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Reform's Fuel Stunt, Care Home Crisis, The Cock Pub & KPJ Group — this week in The Peak Press
Reform's Fuel Stunt, Care Home Crisis, The Cock Pub & KPJ Group — this week in The Peak Press
Reform's Fuel Stunt, Care Home Crisis, The Cock Pub & KPJ Group — this week in The Peak Press
plus Derbyshire's Highest Village and Peak Power Sports Camps for Girls and Boys!
Ian Barwell
Mar 18, 2026
Trivia Question❓Which Derbyshire village, sitting at 1,519 feet (463 metres) on the edge of the High Peak, holds the title of the highest village in the United Kingdom? Answer at the bottom of the newsletter |
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Fuel prices at Newhaven Services near Buxton were slashed for one day this week as part of a high-profile Reform UK “Refuel” stunt, attracting criticism from local politicians.
Derbyshire County Council leader Alan Graves joined Reform UK figures including Nigel Farage and Robert Jenrick, who covered the cost to offer motorists diesel at £1.43 and unleaded at £1.21 per litre.
Reform UK pitched the event as a protest against the rising cost of living and government fuel taxes, arguing they could reduce fuel prices by cutting net-zero initiatives.
But High Peak MP Jon Pearce condemned Graves and the council’s involvement, claiming they should focus on fixing Derbyshire’s infamous potholes and delivering on council tax promises instead of “silly stunts.”
Pearce also questioned the credibility of Reform’s pledges, noting the current government had already extended a 5p fuel duty cut, with further increases slated. Read More... |
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High Peak residents are facing growing concern as Derbyshire County Council moves forward with its controversial overhaul of local care services. The council plans a 3.8% increase to fees paid to private care homes and a 3.7% rise for at-home care rates, deepening its shift towards the private sector after the collapse of a deal to sell eight council-run homes. Unions and local councillors warn the area is already struggling following the closure of Goyt Valley House, with some families unable to find affordable or available care places without paying a top-up. Cllr Joss Barnes, Cabinet Member for Adult Care, defended the changes as essential for creating a modern, sustainable service focused on dementia and independent living needs. Despite reassurances, campaigners fear privatisation could lead to higher costs and reduced quality, especially with the future of eight local homes and Ada Belfield in Belper still uncertain. Read More... |
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The Cock: Whaley Bridge's Classic Canal-side Pub |
Nestled in the heart of Whaley Bridge, The Cock Pub stands as a proud example of a classic British local. A long-standing part of the Robinsons Brewery family, this traditional pub on Buxton Road has become a firm favourite for locals, walkers, and the canal boaters who drift through the picturesque High Peak town.
With its welcoming atmosphere, The Cock offers a perfect refuge whatever the season. In winter, roaring log fires provide a cosy backdrop for a quiet pint, while the summer months see the beer garden become a popular sun trap for regulars and visitors alike. It’s a pub that truly embraces its community, offering a warm welcome to families, dogs, and ensuring full wheelchair accessibility.
Home-Made Food and Classic Ales
The menu is centred around home-made, locally sourced food, offering hearty and satisfying dishes that champion the best of pub grub. This is complemented by a well-stocked bar featuring a range of Robinsons’ classic cask ales, alongside a wide selection of wines, spirits, and soft drinks.
For those planning a get-together, the pub also offers a versatile function space, catering for group bookings and special events of all sizes.
Whether you’re finishing a long walk in the Peak District, mooring up for the evening, or simply looking for a friendly local with a great pint and a warm welcome, The Cock remains a standout destination in Whaley Bridge.
Visit The Cock
22, Buxton Road, Whaley Bridge, High Peak, SK23 7JE
01663 733384
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Spotlight on KPJ Group: Glossop’s Award-Winning Recruitment Powerhouse
For any business, finding the right people is the key to success. For job seekers, finding the right role can be life-changing. For over 40 years, one Glossop-based company has been making that connection happen for thousands of people and businesses across the High Peak and beyond: KPJ Group.
Based on High Street West, KPJ Group is a family-run recruitment agency that has become a cornerstone of the local business community. While their reach extends to a second office in Stockport, their roots are firmly planted in Glossop, a fact underscored by their impressive collection of local accolades, including Glossop & High Peak Business of the Year, Employer of the Year, and Service Provider of the Year.
A Local Agency with National Reach
KPJ specialises in three core sectors: Engineering & Trades, Industrial & Manufacturing, and Business & Office Support. Their team of specialist consultants works with a huge range of local and national companies, from small workshops to large-scale manufacturers, to fill temporary, permanent, and contract roles.
What sets them apart is a commitment to doing things “the right way.” In an industry that can often feel transactional, KPJ focuses on building long-term relationships, a philosophy backed up by a 5-star Google rating based on over 300 reviews.
More Than Just a Business
Beyond their professional success, KPJ Group is deeply committed to the local community. The company actively participates in fundraising events and makes donations to local causes, proudly supporting organisations like Willow Wood Hospice.
For businesses in the High Peak looking for their next great hire, or for local residents seeking a new career opportunity, KPJ Group stands out as a local success story that continues to invest in the people and the community it calls home.
Contact KPJ Group:
34, High Street West, Glossop, SK13 8BH
01457 861511
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💡 Answer to Trivia Question: Flash. The village, whose name is thought to derive from an old English word for a pool of water, is located within the Peak District National Park. |