What is the name of the dramatic gritstone escarpment near Hathersage that inspired Charlotte Brontë's "Jane Eyre" and featured in the 2005 film "Pride & Prejudice"?

Should Tourists Pay £2 a Night to Stay in the High Peak?

Regional mayor pushes overnight levy, but Derbyshire County Council says local businesses will suffer.

A heated debate has erupted between Derbyshire County Council and East Midlands Mayor Claire Ward over a proposed overnight visitor levy that could directly impact High Peak’s hospitality sector.

The planned charge, ranging from £1 to £2 per room each night, would give regional mayors the ability to tax overnight guests, a move backed by Mayor Ward, who claims the revenue would improve transport, parking, and visitor facilities across the East Midlands.

However, Derbyshire County Council—along with local Reform UK and Conservative leaders, has firmly opposed the plan, arguing it places more financial and administrative pressure on already-stretched local B&Bs and hotels.

Local business owners say handling the levy means more paperwork, card fees, and tighter margins.

Critics also question if money raised locally will stay in the High Peak area, especially with millions visiting the Peak District each year.

The government’s consultation just closed, but the future of the levy remains undecided.

Hope Works Seeks Permission to Extract 13 Million Tonnes of Limestone

Quarry extension would secure 230 jobs and supply cement until 2042, but consultation runs until March 30th.

Breedon Cement Ltd has submitted a major planning application to the Peak District National Park Authority to extend limestone quarrying at Hope Works until 2042 a move the company says would secure more than 230 jobs and protect 16% of the UK's cement supply.

The proposal involves a lateral extension of the Hope Limestone Quarry on Pindale Road, allowing the extraction of up to 13 million tonnes of limestone over the next 17 years. The quarry currently covers around 162 hectares, with active extraction taking place across 70 hectares.

Most of the limestone feeds directly into on-site cement production, with the remainder used for quarry restoration and road maintenance. Breedon claims the Hope Cement Works produced approximately 16% of the UK's cement supply in 2020, contributing significantly to a construction sector worth £142 billion in Gross Value Added to the UK economy in 2023.

Without the extension, Breedon warns that permitted reserves would be exhausted by mid-2030, potentially forcing the Cement Works to close. That worst-case scenario would mean the loss of 223 jobs and £25.5 million in GVA to the local economy.

The application acknowledges the quarry's visual impact but argues that Hope Cement Works has been "an accepted feature in the landscape of the Peak National Park for almost a century" and that the economic and industrial benefits dramatically outweigh any perceived harm.

The proposal is out for public consultation until Monday, March 30th. If approved, quarrying would extend operations by approximately 7.5 years to February 2042.

Photo by Jakub Pyrdek

High Peak Borough Council has approved a 2.99% increase in council tax for the 2026-27 year.

This means most Band D households will now pay £230.89 annually, an increase of £6.70 over last year.

Residents in Bands A, B, and C will see smaller rises in their bills.

The decision follows the government's expectation that councils raise taxes to the maximum allowed to support vital services.

Council tenants will also see a 4.8% increase in rents, adding £4.62 a week on average and bringing typical weekly payments to £99.48.

The council says these steps are necessary to maintain service levels as operating costs and funding pressures climb.

Residents can consult the budget documents for detailed information about the impact on community services and initiatives.

Whaley Bridge’s Marathon Man: Running for a Cause Close to Home

Deacon's Bank, Chapel-en-le-Frith

A New Chapter for a Historic Gem

In the bustling heart of Chapel-en-le-Frith, a handsome Grade II listed building has been given a remarkable new lease of life.

Once a Royal Bank of Scotland branch, the site has been meticulously transformed into Deacon’s Bank, a restaurant that has quickly become a beacon of culinary excellence in the High Peak. 

In its very first year, it impressively earned two AA Rosettes and a coveted spot in the Michelin Guide, which praised its "ambitious dishes with a creative edge".

The restaurant’s philosophy is rooted in its connection to the local landscape, with Head Chef Simon Harrison initially building a menu around ingredients sourced from within a five-mile radius.

This commitment to hyper-local, seasonal produce resulted in a dining experience that was both refined and deeply connected to its surroundings.

Now, Deacon’s Bank is entering an exciting new chapter. Founder Tom Gouldburn has recently stepped back, handing the reins to a passionate new duo: Chef Leo Harvey, who has been a key part of the kitchen for years, and experienced front-of-house manager Harrison Clayton.

This change promises to build on the restaurant's strong foundations, with Leo’s deep knowledge of the kitchen and Harrison’s world-class service expertise.

For diners, it means the story of this local gem is only just beginning, offering a perfect blend of history, community, and exceptional British dining.

Welcome to Peak Power Sports

Peak Power Sports is a registered provider of the Holiday Activities and Food ( HAF ) programme which provides healthy meals, enriching activities, and free childcare places to children from low-income families, benefiting their health, wellbeing and learning.

Message them for further information.

ASG Auto Repairs Ltd

Unit 9B/9C, Furness Vale Business Centre,
High Peak, Derbyshire, SK23 7SW

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1.     Stanage Edge. It was once a major medieval packhorse route known as the Long Causeway, and also offers views of North Lees Hall, the model for Mr. Rochester's house .