Your Chesterfield - Spring 2024

Putting our communities first

Town centre regeneration to begin

- pages 20-21

Fun for all at the 1940s Market - page 3

Welcome

To the spring edition of Your Chesterfield

This is the first digital edition of the magazine - it’s still packed full of local information but the change will support our target of becoming a carbon neutral organisation by 2030, while reducing costs.

Some printed copies are available in our venues, and you can sign up to receive your digital copy directly to your inbox at:

www.chesterfield.gov.uk/sign-up

This edition includes important information about changes to some of our services.

Many of you will be familiar with the financial difficulties which local councils across the country are facing – including in Chesterfield.

The reasons for this are largely outside of our control and include significant reductions in our Government funding, which has more than halved since 2010.

We’ve been honest about the tough choices we’re facing, and that some services will need to be delivered differently. But we remain committed to doing all we can to protect the essential services that the most vulnerable in our communities rely on. You can find out more on pages four and five, and some of the service changes are explained throughout the magazine.

Despite these challenges, we continue to invest in the future of our borough, and we’re using millions of pounds of external funding which we’ve secured to help our town thrive.

This summer will see the start of major work to regenerate our town centre. The Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project will improve the look, feel and flow of key public spaces, including our market squares (see pages 20 and 21).

Work to transform Stephenson Memorial Hall – home to our theatre and museum – is also progressing well, and we’re uncovering some hidden gems along the way (see pages 22 and 23).

Our ambitious plans for the regeneration of Staveley are also moving ahead at pace, with

a whole raft of projects that will benefit the community for generations to come (see pages 24 and 25).

Providing decent and affordable homes remains a key priority, and we’ll be investing an extra £117 million into our council houses over the next four years (page ten). It’s also great to see ongoing developments progressing well, like the new homes we’re building in Middlecroft (page 11).

We’re proud of the investment we deliver in our borough, and we also want to make the most of regional opportunities. This spring will see the establishment of the new East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA) – a new partnership body led by an East Midlands Mayor. This is the largest change to local Government in fifty years and, with £1.14 billion of funding confirmed, will have the ability to transform our region for the future.

We’re working with other local councils to build on our existing strong partnerships and ensure we have a strong voice and influence in the EMCCA.

Voters will go to the polls on 2 May to vote for the new East Midlands Mayor – along with the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) – so please do make sure you’re registered and can have your say (page 31).

Finally, as we head into lighter days, we have some great events to look forward to. Highlights include our 1940s Market which takes centre stage in the town centre next month (page three), and we’re delighted to be working with Peddler Market again to bring their popular street food market back for 2024, with four dates for your diary (page seven).

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the council

Chesterfield 1940s market

THURSDAY11 APRIL10am to 4pm

The popular 1940s Market is returning to Chesterfield this spring – bringing a range of free entertainment to the town centre for the whole family to enjoy.

The action-packed market will be returning on Thursday 11 April, transporting the town centre back to the 1940s with a variety of music, street performances and fancy dress.

Visitors can also expect to see the return of the replica spitfire – a popular attraction at previous events.

The event will happen alongside the popular weekly Thursday flea market.

The date has been brought forward from the autumn to allow for the start of town centre regeneration work later in the year, as part of the multi-million pound Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project. More information about the event plans and entertainment is available at: www.visitchesterfield.info/40s

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The 1940s Market is enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. There are not too many places you can go to see a range of free street entertainment like we have on offer here.

“People thoroughly enjoyed the 1940s Market that took place in November last year, so we’re really pleased that we don’t have to wait long for its return.

“We encourage you to put the date in your diary so you don’t miss out.”

The event is part-funded by external funding from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

www.visitchesterfield.info/40s

Protecting essential services

Like local authorities across the country, we’re facing extreme pressures on our budgets, due to a variety of factors outside of our control.

At the heart of all of these decisions is our commitment to protecting the essential services that people rely on the most”

Councillor

Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader

We’ve been open and honest about the difficult choices that we face now and in future years – and we’re engaging with local communities as part of our ongoing Budget Conversation, asking residents where you think under-pressure budgets should be spent.

Last month the council approved plans to achieve a balanced budget for the coming financial year while meeting our commitment to protect essential services for the most vulnerable residents.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant, deputy leader and cabinet member for finance and asset management, said: “We have been open, honest and realistic about the sheer size of the budget challenge that we’re facing, and that if we are to remain on a stable financial footing, difficult decisions are needed.

“Recent months have seen some of those difficult decisions come forward, meaning some services will change, some will stop, and others will have a small charge to help pay for their delivery. But at the heart of all of these decisions is our commitment to protecting the essential services that people rely on the most.

“While tough, these changes have not been in vain and when taken together with responsible management of our finances, we have been able to set a balanced budget for the coming year.

“This is positive and should provide reassurance to our residents in these uncertain times, but we need to be clear that without significant changes to the way Government funds councils, the coming years will also be incredibly hard.

“We must continue to fundamentally review the way we work, and the services we deliver. In doing this we will keep working with our communities as part of the ongoing Budget Conversation.”

Find out more about our budget challenge at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/budget-conversation

Your new resident’s parking permit

You should have received your new resident’s parking permit with your Council Tax bill. Please be aware that a small charge now applies when using the pass, but it still entitles residents to cheaper parking:

£1 before 10am from Monday to Saturday

£2 after 3pm from Monday to Saturday

All-day parking for £2 on Sundays and Bank Holidays

The pass is valid from 1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025 and should be displayed with a valid ticket, or payment via the council’s pay by phone provider, RingGo. It covers most of our town centre surface car parks. Find out more: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/parking

Small rise in Council Tax

The budget plan includes a small rise in the amount of Council Tax that households pay for our services. This is an extra £3.69 a year (7.1 pence a week) for people living in Band A homes, and £5.54 a year (10.7 pence a week) for Band D households.

Councillor Amanda Serjeant said: “Increasing Council Tax by any amount is never a decision we take lightly, and we know it is another added cost to residents who – like the council – have seen bills rise.

“However, in the absence of significant Government changes to the way councils are funded, we are left with little choice but to raise Council Tax to help towards the cost of providing services for local people.”

What you pay

The council will continue to provide financial support for those on lower incomes. Check if you’re eligible for a discount on your Council Tax bill: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/council-tax We collect Council Tax on behalf of a number of local organisations. But did you know that only around 9 per cent of your bill goes towards the cost of providing the services you receive? What

Where

13

74%

4

9

Discover more at your local leisure centre!

On the look out for a new hobby? Want some more ‘me’ time? Or just need more fun stuff to do with the family?

You might be surprised by what’s on offer at our centres – our great range of activities include:

Trampolining and gymnastics sessions

Fun dance-based classes for all abilities, including Dancing with Dementia

Climbing wall (The Healthy Living Centre)

Soothing sessions for the mind and body

Health spa with in-house pamper treatments (The Healthy Living Centre)

Family swimming sessions

Swimming lessons – for adults and children

Active ageing sessions – falls prevention and chair-based classes

Great value memberships, or pay as you go at The Healthy Living Centre, Staveley and Queen’s Park Sports Centre, Chesterfield

Peddler Market returns to Chesterfield in 2024

Peddler Market – which saw thousands flock to the town centre last year – have announced four events for 2024.

We partnered with Peddler Market to help establish the event locally – putting Chesterfield on the map as a go-to place.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Last year thousands of people came and enjoyed the fantastic range of food and family friendly atmosphere at these events. Having Peddler bring their vast experience to Chesterfield brings more visitors to the town centre which leads to higher sales for existing businesses.

“We’re delighted to be welcoming the Peddler team back to Chesterfield this year and I hope lots of people will come and support these great events.”

Funding to help bring the event to Chesterfield has been provided through the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Find out more at: www.peddler.market

The unique street food event is coming back to Chesterfield on 22 and 23 March with another three events planned on 17 and 18 May, 19 and 20 July and 20 and 21 September.

Ben Smith, Director at Peddler Events, said: “We have been blown away by the positive response to our inaugural events in Chesterfield during 2023.

“We cannot wait to be back after a winter break. We are actively shaping the event to improve and respond to feedback. With confidence we feel our combination of live music, outstanding street food and craft beer and cocktails creates a unique and unrivalled social setting for those wanting to mingle, socialise and soak up the good stuff.”

Last year thousands of people came and enjoyed the fantastic range of food and familyfriendly atmosphere”

Councillor

Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy

107 tonnes of flytipped waste was collected

Cracking down on environmental crime

Fly-tippers and litter louts will be hit with bigger fines from next month, as part of our ongoing crackdown on people who commit ‘enviro-crimes’ in our communities.

Fixed penalty notices for fly-tipping will increase from £330 to £700, and for littering the fine will rise from £70 to £150, from 1 April 2024. These increases have been introduced following changes to national legislation that allow for tougher penalties for ‘enviro-crime’.

Residents are also reminded that they have a duty of care to make sure anyone who collects waste from their property is authorised to do so – if their waste is found to be fly-tipped, residents risk a fine of £350.

Councillor Jonathan Davies, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “There is no excuse for dumping rubbish in public spaces – litter and fly-tipping are a blight on our communities, and we want to see an end to this behaviour. Increasing the fines acts as a deterrent and punishment but it’s also important that people report this behaviour to us.

1,979

tonnes of litter was collected by our street cleaning teams

“It only takes a few minutes to report fly-tipping or littering online and your reports not only help ensure we clean that area and provide useful information to plan our officers’ patrol routes, but the reports also support prosecutions to bring the culprits to justice.”

There is no excuse for dumping rubbish in public spaces – litter and fly-tipping are a blight on our communities”

Councillor

Jonathan Davies, cabinet member for health and wellbeing

You can report a range of environmental issues including litter, fly-tipping, damaged bins, abandoned vehicles, graffiti and dog fouling to us.

Online: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/report By phone: 01246 345345

Creating a greener borough

We’re celebrating a double success as we’ve been awarded external funding to plant more trees in the borough, which will help us exceed our targets.

£50,000 of funding from the Coronation Living Heritage Fund is being used to plant 10,000 trees in ‘Miyawaki Woodlands’ at sites across the borough over the next two years.

Miyawaki is a Japanese planting style where small trees are planted incredibly densely – this helps the trees establish quicker and when fully grown creates micro woodlands that help boost biodiversity and create new habitats for wildlife.

Urban Tree Challenge Funding was also secured to plant larger trees on key sites like Highfield Park. The 40 trees funded through the scheme are all over three metres tall which is about three times larger than the trees we normally plant –using large trees like this will help ensure they can hrive in their new environment.

Councillor Jonathan Davies, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “It’s fantastic that we have secured this funding to enhance our green spaces and tackle climate change. I’m excited to see how the Miyawaki Woodlands develop as this is an innovative way of planting trees and a unique way of marking the coronation of King Charles.

“Of course, these aren’t the only trees we’re planting this year and I’m delighted that we will still be planting new community orchards and small patches of woodland across the borough. Establishing new trees helps create better green spaces that are more exciting to explore and supports the wide array of wildlife that calls our parks home.”

We had a fantastic time during half-term planting trees with residents across Chesterfield. With the Brownies in Brimington we planted 240 trees and a community orchard in Brockwell.

As part of our climate change strategy we’re committed to planting a minimum of 1,000 trees every year. We’ll also be planting some more community orchards, that will provide a range of fruit for local residents once established.

Brimington Brownies planted trees during half term

A very wet but enjoyable day was spent planting trees in half term

Our aim, as always, is to enhance Chesterfield’s housing offer and ensure we can provide affordable high-quality homes”

Councillor Jean Innes, cabinet member for housing.

£117 million to be invested in council housing

Around £117 million is to be invested into council homes across Chesterfield over the next four years – as part of our commitment to creating affordable, decent homes.

Our new Housing Capital Programme sets out the investment priorities for the next financial year, which will see us spend £30.1 million on improving and increasing the number and range of homes in the borough.

The capital programme also details the longerterm plans through to March 2028 to ensure that we can continue to meet the decent homes standard, further improve the energy efficiency of our houses, and provide quality, affordable and accessible homes for local people.

Modernisation and refurbishment of our homes remains a key priority and will see the continuation of kitchen improvements and roofing upgrades, whilst there will also be work carried out to footpaths, fencing and gates to help improve the look and feel of neighbourhoods.

We are also committed to building almost 100 new

council properties by 2028 to increase the number of affordable homes available locally. You can read more about one of these projects on page 11. Councillor Jean Innes, cabinet member for housing, said: “Our aim, as always, is to enhance Chesterfield’s housing offer and ensure we can provide affordable high-quality homes. A stock condition survey carried out in 2022 identified that the quality of our council homes has improved from the previous survey that took place in 2017. This shows our investments have been made in the right areas, but we know there is more that we can do to ensure we can achieve and maintain a 100% decent homes standard.

“Our newly approved capital programme sets out our strong commitment to achieving this and to improving our homes to ensure they meet the needs of Chesterfield residents.”

Building more homes for local families

More than 20 new homes are being built in Chesterfield

- increasing the number of affordable council homes available for families in the borough.

Construction of the latest homes in Middlecroft is now well underway, including new bungalows on Ringwood Avenue, Court Place and Wensley Way, and a variety of two and three-bedroom homes on Paisley Close, Westwood Avenue and Aston Court.

In line with our climate change strategy, we are committed to ensuring our properties are energy efficient and these new homes are set to benefit from renewable energy sources.

Each property will be fitted with an air source heat pump for the heating and hot water, and solar panels will be installed on the roof, with battery storage to generate electricity and make the most of renewable electricity.

Electric vehicle charging points will be installed to support lower carbon transport options.

Councillor Jean Innes, cabinet member for housing, said: “Creating attractive places for people to live is at the heart of what we do and once built, these

new properties will provide a welcome addition to the homes available for let to people on our housing register.

“The number of people on the housing register has risen in the last year as more people look for affordable housing options, and we’re working hard to meet this demand by increasing the number of affordable, modern and accessible homes that are available for local families.

“We are committed to becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050 and are working hard to make sure that our new homes are as energy efficient as possible. The measures in place will not only help us towards our target but will also help reduce fuel bills for our tenants.”

We will keep you updated as this project progresses.

We’re working hard to meet demand by increasing the number of affordable, modern and accessible homes that are available for local families”

.

Councillors Tricia Gilby and Jean Innes helped break ground on one of the new developments

Councillor Jean Innes, cabinet member for housing

24/7 monitoring of Careline alarm and sensors

Rental and maintenance of the alarm unit and sensors

If you have a fall and need our help, we will come to your home

Annual visit and equipment servicing

You

said,

we did

We engage with our housing tenants in a variety of different ways, on a regular basis – and actively encourage them to have their say on services and let us know where they think we can improve.

We recently carried out a consultation with tenants, leaseholders and residents living in our blocks of flats to get their views on the cleaning of communal areas and see what we can do to improve.

We have already started to act on the feedback from the survey and are making changes to help improve the service we offer. This includes carrying out more staff training, reviewing and updating cleaning logs to make them clearer to understand and completing spot inspections.

You can read the full findings of our consultation, and the steps we are taking in the report:

www.chesterfield.gov.uk/communal-cleaning

Based on tenant feedback, our teams have also committed to providing quarterly updates to residents to advise them on the findings of spot checks.

If you notice any issues with your communal areas please contact: housingmanagement@chesterfield.gov.uk

Reducing fly-tipping in communal spaces

While the majority our tenants treat communal spaces with respect, we have been taking action to address problems where they happen.

An initial trial with increased signage and fines has led to a 50 per cent reduction of fly-tipping in communal spaces at some of our blocks of flats.

Fly-tipping is not only unsightly, it causes a safety hazard and diverts our clean up teams from other work around the borough – so preventing it from happening has many benefits.

Following the success of the trial, this approach will be introduced in more of our blocks of flats over the next year.

Modernising our homes and estates

Flats located at Newland Dale in Stonegravels, have benefitted from a £8 million refurbishment project that has helped to modernise the whole estate.

In line with our climate change strategy and commitment to ensuring all homes are as energy efficient as possible, we have made a number of improvements as part of this project to help achieve this. This includes fully re-insulating the roofing, replacing windows and upgrading boilers.

The modernisation works have seen all communal areas redecorated and new handrails have been installed to enhance safety for tenants.

The project has also seen the addition of two new car parks on site, including extra disabled bays and new cycle store rails. Footpaths and roads have also been resurfaced and the outside of the buildings have been re-rendered – helping to give the estate a fresh and modern look.

Councillor Jean Innes, cabinet member for housing, said: “We are really pleased to see another one of our modernisation projects complete. Creating attractive places for people to live is at the heart of what we do and this project really has helped to improve tenants’ homes and brighten up the area.

“It is really positive to see the homes become much more energy efficient too as we work towards our goal of becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050. As the cost of living continues to rise, these measures will also help to reduce the fuel bills for our tenants.”

Councillors Tricia Gilby and Jean Innes

Further funding available to help residents service gas appliances

After successfully helping around 80 households service their gas appliances in the last year, we have been awarded a further £9,000 this year to provide small grants for servicing and repairs of gas appliances within properties.

Those eligible must live in privately-owned accommodation and:

• have a low household income and/or a disability or

• be considered an exceptionally vulnerable household

Eligible residents can get financial help towards the cost of servicing gas appliances, like fires, cookers and heating systems in their homes by contacting the council’s private housing team on 01246 345748 or hia@chesterfield.gov.uk.

Find out more about the Gas Safe Charity funding scheme at:

www.chesterfield.gov.uk/gas-safe

Funding has been awarded by Foundations Independent Living Trust, which works in partnership with the Gas Safe Charity.

2024

What’s on

Winding Wheel Theatre www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk Box office: (01246) 345222

In Conversation: A Family Affair

Thursday 21 March 2024, 11am

A series of talks organised by the Chesterfield Theatre friends. The story of Chesterfield Studios and hopes for the future.

Most Hauntedthe Stage Show

Thursday 28 March, 7.30pm

The acclaimed World No.1 paranormal show presented by Yvette Fielding.

Easter PantoRobin Hood

Wednesday 3 Apri, 3pm and 7pm

Perfect for the whole family. Star cast to be announced.

Calling Planet Earth

Friday 5 April, 7.30pm

A New Romantic symphony to take you on a journey through one of the greatest musical eras of all time – the electrifying 80s!

Crooked Spire Northern Soul Club

Saturday 6 April, 8pm, last admission 11pm

T.Rextasy

Sunday 14 April, 7.30pm

The only tribute band to have been authorised and endorsed by Marc Bolan’s catalogue management.

Barry Steele and Friends

Friday 19 April, 7.30pm

An evening rammed to the rafters with solid gold ‘Rock n Roll’ hits and contemporary musical genius.

Dreamcoat Stars

Saturday 20 April, 7.30pm

Any Dream Will Do’s Keith Jack and stars of Joseph sing the biggest musical hits of a generation.

Jekyll and Hyde

Wednesday 24 April - Saturday 27 April, 7.15pm Wed to Sat plus 2.15pm Sat

Chesterfield Operatic Society present this musical adaptation of the Robert Louis Stevenson novel.

The Pitmen Poets

Friday 3 May, 7.30pm

A night of songs and stories laced with north-east humour and humanity.

The Importance of Being Earnest

Thursday 9 May, 7.30pm

Wilde’s comic masterpiece gets The Pantaloons treatment in their anarchic take on the classic comedy of manners.

A Country Night in Nashville

Friday 10 May, 7.30pm

Recreating the scene of a buzzing honky-tonk in downtown Nashville.

The Fleetwood

Mac LegacyGo Your Own Way

Friday 24 May, 7.30pm

Paying tribute to the “Rumours” line-up of Stevie, Mick, John, Christine and Lindsey.

Livewire -

The AC/DC Show

Saturday 1 June, 7.30pm Arguably the greatest rock band of all time, are brought to life by Live/Wire with the true passion.

Lost in Music

Thursday 6 June, 7.30pm

A musical journey straight to the heart of 70’s disco!

Clinton BaptisteRoller Ghoster!

Saturday 8 June, 7.30pm

Britain’s most celebrated clairvoyant medium psychic from Peter Kay’s ‘Phoenix Nights’ returns.

The Grimethorpe Colliery Band

Sunday 9 June, 7.30pm

Formed in 1917, during the First World War, Grimethorpe Colliery Band is a British institution.

Psychic Sally

Thursday 13 June, 7.30pm

The nation’s favourite psychic is back on tour!

The Rocket Man

Friday 14 June, 7.30pm

Two hours of glorious Elton hits with Jimmy Love and band.

Horrible HistoriesRotten Royals

Sunday 16 June, 1.30pm and 5pm Horrible Histories is back in 2024 with revolting rulers and mad monarchs from Britain’s barmy past!

Abba Forever

Saturday 22 June, 7.30pm

Journey back to the ‘70s with a show packed full of excitement and exuberance, and dazzling costumes!

The Lady Boys of Bangkok - The 25th Anniversary Tour

Sunday 23 June 2024, 7.30pm

A glamorous cast of 16 in a fun filled outrageously funny new production.

Winding Wheel Theatre

G4 20th Anniversary Tour

Friday 28 June, 7.30pm

The UK’s No.1 vocal harmony group and original X-Factor stars celebrate a double decade in the limelight with a spectacular anniversary show.

Killer RhapsodyA Night of Queen

Saturday 29 June, 7.30pm

The hottest and most riveting tribute to Freddie Mercury and Queen.

The ELO Experience

Saturday 13 July, 7.30pm

Celebrating the great music of Jeff Lynne and The Electric Light Orchestra.

Peppa Pig’s Fun Day Out

Saturday 27 July - Sunday 28 July, Sat 1pm and 4pm, Sun 10am and 1pm

Join Peppa, along with her family and friends as they go to the zoo and also the beach for a special party.

Chesterfield markets

Open air market every Monday, Friday and Saturday.

Flea Market every Thursday

Artisan Market

Sunday 31 March, Sunday 28 April, Sunday 26 May. 10am to 4pm

Looking for a gift for a friend, a treat for someone special or that distinctive Christmas present? The Artisan Market is the event to visit

Young Person’s Market

Sunday 28 April. 10am to 4pm

A chance for young people to give market trading a go – selling toys and handmade items.

Chesterfield markets

Chesterfield 1940s Market

Chesterfield town centre

Thursday 11 April. 10am to 4pm

See a Spitfire, enjoy 40s music, classic cars and military vehicles alongside one of the biggest flea markets in the country.

Independent Makers and Crafters Market

Saturday 13 April, Saturday 18 May

Saturday 8 June. 10am to 4pm

With seasonal food offerings, handmade gifts and much more – running alongside the open-air market.

Record fair

Sunday 14 April, Sunday 12 May

Sunday 9 June. 10am to 3pm

Over 40 dealers from all over the country selling a range of LPs, CDs, cassettes and music-related DVDs.

Vegan Market

Sunday 5 May,Sunday 7 July. 10am to 4pm

An amazing range of vegan products from cakes to dog treats, plastic-free goods to pies plus a selection of hot food to try.

Peddler Market

New Square

Friday 17 and Saturday 18 May

Friday 19 and Saturday 20 July

Friday – 4pm to 10pm, Saturdaynoon to 9.30pm

Peddler will bring some of the best street food the UK has to offer, alongside craft drinks, live music and much more.

Crafter’s Bazaar

Sunday 19 May. 10am to 4pm

The place to buy and sell surplus materials alongside like-minded artists and crafters from across the local area.

Chesterfield Museum

Art Store Tour

Calow Lane Industrial Estate

Saturday 11 May 2pm to 3pm

See the Museum’s art collection including pieces that haven’t been on display before.

Museum Store Tour

Calow Lane Industrial Estate

11 May, 2pm – 3pm

See the museum’s collection up close and find out more about the work of the museum team.

Finds Day

Pavements Shopping Centre

Thursday 11 April. 11am to 3pm

Meet Meghan King, the Finds Liaison Officer for Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire to find out more about the Portable Antiquities Scheme help identifying mystery treasures and artefacts.

George Stephenson Day

Holy Trinity Church, Newbold Road

Saturday 8 June. 10am to 4pm

Meet ‘George’ in his final resting place and learn about his life, his famous inventions, and his connection with Chesterfield.

Craft and makers market launches in Chesterfield

A new pop-up market is bringing a unique selection of crafters and makers to Chesterfield.

We are partnering with Little Hummingbird Events to bring their offering to Chesterfield on one Saturday each month from 10am to 4pm. The first event was held on 9 March, and it will return on 13 April, with further dates throughout the year. The Independent Makers and Crafters Market includes seasonal food offerings, handmade gifts and much more – and hosting it alongside the town’s regular Saturday market aims to encourage more people to visit and support both market traders and local retailers.

Nicola Hudson, owner of Little Hummingbird Events, said: “We are thrilled to be supporting

Chesterfield Borough Council on this exciting new monthly project.

“As a small company ourselves our passion is helping to support small independent businesses. It is this ethos which drives us to help them reach new and regular audiences so that their own business models grow. What most people don’t realise is, the bulk of business in the UK is in fact small business. If ever there was a time to support small independents, it is now.”

For a full list of dates please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/markets

Get your boots on for this year’s walking festival

The Chesterfield Area Walking Festival is returning, with walks exploring the district which are suitable for everyone.

Running from 11 to 19 May there are 42 walks across the week, including gentle strolls, family activities and big days out for seasoned hikers.

Many of the popular walks from previous years will be returning, such as the 34-mile Chesterfield Round but there are also some great new additions. All walks will be led by a trained guide who knows the history, wildlife, and the best countryside to walk through.

Most of the planned walks will be free, but booking is essential unless stated otherwise. You can find out more about the festival and book your tickets by visiting: www.visitchesterfield.info/walking-festival

If you’re eager to get out and about ahead of the festival, why not try a local self-led walk? You can find some great routes by visiting: www.visitchesterfield.info/walking

Modernising our visitor information service

Like many councils locally and across the country, we are modernising the way we deliver visitor information services, moving to a more digitally-focused service which is in line with our long-term visitor economy strategy for the borough.

Plans to transform the service – which took into account the views we received as part of the Budget Conversation and the petition process – mean that the Visitor Information Centre in Rykneld Square will close in spring.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy said: “We remain firmly committed to growing Chesterfield as a visitor destination and the decision to close the Visitor Information Centre – and consider other options for the use of this building to benefit the town centre and tourism offer – is part of that long-term plan.

“Please be assured that all of the services that you can access from the Visitor Information Centre will still be available, either from other council bases, through digital platforms or from local partner agencies.”

You can find more information about where to access services by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/vic-changes

We remain firmly committed to growing Chesterfield as a visitor destination”

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy

Major regeneration work set to begin in summer

The next phase of our multi-million pound regeneration of Chesterfield town centre is set to get underway this year.

Our Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield project –which has already seen improvements to Packers Row, and the start of internal work to refurbish the iconic Stephenson Memorial Hall – will transform the look, feel and flow of key public spaces.

The detailed timescales are being finalised, but it is expected that work to revamp the town’s historic

market place, which includes New Square and Market Square, will start in summer. Phases will also see the transformation of Rykneld Square, and the revitalisation of Corporation Street to create a new gateway to the revamped Stephenson Memorial Hall.

Market Square

Our historic market will be revitalised – with a new layout to make it easier to walk around, new stalls with modern facilities for traders, and vibrant new canopies in heritage colours. We’ll also be making the historic Town Pump a unique feature in this space.

For more information or to sign up to receive project updates by email, visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/revitalise

New Square

Our plans will create an attractive and flexible space that will compliment the main market and speciality markets, but can also be used to host festivals, events, cultural celebrations, and community gatherings – bringing our town centre to life.

Rykneld Square

Rykneld Square will be transformed to create a more welcoming, green space from which to enjoy our much-loved Crooked Spire, and better connect this landmark to the town centre.

Attractive lighting, new digital facilities, more greenery, new seating and signage will feature across the regeneration sites - creating a more attractive, welcoming and safe town centre for everyone to enjoy.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “Chesterfield certainly has a positive year ahead, with construction due to start in the summer. “We’re immensely proud of town and these widespread improvements will create a revitalised and vibrant town centre that builds on our proud history and heritage, supporting it to thrive for generations to come.”

Unlocking the potential of Stephenson Memorial Hall

The multi-million-pound refurbishment of Chesterfield’s theatre and museum, which will create a state-of-the-art cultural venue in the heart of the town centre, is progressing well – with some hidden gems being uncovered along the way.

These incredible stained glass windows in the theatre have been hidden behind layers of insulation and wood for many years but once the renovation is complete they will be a unique feature in the auditorium. We’ll be installing panelling on the outside of the building and adding backlighting so that these windows can once more be enjoyed between performances.

Lots of visitors will be familiar with the old box office – but hidden behind the more modern fittings we’ve discovered these intricate Victorian tiles. These were an unexpected but very welcome discovery, and now that we’ve found them, we will be protecting them and trying to make sure they are a feature in the final design of the building.

The top floor of the building is home to these magnificent spaces with incredibly high ceilings. We were using these as storage for some of the museum collection but once the building reopens this will be one of the new museum exhibition galleries. With a new lift taking visitors to every floor of the building, everyone will be able to learn about our town’s history.

You may recognise this area as our museum space on the ground floor, but it will become the new café bar area. We’ll be offering everything you expect in a modern visitor attraction, but we’ll be preserving the stained glass windows and wooden panelling whilst adding some display cases for museum objects so that you can soak up our heritage whilst you sip a latte or two.

You can find out more about the project by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/stephenson-memorial-hall

Revitalising the

Heart of Chesterfield

Making progress at Barrow Hill Memorial Hall

Barrow Hill Community Trust has been making big strides towards refurbishing the memorial hall.

A project manager and other key roles were appointed last year, site hoardings have been erected around the building, stripping out of the building has begun and the team are gearing up to tender for a main contractor for the works.

Simon Redding at Barrow Hill Community Trust, said: “It’s fantastic to see the project moving along. Once complete the transformed building will offer a variety of support services and create a new place to bring the village together – this will make a real difference to the surrounding community.”

The Trust has been in productive discussions with the NHS, with the aim of bringing a new medical centre with a new collaborative approach that will help residents access a range of healthcare and wellbeing services in the village.

Once completed the building will also include new social spaces, early years education, facilities for young people, a new heritage and education room, sports and physical activity space and new spaces

to help the Trust generate revenue and continue supporting the local community.

The project has received funding through the Staveley Town Deal, with additional funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Ivan Fomin, chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It is great to see the projects from our town investment plan starting to be delivered on site. The Trust do incredible work for residents of every age in Barrow Hill and the redevelopment of the hall will ensure the village is a place where everyone can make a fantastic start, stay and grow to achieve their potential.”

The Staveley Town Deal is funding a variety of projects throughout the area that aim to make improvements to the place, create economic growth and help improve the quality of life for local people.

Find out more:

www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-town-deal

This story is still being finalised with Barrow Hill Coummunity Trust’

Full steam ahead for rail training and innovation centre

Planning permission has been granted for the Derbyshire Rail Industry Innovation Vehicle (DRIIVe)a modern rail innovation and training centre set to be located next to the historic Barrow Hill Roundhouse.

Funded through the Staveley Town Deal, the new centre will provide workshop and classroom space to support specialist rail industry training, research and development facilities, and commercial space for railrelated businesses – bolstering Chesterfield’s ambitions to be a leading destination for the rail sector.

Development of the centre is being delivered by Barrow Hill Engine Shed Society, Chesterfield Borough Council and New Rail (part of Newcastle University).

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of the council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board, said: “It’s fantastic that our plans for DRIIVe have now been approved – the centre offers the opportunity to drive growth in the rail sector and help our residents access high-quality jobs. This development is part of our Skills Action Plan that aims to help everyone benefit from economic growth, but it also contributes of the ambitions of the Staveley Town Deal in ensuring that the town is a place where people can ‘Start, Stay and Grow’.”

DRIIVe will provide space for a network of training providers offering rail-related education, from level two through to postgraduate training and research. It will also include space for businesses to be based at the centre, and specialist research and development facilities.

Estimated to cost around £4 million, funding for the project is mostly being provided through the Staveley Town Deal – the Staveley area was one of 101 towns across England invited to make a bid to the Government’s Towns Fund and received £25.2 million.

Find out more about projects being funded by the Staveley Town Deal at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/staveley-town-deal

It’s fantastic that our plans for DRIIVe have now been approved – the centre offers the opportunity to drive growth in the rail sector and help our residents access highquality jobs”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of the council and vice chair of the Staveley Town Deal Board

Chesterfield’s Climate Change Forum

We launched a new Climate Change Forum last year, inviting community representatives to help shape how we tackle climate change.

The group have met twice now – acting as a sounding board, commenting on current projects, suggesting new ideas and helping us to raise awareness about climate projects happening either through the council or locally.

Forum members bring a range of knowledge and expertise from the business and education sectors, climate groups and other community organisations.

Kathy Farr, who represents Transition Chesterfield at the forum but also volunteers with many other local environmental groups, said: “I want to be part of Chesterfield becoming a greener, cleaner and more sustainable place to live for the benefit of us all, and especially for future generations. By all working together in the forum, we can help to grow a thriving community with more energy efficient homes, cleaner air and less traffic congestion, cleaner rivers, better quality food that is grown locally, less waste and support for our local wildlife, trees and green spaces.”

The creation of the climate forum will help us to build and shape our future plans and help us to connect with the community.

Funding community renewable energy projects

The Community Energy Fund is now open for applications in the Midlands.

This scheme is open to community groups in the region to help tackle climate change locally.

Up to £100,000 is available for groups to turn their local energy ideas into investable projects ready to secure funding.

A wide range of projects are eligible through the scheme including solar power, wind power, heat networks and more.

You can find out more about the project including the full eligibility requirements by visiting: www.midlandsnetzerohub.co.uk/community-energy

Helping to decarbonise local businesses

We’re providing support for businesses to reduce their carbon footprint and become more energy efficient.

As part of our commitment to becoming a carbon neutral borough by 2050 and helping businesses to adapt and grow, local businesses can get free energy advice and tips on the changes they can make which will help reduce their impact on the environment as well as grants to support them to become more carbon efficient.

Councillor Martin Stone, cabinet member for climate change, planning, and the environment, said: “The climate crisis is the greatest challenge our society has ever faced, and we can only tackle this issue by working together to create real change. Providing support for businesses can help realise our carbon neutral ambitions whilst ensuring that businesses can adapt and grow – creating jobs for local people and building a more resilient local economy.

“Tackling climate change has the potential to create new jobs which require new skills and I’m delighted that we can also support businesses to identify funded training opportunities that will help give local people the green skills needed to reduce our carbon emissions whilst improving their ability to have a great career in our borough.”

Local entrepreneurs can also access funding to help individuals to retrain and develop skills that help them access careers in the field of low carbon and green energy through Derbyshire County Council.

As well as help to decarbonise, businesses in Chesterfield can access a wide range of advice and funding including support to upskill their staff, access to dedicated business advisors and funding to help start and grow a business. You can find out more by visiting: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/business-support

Our business support programme is just one initiative which is benefiting from funding through the UKSPF, after we were successful in securing £2.6 million from the Government. It will fund initiatives up to April 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people and support local businesses.

Tackling climate change has the potential to create new jobs which require new skills”

Councillor Martin Stone, cabinet member for climate change, planning and environment

Local groups benefit from grant funding

Over £114,000 worth of funding has now been awarded to community groups and local voluntary organisations via our Community Grants Funding Scheme.

We’re really lucky to have so many community groups and voluntary organisations here in Chesterfield”

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader of the council

The grants are being used to support local groups deliver projects that help to build resilient, healthy, and safe neighbourhoods, as well as initiatives which will help to tackle food poverty and social isolation, or support people to get in to work.

It is also supporting projects that will reduce the borough’s impact on the climate and wider environment by promoting greener choices.

Funding for the grants scheme has been successfully secured from the Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), together with money raised through the Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Portion (CIL).

Councillor Tricia Gilby, leader the council, said: “We’re really lucky to have so many community groups and voluntary organisations here in Chesterfield. They really do make a difference to the lives of local people, so I am pleased that we can use the external funding we have received to help them achieve their goals.”

Applications for the third round of funding are open until 29 March, with grants ranging from £500 to £6,000.

Full details can be found at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/communitygrants-fund

The community grants are just one initiative which is benefiting from UKSPF funding, after we were successful in securing £2.6 million from the Government. It will fund initiatives up to April 2025, which are designed to improve life for local people.

One of the latest groups to benefit from funding is Edge Ministries, who will be delivering an ‘open living room’ to provide advice and support for residents in Duckmanton

Recycle Right

It’s so important that we all put the right stuff in the right bin!

What goes in your blue bin

Glass bottles and jars in the black caddy

Only glass bottles/jars (must be kept separate in black box/blue sack)

Plastic pots, tubs and trays

Such as yoghurt, margarine, ice cream, punnets, meat trays etc.

Drinks cans

Empty aerosols

Food cans

What goes on the bin lid

Small electrical items such as kettles and toasters (no microwaves or TVs)

Clean foil

Foil, food trays and containers

All plastic bottles

Such as milk, fizzy drinks, shampoo, shower gel, bleach etc.

Paper Including newspapers, magazines, envelopes, and junk mail

Cardboard

Includes flattened cardboard, egg boxes, kitchen/ toilet roll tubes

Contact us

We provide more than 50 services to our residents including: waste collection and recycling, street cleaning, leisure and park facilities, housing, environmental protection, planning, regeneration, housing, markets, theatres and tourism.

The answers to most of your queries will be available on our website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk and you can manage a range of council services through My Chesterfield (register at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/mychesterfield)

If you can’t find what you are looking for, you can fill in a contact form www.chesterfield.gov.uk/contact

General enquiries - (01246) 345345

For enquiries about specific services call:

Chesterfield Theatres box office (01246) 345222 box.office@chesterfield.gov.uk

Chesterfield Visitor Information (01246) 345777 or 345778 tourism@chesterfield.gov.uk

Healthy Living Centre - (01246) 345666 hlcenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk

Queen’s Park Sports Centre - (01246) 345555 qpscenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk

Chesterfield Citizen Advice - 0808 278 7843

Are we accessible to you?

On request we will provide free of charge: Language interpreters, including for sign language Translation of written material into other languages Material in braille, large print and recorded onto CD

Please contact us:

General enquiries: 01246 345345

Text: 07960 910264

Web: www.chesterfield.gov.uk

Email: info@chesterfield.gov.uk

For housing related queries please call our main number (01246) 345345 except for:

Careline - 0300 303 3378 Homelessness prevention team - (01246) 345825 homelessness.prevention@chesterfield.gov.uk Homelessness (out of hours) - 08081 629 333

Home Options – for all council house waiting list and allocations queries

Visit the website at: www.home-options.org (01246) 345700 home.options@chesterfield.gov.uk

Housing management team- (01246) 345071 housingmanagement@chesterfield.gov.uk

Rents and rent recovery(01246) 345501 or 345510

Reporting housing repairs - 0800 5875 659 repair.requests@chesterfield.gov.uk

Emergency housing repairs –out of hours only (01246) 345041

Get

@ChesterfieldBC

Chesterfield Borough Council

Use your right to vote this May

Voters will go

to the polls on

Thursday 2 May to vote for the first ever Mayor for the East Midlands Combined County Authority, and also for the Derbyshire Police and Crime Commissioner.

To vote in these elections you must make sure you are registered by midnight on Tuesday 16 April. It only takes five minutes and all you need is your national insurance number.

Register at: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/register or call us on 01246 345 345.

The Government has introduced a few changes ahead of these elections, including a limit on how many postal votes can be handed in and by who. Anyone handing in a postal vote will also need to complete a new form at the polling station. You can find out more about this, along with changes to proxy votes and overseas registrations, on our website.

If you want to vote in person at a polling station, you will need to show photographic ID. Lots of different forms of identification are acceptable including bus passes, driving licenses and passports. If you don’t have ID, you can use a Voter Authority Certificate.

Find out more at:

www.chesterfield.gov.uk/voter-id

The role of the East Midlands Mayor

The East Midlands Mayor will lead a new authority called the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA).

The EMCCA is being set up following the devolution deal between Government and the upper tier councils (county and city councils) of Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Derby and Nottingham. It includes functions and funding worth £1.14 billion, and means decisions about investment in our region, which are currently taken by Government, will be made locally.

The new authority must have a directly elected mayor, which Government believes will give clearer accountability over local powers, functions and funding. A key part of the role is to act as an advocate and global ambassador for the area and the 2.2 million residents who live here.

In Chesterfield, we’re committed to ensuring that our communities benefit from the opportunities created under devolution, and regional investment. We’re working with other local councils to build on our existing partnerships and ensure we have a strong voice and influence in the EMCCA.

Find out more at: www.eastmidlandsdevolution.co.uk