The A623 at Middleton Dale, near Eyam, will close daily from 8am to 5pm between Monday, 30 March and Thursday, 2 April.

 

This closure is necessary for the removal of up to 200 ash trees afflicted by ash dieback, a severe fungal disease that poses safety risks by making trees weak and unstable.

 

Derbyshire County Council has coordinated with private landowners so essential tree-felling can take place under a single closure, limiting disruption for local drivers.

 

The affected stretch is between Farnsley Lane and the B6521 junction at The Dale, Eyam.

 

Drivers face an official diversion route adding 10–15 minutes to journeys, with an 18-mile detour via the A619, A6020, and A6.

 

Ash dieback, now widespread in the UK, threatens up to 90% of ash trees and is closely monitored by the council, which is urging both public and private action for public safety.

A proposed 121-mile CO₂ pipeline crossing the Peak District has sparked one of the region’s fiercest debates in years.

 

The £60 million Peak Cluster project, led by Tarmac (Tunstead) and Breedon (Hope), would channel captured emissions from local cement plants to storage deep beneath the Irish Sea.

 

While national leaders tout it as essential to meeting climate targets, many residents and councils see it as a high-risk intrusion into cherished countryside.

 

The planned route slices through villages like Buxton, Whaley Bridge, Cheshire, and the Wirral, with construction set to last at least six years—raising fears of noise, disruption, and environmental damage.

 

Backlash at a packed Whaley Bridge meeting and nearly 17,000 signatures on a petition highlight the intensity of community resistance.

 

The battle between national climate ambitions and local preservation is shifting into a critical phase, with the Peak District at its heart.

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.

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.

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.

Sett Valley Kitchen, a High Peak-based pie maker behind the Live & Let’s Pie brand, has earned national honors at the 2024 British Pie Awards in Melton Mowbray.

 

The small team, led by owner Jo Orme, took home Silver for their Vegan Wild Mushroom & Spinach Pie and Bronze for their signature Kinder Beef & Thornsett Brewery Ale Pie, standing out among over 1,000 entries nationwide.

 

This recognition comes less than a year after Sett Valley Kitchen opened as an independent business, following the sale of the award-winning Sett Valley Café.

 

Chefs Nick Robinson and Nicole Sykes build on their local reputation by handcrafting pies and cakes with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

 

Riding this wave of success, Sett Valley Kitchen now seeks to expand wholesale, inviting local cafés, pubs, and restaurants to feature their award-winning pies—a boost for both the business and the High Peak food scene.

Derbyshire Wildlife Trust has completed a transformative two-year habitat restoration in the Peak District after securing £1.69 million from the Government’s Species Survival Fund.

 

Running from March 2024 to February 2026, the “Restoration of Lost Habitats for a Wild Peak” initiative blended large-scale environmental work with deep community engagement.

 

Thousands of trees were planted, over 70 hectares of wildflower meadow restored, and more than 1,300 people took part in 26 projects—from pond creation to wildlife housing.

 

A network of 75 local landowners—managing 6,000 acres—was crucial to reconnecting fragmented habitats and supporting the return of native species.

 

Dave Savage, Head of Landscape Recovery, praised the project’s collaborative spirit, saying it set a bold vision for a wilder future—one that could soon include black grouse and osprey as celebrated residents once again.

Graduation in the arts can feel daunting for young performers, with few clear next steps. But 22-year-old Molly Soden-Freeth from Chinley is determined to change that.

 

She founded Act 2 Performing, a new community interest company in the Peak District, as a bridge for ages 18–35 seeking to develop their stage and industry skills.

 

The group’s debut is a lively production of High School Musical at New Mills Art Theatre from 19–21 March, providing hands-on experience from performing to self-marketing.

 

Act 2’s second mission is deeply inclusive. Molly brings workshops to local schools—including Peak School and Hope Valley College’s SEND department—opening the arts world to children with disabilities in safe and joyful settings.

 

The SEND workshops are already in high demand, with potential for full-time expansion thanks to Arts Council England support.

 

Molly is building a lasting, inclusive future for the High Peak’s creative community.

Almanac has quickly emerged as Glossop’s latest culinary gem, drawing food lovers with its inventive take on modern British cuisine.

 

Led by chef-owner Luke Payne of The Pack Horse fame, the restaurant has already earned recognition with a prestigious Bib Gourmand award from the Michelin Guide for top-quality, exceptional-value dining.

 

Almanac offers a relaxed, intimate atmosphere where guests enjoy creative small plates, unique cocktails, and thoughtfully curated wines.

 

Dishes showcase local ingredients and deep, satisfying flavours praised by The Good Food Guide for their technique and balance.

 

This neighbourhood spot has overcome early challenges—including a last-minute rebrand—to firmly establish itself as a cornerstone of High Peak’s thriving food scene, bringing city-level culinary ambition to a welcoming local setting.

Nestled at the edge of the striking Peak District in Hayfield, The Pack Horse has become a celebrated culinary destination.

 

Since 2016, chef Luke Payne and partner Emma Daniels have reimagined this village pub, earning praise in the Michelin Guide and a spot among the UK’s Top 50 Gastropubs.

 

Their focus is on sustainability, seasonality, and top-quality local produce.

 

Menus highlight British classics with fresh twists, showcasing locally sourced meats, North Sea seafood, and vegetables from regional growers.

 

Dishes are rooted in tradition but delivered with creative flair, bringing a refined touch to hearty favorites.

 

Warm hospitality defines The Pack Horse, welcoming everyone from hikers craving a pint to foodies seeking memorable dining experiences in the High Peak.

 

This blend of village charm and dining excellence makes it an essential stop for locals and visitors alike.

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.

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.

High Peak MP Jon Pearce is bringing back his popular careers fair for a third year, and this time he's promising the biggest event yet.

 

The High Peak Careers, Skills & Jobs Fair takes place on Friday 20th March from 10am to 1pm at the Crescent Hotel in Buxton.

 

More than 40 employers will be there, covering everything from entry-level roles to senior positions across a range of industries.

Last year's fairs in Buxton and Glossop drew over 700 people and connected them with 95 employers - numbers Pearce is hoping to beat this time around.

 

"The energy at our previous fairs has been absolutely electric," he said. "Seeing people of all ages finding new opportunities and building confidence in their futures is exactly why I do this work."

 

Previous employers have included Buxton Lime, Severn Trent, Nestlé Waters, Derbyshire Police, High Peak Borough Council, Derbyshire NHS, Chatsworth House, and the British Army. This year's lineup promises to be just as varied.

 

Beyond job openings, the fair will showcase apprenticeships, training programmes, and skills workshops designed to help people at any stage of their career.

 

In a thoughtful touch, the event will run a dedicated Neurodiverse Hour from 10–11am to ensure everyone feels welcome and supported.

 

"Whether you're 16 or 60, looking for your first job or your next career move, there's something here for you," Pearce added.

 

Entry is free. More details are available at: jon4highpeak.com/highpeakjobsfair

High Peak communities are bracing for hazardous winter weather, as the Met Office issues yellow and amber warnings for heavy snow and ice from February 8 to 9.

 

Severe conditions are expected to affect Peak District, Matlock, Wirksworth, and Ashbourne, with snowfall potentially reaching 15 cm widely and up to 25 cm on higher ground.

 

Strong easterly winds could cause drifting snow, further complicating travel.

 

Drivers should expect major disruptions, including possible road closures and delayed public transport, while isolated communities may face temporary power outages and limited access.

 

Derbyshire County Council has gritting teams on standby along crucial routes like the Cat and Fiddle, Axe Edge, and Snake Pass.

 

Residents are urged to drive only if necessary, prepare for delays, and stay up to date with weather alerts for safety.

High Peak, located in the heart of England, is celebrated for its sweeping moorlands, picturesque villages, and deep historical roots.

 

Its legacy was shaped in 1932, when protesters staged a famed mass trespass on Kinder Scout to demand public access to private landscapes—an act that paved the way for the Peak District becoming the UK’s first national park in 1951.

 

Spanning six counties and dominated by Derbyshire, the region delights visitors with both rugged northern hills and serene southern valleys.

 

Outdoor enthusiasts flock to its renowned walking and cycling trails, vibrant festivals, and subterranean caves.

 

Historic estates like Chatsworth House and lively local events, such as the High Peak Walking & Cycling Festival, celebrate the area’s rich culture and communal spirit.

 

The upcoming PEAK Gateway Resort, now under construction, promises to further enhance visitor experiences, making High Peak a destination where adventure and heritage thrive.