About Chesterfield

Spring Exhibition Opens at StraightCurves

StraightCurves‘ Spring Exhibition is now open to the public. The Hallway Gallery features original pieces and framed prints by local artists and craftspeople including Liz & Kate Pope, Abi Burlingham, Wildgoose Designs, English Tilly and Dianna Lee amongst others. As well as traditional artwork, it also showcases pieces created in clay, crochet, wood, felted wool and vintage fabrics.

Looking forward to welcoming locals and visitors to see the Spring Exhibition, Owner Karen Rogers said:-

“It’s great to have so much local artwork on show here at StraightCurves and we hope everyone will pop in for a browse and a brew.

“The gallery is also a perfect companion to the range of workshops and courses we offer here – many of which are taught by the artists whose work is on display. We have a range of great gift items available too, including textiles, jewellery, craft kits and a wide range of cards – again from a range of local craftspeople.”

StraightCurves and the Hallway Gallery are open 10am – 4pm Monday-Friday, and are located at 104 Saltergate in Chesterfield.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Further Refurbishment Planned for Council Houses in Chesterfield

A further £69 million is to be spent on improving local council houses.

Chesterfield Borough Council is on target to ensure that all of the 9,500 homes it owns and manages will meet the government’s Decent Homes standard by the end of March, and can now begin additional upgrades to properties.  The Decent Homes standard requires all houses to meet set criteria that ensure they are warm, protected from the weather and have modern facilities.

Additional work is scheduled to take place over the next three years to:

  • Install cavity wall insulation and replace older central heating systems in homes.
  • Replace roofs, old UPVC windows and install external wall insulation
  • Improve the environments of some housing estates, including the London Boroughs estate in Barrow Hill in 2015/16 and the Holmehall estate in 2016/17, for example creating roads, garden space and better parking areas
  • Construct four new build houses in Rufford Close, Boythorpe
  • Buy selected properties on the open market which meet a housing need.

Councillor Jim McManus, Chesterfield Borough Council’s Executive Member for Housing, said:

“It is a real achievement to have got our council homes to the Government’s Decent Homes Standard and delivers on our promise to tenants.

“But we don’t want to stop there because we believe council homes are not second class. They should be every bit as good as the private sector can offer.

“The extra £69 million investment we are now making over the next three years will enable us to maintain the high standards we have already met and then go over and above them.”

The funding for the housing improvements is separate to normal day-to-day council spending and cannot be spent on any other council service.

Recent changes in the rules mean councils can borrow money to invest in housing, with repayments funded by the income received from council tenants.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Hear all about it at Hollingwood Hub

An audio post has been unveiled as the latest attraction at Hollingwood Hub on the Chesterfield Canal.

Visitors can now hear eight short messages about the canal, the trust and local history. Wherever possible, the recordings have been made by people who have worked on the canal or by people with detailed local knowledge.

Chesterfield Canal Trust Secretary, Bev Hunt, said:

“We are very grateful to the Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation for awarding us the money for this splendid audio post. We are sure that it will increase the public’s enjoyment and knowledge of the canal and the amazing history of the immediate locality.”

Joanne Rhodes, manager of Yorkshire Building Society’s Dronfield branch added:

“I’m delighted the Charitable Foundation – which is funded by our members through Small Change Big Difference, has been able to support the Chesterfield Canal Trust and its audio post project.

“The commitment and enthusiasm that the trust members have for what they do shone through! They do an amazing job and are so passionate about their work, the canal and also the history of the area.”

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

JE James Manager Takes on Derbyshire Times Flagg Challenge

Big-hearted cycling firm JE James is leading by example as preparations get under way for the Derbyshire Times Flagg Challenge for Ashgate Hospice.

Manager Dean Poole, based on Brimington Road North, has pledged to tackle the Peak District himself now the cycle shop has stepped in for the second time to support the event.

Dean said: “The hospice does a fantastic job and we want to be able to help raise as much money as possible by supporting this charity ride.”

The 44-year-old former Sunday league footballer is doing the ride despite suffering with a cruciate ligament injury in his left knee and cartlidge damage in his right knee.

He added: “It’s all about the challenge and being able to achieve something for the hospice so we’re encouraging as many of our customers as possible to get on board.”

The fourth Flagg Challenge sets off from the hospice from 9am on July 26 and goes out as far as Flagg and back again via Chatsworth and promises to be bigger and better.

Entrants have a choice of a 50 or 25 mile marshalled route and they receive maps, a guide, and a training programme. Everyone participating will be armed with fundraising tips and raffle tickets and a range of interactive web and social media updates. There will also be fundraiser prizes.

Early-bird £20 entry form availability will be announced very shortly. For details contact Jon Cooper on 01246 504524, jon.cooper@jpress.co.uk or the hospice’s Charlotte Gratton on 01246 567250 and charlotte.gratton@ashgatehospice.nhs.uk.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Former Chesterfield Court building receives planning consent

The former Magistrates’ Court in Chesterfield has been given planning consent for office, retail and leisure use.

The Grade II listed Knightsbridge Court, is centrally situated in the town on landscaped grounds and comprises space in excess of 24,000 sq ft spanning over three floors –with suites available to let from 1,000sq ft upwards.

The building will offer businesses a distinctive space, appropriate for a range of uses such as dining, leisure, retail, education or offices.

Stuart Waite, associate director at Innes England’s Derby office, is handling the lettings on behalf of a private client. He said: “Since we were appointed on Knightsbridge Court, we have been in serious discussions with a number of occupiers regarding this building for a variety of uses.

“Occupier confidence is growing and with the economic forecast for 2015 looking positive – we are confident that the timing of this re-launch, along with the successful approval of planning for alternative uses, will see early interest converted into deals.

“We are working closely with Chesterfield Borough Council on this project, who have identified the Rose Hill and West Bars area of Chesterfield as a key strategic location for growth in its masterplan for the town.”

The property also benefits from 70+ parking spaces within its grounds.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development

England Under 17s Prepare For Proact Visit

The England Under 17s are to play at Chesterfield’s Proact Stadium in March and coach, John Peacock is hoping a large home backing can roar his side into the European Championship in Bulgaria this summer.

Peacock’s Young Lions welcome Norway, Slovenia and Romania to these shores next month for their Elite Round European qualifiers, where a place in the top two in the group of four will seal a spot in this summer’s tournament.

“It’s great to get home advantage for these fixtures, being based at St George’s Park and playing the games locally is a massive boost for us,” Peacock told TheFA.com. “We have three tough games against Romania, Slovenia and Norway, which won’t be easy, but if the players play to the best of their ability we have a great chance of qualifying.”

The head coach guided last year’s crop of Under-17s to glory, winning the Euros in Malta last May – the second time he has managed the feat, having lifted the crown in 2010 also.

And with Chesterfield and Burton Albion playing host to England’s matches, Peacock is hoping three victories in front of a vocal home support will be the first steps on the road to glory again.

“It would be nice to emulate last year by winning it again but we have to qualify for the finals in Bulgaria first and these matches will provide tough tests for our players,” he said.

“Hopefully we can get some good attendances and people will come out and watch these young players of the future. In past games at Burton and Chesterfield we’ve had some strong crowds and the clubs have been fantastic in hosting these fixtures and prompting the matches.

“To win the Elite Round and qualify for the Finals is always tough, but we have reached many semi-finals and finals in the past, so let us hope we can continue our good run of the past several years.”

He added: “We’ve achieved a couple of successes and with a bit of luck, hopefully there will be more to come. We are fortunate in that the clubs are producing some good players which should make us competitive against some tough opposition.”

Tickets for the Young Lions clash with Slovenia at the Proact Stadium, which takes place on Monday, March 23 (7pm), are available online (subject to £1 booking fee) at www.chesterfield-fc.co.uk/tickets or by calling 01246 488232.

Tickets are priced at just £3 for adults and £1.50 for concessions (those aged 18 and under/65 and over). The concession rate is also available to season ticket holders and membership card holders. Tickets can be purchased on the night.

In preparation for the Elite Round, Peacock and the England Under-17s travel to Portugal next week for the Algarve Tournament, where they will face the hosts, Holland and Germany.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Chesterfield’s Retiring Workers Offered Help to Receive Right Pension Advice

Chesterfield’s soon-to-be-retired workers are being encouraged to question their pension providers about options for their pension pot with only two months until major legislation changes.

The advice comes from Independent Financial Planners Cheetham Jackson, based on Saltergate, who are concerned that many people are not aware of new flexible pension rules that mean they may be able to access their entire pension pot from 6 April 2015.

According to Paul Bamford, an advisor at Cheetham Jackson, anyone due to retire prior to April 2015 should seek independent advice as their pension providers can only signpost information attached to their own plans and not give regulated advice.

He said: “We are speaking to an increasing number of people approaching retirement before April 2015 who haven’t been told of the options by their pension provider. I have concerns that people will be locked into an annuity which takes away options to use their own money in the most effective way. If the information isn’t being volunteered by pension provider, people assume an annuity is ‘the norm’. It is imperative people start to ask more questions about their options”

Cheetham Jackson offers complimentary, no-obligation drop-in advice sessions at its offices on Saltergate in Chesterfield, where advisors are on hand to offer impartial advice.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Combined Authority Plans Move Step Closer

Plans have moved forward for all of Derbyshire’s councils to work together as a combined authority to boost jobs and the local economy.

Councillor Anne Western, Leader of Derbyshire County Council, said it was a “historic day” as the council’s cabinet approved plans to bring together Derbyshire’s eight district and borough councils with Derby City Council and us to:

  • support local businesses to grow and prosper
  • encourage investment in businesses, transport and new homes
  • create more and better quality jobs.

If the proposals get the green light from all Derbyshire’s councils, it could also mean more government funding for the area.

A public consultation held to find out what local people thought of the plans received an overwhelming response and support compared to similar consultations carried out elsewhere in the country.

There were more than 750 responses to the consultation with 67 per cent saying they supported the idea and 70 per cent saying they agreed the geographical area of the Combined Authority should be Derby and Derbyshire.

Councillor Western said:

“This isn’t about merging local councils – each one would continue to run services in their own right.

“A combined authority is the key to unlocking a devolution deal from government and will put us on an equal footing with the big northern cities.

“It would mean councils across Derbyshire coming together to improve the local economy and conditions that support growth and create jobs for the good of the whole of Derby and Derbyshire. It will also mean we can access more Government funding to help do this.”

She added:

“We are setting the template for two-tier local government up and down the country. We’ve got huge ambitions we just need the tools to do the job properly.

“Working together on this proposal has already transformed relationships between councils across the county and I’m pleased that local people have recognised this is a brilliant opportunity to change the way councils do business and help us to work in a more efficient way.”

If the plans are approved by all 10 councils – including at a meeting of our Full Council on Wednesday 4 February 2015 – the proposals will be submitted during the next two weeks to central Government for further formal consultation with a view to setting up a combined authority in October.

Posted in About Chesterfield

Two Chesterfield Schools Set to Share £400k Funding Boost

Two Chesterfield Schools have been earmarked for help from Derbyshire County Council’s £16m capital grant allocation. The money is designed to fund modernisation projects.

The schemes which look set to be approved in a cabinet meeting on 10 February 2015 are:

  • Spire Infant School – pupil numbers have risen and a new modular building is needed at a cost of £325,000. A contribution of £146,600 is being made by Barratt Homes. £178,400 is from the capital grant allocation.
  • Hasland Hall School is already having work to its windows, roof and cladding carried out. Additional work is needed costing £95,950.
    Councillor Kevin Gillott, Cabinet Member for Children and Young people, said:

“Making sure Derbyshire children get the best possible education is one of our main priorities.

“By carefully allocating the money we do have, we are doing what we can to ensure our schools are modernised and meet the needs of pupils and staff.”

 

Posted in About Chesterfield

International Football Returns to Chesterfield

The Proact in Chesterfield will once again host international football when the England Under-17s play Slovenia in the UEFA European Under-17 Championship on March 23rd.

Chesterfield FC have previously staged several other international fixtures, including last year’s UEFA European Women’s Under-17 Championship Finals.

Chief executive at the club, Chris Turner said: “We are delighted to have been chosen once again to provide the venue for a Young Lions match.

“We believe that we offer excellent facilities and the fact that The FA has decided to stage another competitive international fixture at our stadium clearly endorses that view.

“Some of the players who will feature in the match could go on to play at the highest level so it is a great opportunity for the Chesterfield public to view potential stars of the future.”

The Under-17 tournament for Europe’s 16 elite nations will be played at venues across the Midlands with St George’s Park at its heart.

England are the reigning champions after John Peacock’s team won last year’s tournament in Malta, but The FA has not previously hosted the Under-17 competition, which dates backs to 2002.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Visiting

Council Tax freeze on the cards for a second year

Borough councillors in Chesterfield are to be recommended to freeze Chesterfield Borough Council’s portion of Council Tax for a second year running.

Councillors will vote on the motion to be proposed by the council’s leader, Councillor John Burrows, at the council meeting on 26 February as part of the council’s commitment to help hard-working families in the borough.

This comes despite the news that Chesterfield again is one of 19 authorities in the country facing the biggest spending cut in Government grant funding – a 6.4 per cent reduction in the coming financial year.

A number of councils in the south have seen an increase to their spending power.

Councillor John Burrows, Chesterfield Borough Council’s leader and executive member for regeneration, said: “We know that hundreds of hard working families in Chesterfield are struggling to make ends meet, which is why we are proposing to freeze our part of the Council Tax for the second year running.

“This is a difficult decision because of the scale of cuts we have received in our grant funding from the Government, which will have reduced from £8.7 million in 2010/11 to £5.3 million in 2015/16.

“In the last year we have been forced to make difficult decisions about how we fund and deliver our services – such as introducing a donation charge for the annual fireworks event and reducing funding for events in the town centre.

“We will be having to make more tough decisions in the coming year but we remain committed to providing the best possible facilities and services for our residents and businesses.”

Although Chesterfield Borough Council collects Council Tax, the council keeps only 10 per cent of the money collected.

For the average band A property, this means the council keeps only £96.59 each year or £1.86 each week of the money collected to fund its services including: refuse collection, street cleaning, sports and park facilities, regeneration, housing, markets, museums, theatres and tourism.

The rest of the Council Tax is collected by the council on behalf of different authorities.

Source:Chesterfield Borough Council

Posted in About Chesterfield