About Chesterfield

Meet the winners of Chesterfield’s Still Blooming

The winners of Chesterfield’s Still Blooming, an online competition led by Chesterfield Borough Council to find the borough’s best sunflowers have been announced.

Chesterfield’s Still Blooming was launched in May in response to the cancellation of Britain in Bloom and the Chesterfield in Bloom competitions. It aimed to find tallest sunflower, biggest flower head and most sunflowers on one plant. The council received lots of great entries and can now announce the following winners who will all be receiving a small prize and certificate.

The tallest sunflower was grown by Thomas Bown (8) and Jack Bown (6), their sunflower reached a massive 11 feet and they got their dad David to pose with the enormous sunflower.

The most sunflower heads on a single plant was won by Ollie Walker (6) and Kyla Walker (3) who managed to get 26 flower heads on a single plant.

The biggest sunflower head was grown by Lina Rutkauskiene and the flowerhead had a diameter of 20 inches.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing at Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “I want to thank everyone that took part in this great competition, we received loads of great entries. It was such a shame that the In Bloom judging was cancelled this year but if we can get as much support next year as we have for the online competitions, then I’m certain we will do very well.”

As well as receiving lots of great entries for the competition, there was also lots of positive feedback about the competition and families explaining how they have used the competition as one of their activities to keep busy during the lockdown.

In 2020 Chesterfield was due to take part in both the East Midlands in Bloom competition as well as the national competition, Britain in Bloom competition. However, these competitions were cancelled due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus. This meant the annual Chesterfield in Bloom competition for residents also had to change.

As well as the Chesterfield’s Still Blooming competition the council also hosted a virtual flower festival on its website. The gallery for the festival is still available to view on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/home/latest-news/chesterfield-s-still-blooming

Chesterfield in Bloom

Posted in About Chesterfield, Home, Leisure

Council leader is lobbying Government to return CrossCountry services

The Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council has written to the Minister of State for Rail about the ongoing reduction in CrossCountry services at Chesterfield Railway Station.

Councillor Tricia Gilby wrote the letter as CrossCountry services have still not been fully restored to Chesterfield Station. There is currently no indication that more services will stop at Chesterfield in the Christmas timetable revision and CrossCountry have continued to refuse to confirm when full services will be reinstated.

Councillor Gilby explained: “I am deeply concerned that the temporary changes made by CrossCountry will become permanent and this will have severe consequences for Chesterfield. Lots of people rely on CrossCountry services to get to work, as well as for leisure and tourism purposes. Whilst the return of peak travel services is important, the effect of cancelling off-peak services will continue to make it difficult for workers and visitors alike.

“We want to work with CrossCountry to find a solution that benefits the people of Chesterfield and is financially viable, but feel that we have reached somewhat of an impasse and require the Department for Transport to step in and help ensure these vital train services are returned to Chesterfield.

“Chesterfield Railway Station is one of the busiest in the East Midlands and arguably the most important railway station in Derbyshire. I recognise that the Covid-19 lockdown did reduce demand for rail travel but other operators including East Midlands Railway and Northern Trains have already reinstated services to Chesterfield at virtually pre-covid levels, whilst CrossCountry continues to try and do the opposite.”

Chesterfield Borough Council has continued to have a useful dialogue with CrossCountry and has recently shared evidence that shows the importance of these services to Chesterfield and the increase in demand that has resulted from schools, colleges and universities returning.

CrossCountry have also shared data with the council that they claim shows stopping at Chesterfield has a negative impact on their services at other stations on the line. However, the council along with industry experts have reviewed this evidence and believe that it shows the delays created are a result of issues around Dore junction as opposed to stops in Chesterfield.

The reduction of services at Chesterfield has been an ongoing issue. In June, Councillor Gilby wrote to the Department for Transport after CrossCountry announced they would be suspending all services at Chesterfield.

It took considerable lobbying against this proposal from the local HS2 Delivery Board, Chesterfield Borough Council, Derbyshire County Council, local MPs, East Midlands Councils, Chambers of Commerce for the East Midlands and South Yorkshire, Sheffield City Region and Transport for the North, before CrossCountry reversed its decision and re-introduced three peak services at Chesterfield. It was not until September that CrossCountry decided to re-introduce off-peak services on a Saturday and Sunday.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Home

Fiver Fest comes to Clay Cross

To show the importance of supporting our high streets, Clay Cross businesses are joining over 100 Independent High Streets across the UK, to put on very special £5 offers across two weeks in October, in the Totally Locally Fiver Fest.

Fiver Fest is a free to join campaign, devised and run by Totally Locally, a grass roots High Street organisation that has been helping businesses and High Streets to help themselves since 2010.

This Fiver Fest, Totally Locally is partnering with Visa to encourage even more small business owners to sign up to this celebration of independent high streets. Together, they are also calling on consumers to divert £5 of their weekly spend to support the small businesses in their communities.

Gail Hannan, owner of Cup & Saucer who voluntarily coordinates the campaign in Clay Cross, said “Fiver Fest is now a big part of our promotions for Clay Cross,. The independent shops and businesses are what makes our town special and unique. We appreciate it when our community support us, so these offers are to say thank you for that support, and to show just what great value our local businesses are.”

“If every adult in Clay Cross spent just £5 per week in their local independent shops and businesses, it would mean £2.4 million per year going directly into our local economy. Which can lead to more jobs, a better high street, a stronger economy & a nicer place to live. Makes you think doesn’t it?!”

Fiver Fest has been running successfully in individual towns in the UK and abroad over the past 7 years, but in 2019 the team at Totally locally brought together towns across the country in on big Fiver Fest celebration. 43 towns joined in and he result was phenomenal with reports of new customers, people rediscovering shops they hadn’t been into in years and huge sales of £5 offers. Over then two consecutive Fiver Fests, the number of towns taking part has now reached over 100.

Fiver Fest takes place from the 10th – 24th October.  For further information about the Clay Cross event visit https://www.facebook.com/totallylocallyclaycross

Cup and Saucer

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Home, Leisure, Visiting

D2N2 announces funding for wave of projects across the region

D2N2, the Local Enterprise Partnership for Derby, Derbyshire, Nottingham, and Nottinghamshire, has confirmed funding for seven projects across the region as part of its role of supporting the economy in particular in response to the economic downturn brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic.  This includes the Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield Project.

With over £5.75m awarded, the projects will create 462 jobs and support 3273 new learners across the whole of the D2N2 region including in places such as Chesterfield, Nottingham, Derby, Sutton-in-Ashfield, Newark, Ilkeston, and Eastwood.

Funding for each project comes from D2N2s Local Growth Fund allocation, a Government fund that enables D2N2 to invest in projects that benefit the local area and economy, supporting greater numbers of jobs, homes, and learners.

The range of funded projects emphasises the breadth and range of interventions D2N2 has supported in achieving its aim of stimulating the local economy.

They include investments in digital infrastructure, new technology, and supporting the region’s towns in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

At £2.2m, the state-of-the-art community and activity village in Newark operated by YMCA Newark & Sherwood has benefited from the largest award of the wave with funding being used to enable social mobility in a district ranked one of the worst in the country for social deprivation.

The other six projects to be awarded funding from D2N2s Local Growth Fund allocation are:

  • Improvements to Chesterfield’s outdoor market and surrounding public space, as part of a programme referred to as Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield, funded in part by £650,000 from D2N2
  • A new research facility at the University of Derby benefiting from £850,000 and focusing on the effect that foods, vitamins, supplements, and drugs have on the human body
  • The Smart Wireless Innovation Facility (SWIFt) at Nottingham Trent University which has received £800,000 to add 5G connectivity and infrastructure to the University’s Clifton campus
  • The Automation and Robotics Centre at West Nottinghamshire College which will provide investment in skills for the future to meet the changing demands of local businesses and will benefit from a £670,000 investment
  • The refurbishment of Toll Bar House in Ilkeston to create new office space by Erewash Borough Council with and investment of £425,000 from D2N2
  • The construction of commercial space for SMEs at Mushroom Farm in Eastwood by Broxtowe Borough Council, in which D2N2 has contributed £160,000.

D2N2 Deputy Chair David Williams said: “To overcome an economic downturn of the scale we’re now faced with requires a truly united approach so I’m proud to have worked with partners from across the region to bring these projects to fruition.”

“The projects we’ve funded will help us to not only respond to the needs of today but also to enable our communities to thrive tomorrow by investing in new industries, new skills, and new technology.”

chesterfield-market place

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Three young people shortlisted for top high street apprentice title

Later this month, one young person will be named as the town’s top high street apprentice at the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards organised by Destination Chesterfield.

Three apprentices working in high street businesses have been shortlisted for the prestigious Apprentice of the Year award, sponsored by Apprentice Town (Led by Chesterfield Borough Council).

Despite challenging times for businesses in the town, the hard work and dedication of three young people has stood out for their employers who have nominated them for the prestigious award.

Abi Ashmore, an Apprentice Accounts Assistant from Superior Spas in Brimington, Grace Blant, an Apprentice Legal Billing Secretary from Elliot Mather at St Mary’s Gate and Molly Bradbury, a Rents Assistant from Arvato in Chesterfield Town Hall, are all in the running for the top award.

Abi, Grace and Molly now join a 36-strong shortlist of businesses and individuals working on the town’s high street who have been shortlisted across 15 award categories.

Former Netherthorpe School pupil, Abi Ashmore joined Superior Spas after seeing the progression opportunities within the company. Through the apprenticeship she hopes eventually to fulfil her dreams of becoming an accountant.

Delighted to be shortlisted, Abi (18) said: “It feels very rewarding that my colleagues would nominate me for such an award. It shows that all the hard work I’ve put in throughout my time here has been recognised by my peers.”

Chris Bigden, Finance Manager at Superior Spas added: “Abi is an extremely hard-working and important member of our finance department here at Superior Spas. Her communication is outstanding with customers, especially for her age, and she always goes above and beyond for the business.”

Grace Blant (19), started her apprenticeship after leaving Brookfield Community School sixth form. She commented: “I’m delighted to be shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year. To be recognised in such a strong pool of talent has made me extremely confident with my progress so far.”

Following the completion of her apprenticeship Grace plans to undertake further qualifications, including a CILEx course which is a non-graduate route to qualification in law.

Libby Wood, Solicitor and LLP Member/Partner at Elliot Mather added: “We decided to take on an apprentice in the summer of 2019. This was a first for my department. I am delighted to say that Grace slotted into the team from the outset and has proven to be a real asset to the department and the business.”

Former Brookfield Community School pupil, Molly Bradbury (22) is a Level 3 apprentice with Arvato. She commented on being shortlisted: “I feel very proud to be shortlisted for this award as it shows appreciation from my managers and that all my hard work has led to something.”

Lindsey Phillips, Senior Rent Officer at Arvato commented: “I am so very proud of Molly as she is a huge asset to our department and is so deserving of this award. I have no doubt that Molly will continue to grow and I look forward to supporting and working with her in the future. She is an exceptional member of our team.”

Alongside the Apprentice of the Year title, the Chesterfield High Street Awards will also be honouring the town’s Apprentice Employer of the Year, sponsored by Learning Unlimited (The Chesterfield College Group).

Superior Spas has also been shortlisted for the Apprentice Employer of the Year award alongside The Therapy Lounge based in Hasland.

The apprentice and apprentice employer award categories were introduced to the awards line-up in 2018 in order to commend the valuable contribution apprentices and apprenticeships make to Chesterfield’s high street.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield, commented on the importance of the apprentice awards: “Apprenticeships have always been and continue to be an integral part of Chesterfield’s success as a town. After facing Covid-19 head-on, it’s vital for the town to focus on the future and how we can create a thriving high street together in this new environment – apprentice opportunities should be at the forefront of our plans.”

Covid-19 has not only delayed this year’s High Street Awards, but also led organiser Destination Chesterfield, to move the award ceremony online. Now in its seventh year, this is the first time the awards has been held virtually.

Usually held in June, the winners of the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards will be announced at an online awards ceremony on Wednesday 21 October.

Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator, who has organised this year’s virtual ceremony with the team added: “A bonus of taking the awards ceremony online means that we don’t have to limit numbers, which enables more people to celebrate the success of all the nominees. Pre-Covid we had to observe a very strict limit on numbers due to venue capacity and demand for tickets always outstripped the numbers permitted.”

Supporters of the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards include: Adorn Jewellers, Apprentice Town (led by Chesterfield Borough Council), BRM Solicitors, Chesterfield Borough Council, Chesterfield College Group, Derbyshire Times, East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire), eBusiness Works, Greatest Hits Radio (North Derbyshire), JP Fire Safety Solutions, Maybe*, The Pavements Shopping Centre, Q2 Creative and Redbrik Estate Agents.

For details of all shortlisted businesses and individuals in the 2020 Chesterfield High Street Awards, visit https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/highstreetawards/.

Apprentice of the Year Finalists CHSA20

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Chesterfield Retail Awards, Destination Chesterfield, Home

Chesterfield law firm retains ‘Leading Firm’ status in the UK Legal 500

Banner Jones’ Family Law and Personal Injury teams have received a Tier 2 ranking in this year’s Legal 500, which marks the 8th year in a row that the firm has received the prestigious acknowledgement of its services.

The Legal 500 assesses the strengths of law firms across the world, and today’s announcement again showcases the continued great work of Banner Jones over the last 12 months.

The latest 2021 guide states that the firm’s family law team ‘are all extremely competent, always well prepared, very skilled advocates’ whilst the Personal Injury team were praised for being ‘happy to think outside the box’ and for how they ‘value the client as an individual’.

In addition, six of the firm’s solicitors have been listed by Legal 500 as a ‘Recommended Lawyer’ this includes Head of Family Law Kelly Parks, Head of Personal Injury and Chief Executive Simon Wright, Head of Care Vince Beckworth, Personal Injury Solicitor Robert

Banner, Family Law Solicitor Shetal Gudgeon and Care Proceedings Consultant Solicitor Peter Jones.

Sarah Sadler a chartered Legal Executive in the firm’s Personal Injury team was also recognised for her efficiency and excellent communication skills.

Kelly Parks commented: “The continued hard work of both our family and care teams mean once again we have maintained this prestigious acknowledgment for our work in supporting domestic violence abuse cases, divorce settlements and childcare arrangements.

“I’m am incredibly grateful for the commitment and robust offering which our team continues to match on a year by year basis.”

Simon Wright said: “At Banner Jones we understand that many of our clients have experienced significant trauma and it is our job to ensure that when making a Personal Injury claim the process is as smooth and timely as possible.

“I would like to thank the team for once again proving we are leading specialists within the Personal Injury realm.”

Banner Jones Solicitors is an award-winning law firm with offices in Chesterfield, Sheffield, Mansfield, Dronfield and Nottingham.

Banner Jones Solicitors supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Banner Jones Solicitors

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

University encourages businesses to access skills support

The University of Derby is encouraging local organisations to sign up for the final intake of an Advanced Skills Programme and access the fully funded support currently available. Courses will run until the end of November, but numbers are limited so it’s important to sign up now to avoid disappointment.

In times of uncertainty, it’s important for businesses to adapt and change. Learning has become even more important recently, helping teams adapt to new ways of working and developing the skills needed to support their success.

The University recognises that training used to help a team become more agile, is best delivered in the same way. The Advanced Skills Programme offers bite-sized online learning that is easy to attend, without any cost to businesses. Courses are relevant to the current climate, with topics such as Leading in Challenging Times, Problem Solving and Workplace Wellness.

The Advanced Skills Programme is part of the European Social Fund (ESF) High Level Skills programme. The University of Derby is part of a consortium of higher and further education providers across the Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire (D2N2) area, delivering the programme. Courses are offered to small and medium sized organisations in the D2N2 area and are fully funded by the ESF.

For organisations with eight or more employees interested in one of the courses, there is also an opportunity for bespoke training. Aaron Dicks, Managing Director of Impression decided the Strategic Marketing in a Digital Age course would be ideal for his team:

“This was a great opportunity for our strategy to be delivered by someone with an outside perspective, who knew how to deliver the content in a way that would keep our staff engaged. It was really exciting to see our strategy brought to life.”

For more information on how to participate, visit The University of Derby Advanced Skills Programme.

The University of Derby supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

How local companies can benefit from Waterside development

Local companies are being invited to take part in a virtual ‘Contact the Buyer’ event, to find out how to tender for work connected to the ongoing regeneration of Chesterfield.

Construction of the seven-storey office building in Basin Square, part of the £340million Chesterfield Waterside scheme is due to commence on 19 October 2020. The building will provide circa 35,000ft² of Grade A accommodation. Britcon, the main contractors would like to speak to local companies to form part of their supply chain on this project.

As part of its commitment to supporting the local economy Chesterfield Borough Council, as the planning authority, includes local labour clauses within developments of this kind to ensure developers use local suppliers, have apprenticeships and allocate as many jobs as possible to local people.

To maximise the opportunities for local companies, main contractors Britcon are working with Chesterfield Borough Council to encourage local companies to ‘contact the buyer’ to find out about a range of sub-contractor packages available during the project.

Opportunities include:

  • Precast Stairs
  • Blinds
  • Brickwork
  • Wall Tiling
  • Concrete Floor slab
  • Metalwork
  • Single Ply Roof
  • Flooring/ Floor Coverings
  • Screeding
  • Partitions
  • Suspended Ceiling
  • Intumescent Paint
  • Metsec SFS
  • Landscaping
  • Mansafe
  • Decorating
  • Road Marking
  • Roller Shutter & Steel Door
  • Scaffold/ Edge Protection
  • CCTV/ Jetting
  • Glazed Partitions
  • Steps/ Handrails
  • External Zinc Cladding at 6th Floor

Councillor Terry Gilby, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for economic growth, said: “There is more than £1 billion of investment currently underway in Chesterfield and one of the key priorities of the council is that Chesterfield residents directly benefit from this by getting new jobs, training, business and skills opportunities.

“Britcon has worked closely with the council to ensure that our borough benefits as much as possible from the opportunities that building this new development will bring.

“I would encourage all local businesses to attend the Contact the Buyer and see what opportunities are available for them and their workforces.”

Nick Shephard, Managing Director of Britcon said “We are delighted to be working in partnership with the council and will work with them to maximize employment opportunities for local people”

The office development at Chesterfield Waterside has been supported with a £2.7million grant from the Sheffield City Region Infrastructure Fund (SCRIF).

As a virtual event local companies are being invited to get in touch to express an intertest in any of the opportunities listed with Britcon by contacting Emily Williams via email on emily.williams@chesterfield.gov.uk with CBC – Waterside Office Accommodation as the subject line of the email. Please ensure you send your expression of interest by Monday 2 November and include the following details:

  • Business Name:
  • Trade(s):
  • Address:
  • Contact Information (Phone / Email):

To find out more about the Contact the Buyer event please  contact Emily Williams on (01246) 959717 or email emily.williams@chesterfield.gov.uk

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Home

Educational support for in need Derbyshire pupils to continue

A flagship programme  to help young people in need engage fully with their education has been extended in schools across the county.

‘Raising Aspirations’ is delivered by Derbyshire Education Business Partnership (DEBP) and supports young people from years 6 to 13 who face multiple barriers in education.

The new contract will be managed by Bolsover Partnership on behalf of Derbyshire County Council for a further two academic years 2020 to 2021 and 2021 to 2022.

The programme provides intensive support to address the needs of each individual student so they can reach their full potential.

An employability worker supports each learner and small groups of learners to identify interests, goals and experiences that will help them to raise their aspirations.

Since 2015 the programme has reached in excess of 7,500 learners, with all Year 11 targeted participants moving onto positive Post-16 destinations in education, employment and training.

In addition, the Year 8 building resilience ‘Shine’ initiative delivered a social return on investment of £11.40 for every £1.00 spent in the academic year 2019 to 2020.

Raising Aspirations will be delivered in 2020 to 2021 across Derbyshire in partnership with:

  • 8 mainstream secondary schools
  • 5 Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) schools
  • 2 support centres
  • 5 primary schools

Clare Talati, Managing Director of DEBP, said:  “The ‘Raising Aspirations’ initiative has never had a one size fits all approach, it remains consistent in its aims and objectives, but is delivered in a vibrant, responsive and bespoke way, recognising the unique needs of the children, young people, schools and communities at its centre.

“A core element of the initiative is putting the taught curriculum into context and our amazing network of employer volunteers provide meaningful encounters and world of work experiences that assist young people to identify their skills and goals; motivating them to engage more fully with education so that they too can have a successful future, one that is not dependent on the long term support of services.

“The DEBP team are excited to continue this partnership and broaden the access to the programme so that we can support more children and young people to be the best that they can be.”

Derbyshire Education Business Partnership supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

Raising Aspirations

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Home

Largest intake of new starters ever for Chesterfield accountancy firm

BHP Accountants, a leading accountancy firm in Derbyshire and Yorkshire, has welcomed 35 new starters this summer, making it the largest intake ever for BHP.

BHP has appointed 20 graduates, 11 trainees and four one-year placements. Four of the 35 new starters have already started with BHP, whilst the remaining 31 will begin their new roles between September 2020 and January 2021.

Boosting its teams across Chesterfield,  Sheffield, Leeds, York and Cleckheaton , the 35 new starters will be joining all departments of the business including Tax, Finance, Corporate Finance, Audit and Financial Planning.

Lisa Leighton, Joint Managing Partner at BHP, said: “Despite the challenges that we have faced throughout 2020, we are committed to the future of the firm and we are delighted to be welcoming 35 new starters this year – the largest intake we have ever had.

“By bolstering the teams at BHP with graduates, trainees and placement students we know that we are increasing our offering to our clients even further with a wide mixture of skills, expertise and personality. We are looking forward to watching our new starters grow into their brand-new roles and prosper here at BHP.”

Louise Allen, Head of HR at BHP, added: “At BHP we give our staff members the tools to succeed through training, working and studying. Our new starters will be given the opportunity to thrive as individuals and we are excited to watch them flourish in their new careers.”

BHP was recently recognised by the Sunday Times in their 100 Best Companies to Work For list for the second year running, ranking number 84 on the 2020 list. Marking its 20th year, the hard-fought and nationally celebrated list recognises the very best in employee engagement around the country.

It was recently announced that BHP had secured space at the new office development at Chesterfield Waterside which is due to commence on site this October.

BHP supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 180 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

BHP New Starters

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Home

Applications for community funding are now open

Chesterfield Borough Council has opened applications for up to £15,000 of neighbourhood funding through the Community Infrastructure Levy.

The funding can be used by local charities and community groups to support projects across Chesterfield. Funding can be used for one off projects, such as developing a new community hub, or a sustainable project such as community tree planting, but it can also be used to fund maintenance and repairs or to support existing local services. Organisations are able to submit multiple applications for funding.

The Community Infrastructure Levy Neighbourhood Fund is open to projects in non-parished areas of Chesterfield Borough. Neighbourhood funding in parished areas of the Borough is managed separately by Staveley Town Council and Brimington Parish Council for their respective areas.

Councillor Jill Mannion-Brunt, cabinet member for health and wellbeing, said: “The community infrastructure levy is a key source of funding for a variety of projects that support our local communities. We want to fund community led approaches which help address local needs and aspirations and we hope that this money can be used to maximise match funding opportunities from other funding.

“I urge charities and local community or voluntary groups to assess their needs and submit applications as soon as possible. There have been some incredible initiatives from community groups in response to the Covid-19 pandemic and I hope that groups will use this funding to support these projects.”

The funding will be awarded to facilitate projects, services and activities that improve the overall quality of life and wellbeing of residents in Chesterfield Borough, in line with the priorities of the Council Plan: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/media/1030535/council-plan-2019-2023-updated-2020.pdf.

Councillor Terry Gilby, cabinet member for economic development, said: “The Community Infrastructure Levy is a planning charge that is applied to new developments. It allows the council to ensure the developer is committed to the community and also helps ensure that any negative effects created by the new development are limited.”

Applying for funding through this scheme is different depending on how much money each project requires.

For projects that will cost up to £1,000, applicants will need to complete a short application form. The form and further details are available on the council’s website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-infrastructure-levy-funding

The closing date for the first round of applications to this fund is Friday 30 October 2020. If your bid is successful you will be notified within one month of the closing date.

There are further opportunities to apply for this funding, for the details of further funding rounds and closing dates for applications please visit: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-infrastructure-levy-funding

Any organisation wishing to apply for funding to the value of £1,000 and £5,000 will need to speak to a variety of local stakeholders and provide more detailed information. More details on the application process are available on our website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-infrastructure-levy-funding

For funding applications valued between £5,000 and £15,000 applicants must submit an expression of interest form and if this is approved to proceed to the next stage a council officer will help guide through the process to submit a formal bid. More details on the application process are available on our website: www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-infrastructure-levy-funding

The Community Infrastructure Levy is a planning charge that local authorities in England and Wales can require of certain types of new development in their area in order to pay for the infrastructure needed to support development. Community Infrastructure Levy charges are based on the size, type and location of the proposed new development.

For further information on applying for funding from the Community Infrastructure Levy, please contact Wendy Blunt, Health and Wellbeing Officer, wendy.blunt@chesterfield.gov.uk  or 01246 959657.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Featured, Home