CO2 pipeline fight, Swizzels scandal & a secret gorge walk — this week in High Peak

Trivia Question❓

Swizzels has been making sweets in New Mills since 1940 - but which London borough did they relocate from during the Second World War?

Answer at the bottom of the newsletter

Clinging to the cliff - New Mills' secret gorge walk

Swizzels Named for Underpaying 437 Staff — But Says Error Has Been Rectified

Swizzels Matlow, the renowned High Peak confectionery firm behind Love Hearts and Parma Violets, was named by the Department for Business and Trade for underpaying employees, following the UK government’s initiative to highlight companies not meeting minimum wage obligations.

The underpayments were traced to deductions for uniforms and unpaid working hours, with an average shortfall of £45.67 per affected worker.

HR Director Nici Matlow attributed the problem to an unintentional error in Swizzels’ salary sacrifice pension scheme, discovered in 2022.

Swizzels responded swiftly, reimbursing staff and switching to a new pension arrangement to prevent future issues.

The wider government crackdown revealed nearly 60,000 UK workers were underpaid by more than £7.3 million across 389 companies.

Business Secretary Peter Kyle announced a Fair Work Agency launching in April 2026 to boost enforcement.

Swizzels’ experience spotlights ongoing challenges for local employers in ensuring fair pay and compliance.

J.T. Howe Funeral Directors - A Family Caring for Families in the High Peak

For James and Emma Howe, being a funeral director is not just a job, it's a way of life. It is a belief that led the husband-and-wife team, who share almost 40 years of combined experience, to open their own independent, family-run funeral service in the heart of the community they call home.

J.T. Howe Funeral Service, based in Chapel-en-le-Frith, was founded in 2014 by James, a lifelong Chapel resident, and Emma, who was born into a family of funeral directors in Greater Manchester. After meeting in 2012 while working for a large corporate firm, they made the decision to build a business that reflected their own values.

"We believe being an independent family run business allows us to provide a more personal and unique service to families in their time of need."

That personal touch is at the core of everything they do. Every funeral is arranged and undertaken personally by James and Emma, ensuring a continuity of care and a familiar face for families during a difficult time. Their promise - "Our family cares for your family when you need it most" - is a principle they live by, not a marketing slogan.

Deeply Rooted in the High Peak Community

Beyond their professional duties, both James and Emma are deeply involved in local life. James has coached and managed youth football teams in the High Peak for over 16 years and currently coaches the Glossop Football Club's ability team. Both are regularly involved in organising and supporting local charity events and fundraising for causes close to their own family's heart.

Emma, who also works in local government, brings an additional layer of community connection to the business. Their children, Elizabeth and George, are already showing a keen interest in following in their parents' footsteps - a sign that J.T. Howe Funeral Service is very much a family legacy in the making.

It is this combination of professional expertise, personal dedication, and genuine community spirit that has made J.T. Howe Funeral Service a trusted and respected name in the High Peak. They are a true local business, run by a local family, for local families.

To learn more about J.T. Howe Funeral Service, visit jthowefunerals.co.uk or call them on 01298 813154 (Chapel-en-le-Frith).

Snake Pass Safety

Q: Why is the Snake Pass so dangerous for motorcyclists?

A: The A57 between Glossop and Sheffield combines tight bends, steep gradients, unpredictable weather, and a mix of traffic — lorries, tourists, commuters, and weekend riders all sharing the same narrow road. The surface can change from dry to wet within a few hundred metres, and many of the bends tighten mid-corner. Police say 31 bikers have been killed or seriously injured on the road, and every spring the numbers climb as riders return after winter.

Q: Is the Snake Pass closed right now?

A: As of this week, the Snake Pass is open but conditions change fast, especially in spring. Derbyshire County Council closes the road during severe weather, and overnight closures for repairs aren't uncommon. The best way to check is the Derbyshire County Council website or their social media channels before you set off.

Q: What are police actually doing about it?

A: Derbyshire Police run regular operations on the Snake Pass, including speed checks, unmarked patrols, and visible presence at known hotspots.

This week's warning is part of a wider spring campaign targeting reckless riding. They're also asking other road users to report dangerous behaviour via their online reporting tool. The message is simple: ride to the conditions, not the speed limit.

Spotlight: Empire Glossop — Bringing Big-Ticket Entertainment Back to the High Peak

From top-tier tribute acts and live bands to glamorous gala events and thrilling live sports, one Glossop venue is on a mission to restore a historic cinema site to its former glory and re-establish it as the heart of entertainment in the High Peak.

Empire Glossop, the vibrant show bar and bistro on High Street West, has become a premier destination for a memorable night out, combining great food, live music, and a packed calendar of events that caters to all tastes.

The vision was simple: to take a beloved local landmark and transform it into a modern, multi-purpose venue that could once again be the centre of the town's social life. Today, Empire offers a diverse programme that few in the area can match.

A Stage for Every Taste

The venue has quickly built a reputation for attracting some of the UK's best tribute acts. Upcoming shows include celebrations of Olly Murs, Queen, Shania Twain, and Gary Barlow, bringing the stadium experience to an intimate local setting. For 80s fans, a Spandau Ballet & Duran Duran night is on the horizon, while fans of Pink, Bon Jovi, and Celine Dion also have dates for their diaries.

It's not just about the big-name tributes. Empire also hosts live bands, with local heroes The Blues Busters making a hometown return, and regular events like bingo and children's craft activities, ensuring there is something for everyone in the community.

More Than Just a Show

Alongside the entertainment, Empire operates as a full bistro, serving a curated menu of delicious food and drinks. Whether it's a pre-show dinner, a casual bite while watching the match, or a full-blown wedding reception, the venue's focus on quality hospitality is clear.

By blending a respect for its building's history with a modern, ambitious approach to entertainment, Empire Glossop has created a unique and vital space for the community. It is a place to eat, drink, watch, and party - and a true asset to the High Peak's cultural scene.

To see the full calendar of events and book tickets, visit empireglossop.co.uk.

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💡 Answer to Trivia Question:

Swizzels relocated from Hackney in east London to New Mills in 1940 to escape the Blitz. The company has been making sweets on the same New Mills site ever since - over 85 years and counting.

Did you know?: Swizzels produces around 100 million Love Hearts every year. That's enough to give one to every person in the UK - and still have 30 million left over for the High Peak.