor and elderly as the council decide not to help with the personal devastation left by the floods.

Ms Mitchell quotes two women’s tales as to how the council are not prepared to help move their ruined posessions and how neither have enough money to pay to have it taken away.

Not going to get too far into this one, but suffice it to say that if the council hadn’t frittered away the millions of pounds WE had in reserves since they took office, they would be in a position to help the poor and vulnerable amongst the people of Chesterfield.

It’s a disgrace!

Read the