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Dozens of jobs to be created at Derbyshire’s first electric forecourt at Markham Vale

One of our area’s flagship regeneration sites, Markham Vale, could soon be home to a state-of-the-art Electric Vehicle (EV) charging station powered exclusively by renewable energy.

Gridserve, the tech-enabled sustainable energy business, has submitted a planning proposal application to Chesterfield Borough Council to build another of its award-winning Electric Forecourt sites at Markham Vale.

Markham Vale Electric Forecourt would be a timely addition to the Borough, more than doubling the number of chargers to meet both current and growing needs for electric car drivers in the area. The proposed site would be the first dedicated EV charging facility of its kind in the area, with 30 chargers supplied by 100% renewable energy and connectors to serve drivers of every type of EV.

The proposed location for the new Electric Forecourt is between Enterprise Way and the eastern side of Duckmanton. The site plans feature 22 high power chargers, providing up to 350kW – powerful enough to supply up to 100-miles of range in less than 10-minutes. Additionally, six AC chargers providing up to 22kW complete the plans.

The development would make a significant contribution to local electric vehicle charging infrastructure and would create 25+ full time equivalent employment opportunities through the design, engineering, construction and operation phases. Interested parties are invited to view information on the proposal here. www.gridserve.com/markhamvale

Gridserve CEO, Toddington Harper, said; “We are committed to delivering EV charging infrastructure that both enables the transition to net zero carbon transport, and excites drivers to make the transition to electric vehicles. The geographical distribution of EV charging across the UK is essential to usher in the mass market era of electric vehicles. This development would benefit the local community, and the wider UK as it reduces its reliance on fossil fuels. We are proud to have chosen the area of Markham Vale for this project and we hope the people across the region share our passion for delivering a cleaner, more sustainable future in the earliest possible timeframes.”

Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, Councillor Tony King, said: “We welcome Gridserve’s interest in Markham Vale and, if their proposal is granted planning permission, the new Electric Forecourt, will give motorists the confidence to make the switch to an electric vehicle and move us closer to our target of helping to get 1,000 public facing electric vehicle charge points in place throughout the county by 2025.”

“Decarbonising transport is one of our top priorities as part of our climate change strategy which aims to reduce emissions generated by the county council to net-zero by 2032 or sooner and help the rest of Derbyshire reduce carbon emissions generated within the county to net zero by 2050 or sooner.”

Richard Hinds, Development Surveyor at HBD, said: “Markham Vale is one of the largest industrial and logistics schemes in the North, so it’s important that we look to the future to ensure that the right infrastructure is in place to provide motorists with clean energy. We’re very pleased to welcome Gridserve and look forward to working with the team as they bring their plans forward.”

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Property and Construction, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Nominate now! People urged to nominate their business heroes for Love Chesterfield Awards 2022

Chesterfield’s annual Love Chesterfield Awards are returning in 2022 to recognise the heroes of the town’s high street and wider business community.

The awards will celebrate the town’s food and drink and retail businesses, entrepreneurs, regeneration projects, apprenticeships and sustainability.

From now until the 31 May, people can nominate their favourite pub, restaurant, café, tearoom, food producer, independent and chain retailer, hospitality business, market trader and high street business across 10 categories in the annual awards.

Organised by Destination Chesterfield in association with EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, nominations for the prestigious awards can be made online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/.

Nominated businesses will be evaluated by a mystery panel of judges before the winners are announced at a glittering black tie awards ceremony at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 12 October.

With 310 new businesses opening in Chesterfield since the start of the pandemic, there should be no shortage of choice for nominations.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield commented: “The town’s businesses have, once again, proved that they don’t stand still in the face of adversity, adapting and, in some cases, expanding, during the pandemic.

“Nominating a business for a Love Chesterfield Award is an excellent opportunity for people to show their appreciation and gain public recognition for the town’s businesses that go the extra mile.”

Peter Currey, CEO of EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management, the headline sponsor of the awards, commented: “We are delighted to be the headline sponsor, once again, for the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards. The awards are an excellent opportunity to recognise the many fantastic businesses, organisations and individuals that are working so hard to keep Chesterfield thriving.”

There are 15 categories in total in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2022, however people can nominate across 10 categories:

  • Restaurant of the Year – sponsored by headline sponsor EntireFM – Complete Facilities Management
  • Retailer of the Year – sponsored by East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)
  • Independent High Street Business of the Year
  • Best New Hospitality Business
  • Food Producer of the Year – sponsored by MSE Hiller
  • Best New High Street Business – sponsored by Sutton McGrath Hartley
  • Market Trader of the Year – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council
  • Café/Tea Room of the Year
  • Pub/Bar of the Year – sponsored by Shorts Chartered Accountants
  • Excellence in Customer Service

Other categories in the Love Chesterfield Awards 2022 include the Regeneration Award – sponsored by BHP Chartered Accountants, Accessibility Award – sponsored by Spirecross Ltd, Sustainability Award – sponsored by Chesterfield Borough Council, Apprentice of the Year, sponsored by DBC Training and Entrepreneur of the Year – sponsored by Banner Jones Solicitors. Businesses can put themselves forward for one of these prestigious awards with entries opening for these categories from 12 May until 30 June.

As well as the individual award sponsors, the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards are also supported and made possible by Derbyshire Times, Elder Way and JP Fire Safety Solutions.

Nominate online at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/ until midnight on 31 May 2022.

Peter Swallow added: “After the turmoil and uncertainty of the last two years, we expect the 2022 Love Chesterfield Awards to be our biggest and best yet, which is only possible through the generosity of our sponsors. We’re encouraging those who would like to show appreciation for the town’s business community to make an enquiry about the packages available.”

If you’re interested in sponsoring the awards, information about the remaining sponsorship packages is available at www.chesterfield.co.uk/lovechesterfieldawards/sponsors/sponsorshippackages/ or by contacting Tara Underhill, Senior Destination Chesterfield Coordinator by emailing Tara.underhill@chesterfield.co.uk or calling 01246 207 207.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Love Chesterfield Awards, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , ,

Events and activities to take place across Chesterfield to mark Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Communities in Chesterfield are being encouraged to come together to celebrate Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee – with a number of exciting events planned across the town to help mark this historic milestone.

Chesterfield Borough Council is calling on residents and visitors to join in with the celebrations and has put together a programme of activities that people of all ages will be able to enjoy, including a tea dance, a fun-fair, and a royal exhibition.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The Platinum Jubilee is a great opportunity for local communities to come together and celebrate our Queen’s historic reign and we’d love to see the people of Chesterfield getting involved.

“To celebrate this anniversary, national events and initiatives will be taking place throughout the year and we’re really excited to join in the celebrations. We’ve also got plenty planned in the town centre over the bank holiday and throughout the year that the whole family will be able to join in with.”

Royal Chesterfield Exhibition

Although Chesterfield Museum is currently closed for a multimillion-pound refurbishment, local residents will still be able to take a look down memory lane as a pop-up ‘Royal Chesterfield Exhibition’ will take place at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

Open daily from 10am to 5pm, between Monday 30 May and Sunday 5 June 2022, visitors will be able to explore past royal visits and celebrations in Chesterfield, showing how local people marked Royal milestones. The exhibition is free to attend and features items from the collection relating to previous jubilees, going back to Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee in 1887.

Fun in the park

From Thursday 2 June to Monday 6 June, a fun-fair will be located in Queen’s Park with rides and entertainment on offer for the whole family.

A trip to the theatre

Over the Bank Holiday weekend, a unique documentary film on Her Majesty the Queen will be screening at the Pomegranate Theatre. Elizabeth – A Portrait in Parts, is a nostalgic, uplifting and fresh modern chronicle of the extraordinary 70-year reign of Her Majesty the Queen.

On Friday 3 June at 2pm, there will also be a feel-good performance at the Pomegranate Theatre. Starring comedy legend Jimmy Cricket and Leah Bell, ‘A right Royal Knees up’ is a feel-good performance with show-stopping scenes, sing-a-long memories and spectacular footage as we take a nostalgic journey through the reign of Queen Elizabeth II.

Further information on both events, including details of how to book tickets, can be found at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/jubilee

Platinum Jubilee Tea Dance

The Mayor of Chesterfield is set to join local residents to celebrate the Jubilee in style by attending a special tea dance in the Ballroom at the Winding Wheel Theatre on Wednesday 1 June from 3pm.

The Ashby “Little” Big Band with eight musicians and a singer will play a mix of ballroom and sequence in the beautiful ballroom at the Winding Wheel Theatre.

Tickets are £7.50 and can be purchased at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk  or by calling the box office on 01246 345222.

More information about what’s on

For further information Jubilee events, including details of how to join in with national initiatives, residents are encouraged to keep an eye on the council’s social media channels and www.chesterfield.gov.uk/your-council/queens-platinum-jubilee

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Residents encouraged to complete survey on high streets and town centres in the Chesterfield borough

Chesterfield residents are being encouraged to complete a consumer survey to help us to learn more about how you use services in our town centres.

Love Chesterfield is a campaign organised by Chesterfield Borough Council in partnership with Destination Chesterfield to promote and support high streets and town centres across the borough of Chesterfield.

The quick survey will ask you to tell us about markets you have visited, which high streets you visit regularly, eating out and your choice of entertainment.

Please spend a few minutes to complete this questionnaire. The results will allow us to monitor the performance of the town, the success of marketing campaigns and business support and will help to shape future activity to support high street businesses across the borough.

The survey will close on 12 May 2022.

At the end of the questionnaire, there is an opportunity to win two tickets to see the ‘Crooked Spire Medieval, Murder-Mystery Musical’ on its opening night at the Pomegranate Theatre on Thursday 19 May 2022.

Complete the survey. 

You can find out more about what’s on offer across our local high streets in Chesterfield by going to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Leisure, Love Chesterfield, Summer, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , , , , , ,

The Goldsmith Clinic adds to growing team with new therapist

The Goldsmith Clinic in Chesterfield has recently added to its team, by taking on Rebecca Davies as a Level 3 therapist.

Established in 2015 in the Ashgate area, The Goldsmith Clinic moved onto Lordsmill Street in Chesterfield Town Centre in 2019, where it has continued to grow despite the challenges to businesses caused by the recent Covid-19 pandemic.

The clinic recently opened two new treatment rooms in order to keep up with customer demand, and the recruitment of Rebecca enables the business to continue growing its client base, while expanding the range of treatments available.

Rebecca is born and raised in Chesterfield, having gained qualifications and experience at Chesterfield College. She explained how enjoyable it has been since taking up the role at The Goldsmith Clinic: “We have lots of lovely clients coming in, it feels like a real community so it’s really nice. Coming into the clinic, Theresa has given me a lot of support, and everyone else who has worked here has supported me to become a better therapist.

“Since starting here, I’ve learned how to carry out lots of new treatments and I’m looking to progress even more as time goes on.”

Theresa Goldsmith, owner of The Goldsmith Clinic said: “Becky specialises in all manner of promoting good skin health, including HydraFacial, radio frequency facials, Obagi facials and she’s about to embark on training for skin needling. She has come on board and added a lot of new services to what we already provide.”

The Goldsmith Clinic supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

 

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Chesterfield Escape Rooms gears up for 1st anniversary celebrations

One of Chesterfield’s most renowned visitor attractions, Chesterfield Escape Rooms is set to celebrate it’s 1st birthday in May by reflecting on a number of resounding successes since opening in 2021.

Based on Soresby Street, the games centre features several games where participants must complete a series of puzzles and challenges in order to ‘escape.’ In less than a year it has become one of the best rated escape rooms in the country.

In addition, the Escape Rooms has grown further into the Chesterfield Games Quarter, featuring VR and retro gaming offers for visitors alongside the Geeks HQ, which hosts regular trading card tournaments, board game events and much more.

Nick Hogan, founder and owner of Chesterfield Escape Rooms commented: “Wow, what a year after opening in the middle of a pandemic! We have had just on 10,000 players and unbelievably achieved the number 1 Escape Room in the UK according to Trip Advisor! Our intention was to get into the top 50 but to achieve the number 1 spot when there are 800 Escape Business in town is a real coup.”

Mr Hogan also explained how pleased he was to be providing a unique and modern visitor offer to Chesterfield’s historic town centre: “I for one am delighted to have opened in the town centre, giving something back to the town I have called home for 20 years. We believe in the region of 30% of our players have come from outside of town and most will stay for drinks and food elsewhere therefore contributing to the wider hospitality sector.  When we opened in May 2021, our building was unused and pretty derelict so its great to see something vibrant shine from something so run down.”

Speaking on the expansion into the innovative ‘games quarter’ attraction, Nick said: “The Games quarter is quite unique in that its a collaboration of 4 local businesses coming together in one space to offer lots of different gaming requirements. We have started offering cross business party packages for groups of varying sizes which has proved so popular so far.

“In the early days of opening, there was a government employment scheme called Kickstart and I focused very much on this. I initially employed 6 Kickstarters, who were people under 24 who had been unemployed for over 6 months. 12 months later 4 ex Kickstarters are now on our payroll as permanent employees. We have employed over 30 people in 21/22 so far and everyone of them has contributed to our success, I cant thank them enough.”

Nick is encouraging people in Chesterfield and beyond to keep an eye on further developments at the Games Quarter and Escape Rooms, with further plans to refresh the attractions to keep people coming back for more.

He said: “We try to refresh the games as often as possible, so having started with 3 titles we have had 5 in operation over the year. We are also considering adding least one new title this year as well as a new Xmas game from November. For those people that have played all of our physical rooms, well maybe its time they tried some of our state of the art Virtual Reality rooms as these are proving very popular and getting rave reviews!”

Chesterfield Escape Rooms supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Newborns highlight Rare Breeds success at Chatsworth

While visitors have been enjoying the sights and sounds of its latest newborns this spring, Chatsworth Farmyard has been particularly celebrating the latest additions to its breeding programme for rare and sometimes critically endangered animals.

Two Albion calves, Bronte and Queenie, have been born in the past ten days. Originally called the ‘Bakewell Blues’ because of their origins in Derbyshire, Albions are listed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) as the most rare ‘priority’ breed.

Meanwhile, Eugenie, Chatsworth’s Suffolk Punch mare is expecting another foal in the next couple of weeks, having successfully delivered visitor favourite ‘Huxley’ last year. The RBST considers the Suffolk Punch to be critically endangered with fewer than 500 purebred horses registered in the UK. Eugenie is one of only 72 female Suffolk Punches, making them more endangered than the Giant Panda.

Bagot goat kids and Gloucester Old Spot piglets are due soon and are listed as ‘at risk’ breeds while the farmyard is also hoping for some rare breed chicks from its Derbyshire Redcap chickens.

The Farmyard has been welcoming plenty of newborns this spring, though not all are rare breeds.  A Donkey foal, lambs, goat kids and piglets are all expected additions in the next few weeks.

Chatsworth Farmyard is home to a number of the country’s rarest breeds of livestock and equines, including Suffolk Punch horses, Shire horses, Albion cattle, Bagot goats and Cream Legbar and Derbyshire Redcap chickens, as well as British Landrace pigs and Eriskay ponies.

“We are delighted to welcome our two beautiful Albion calves. They’re incredibly rare and I have always wanted to have some of these wonderful cows here. Given their local heritage it feels like the perfect fit at Chatsworth Farmyard,” said Farmyard Manager, Melissa Underwood.

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) awarded RBST accreditation to Chatsworth Farmyard last year, recognising its important contribution to the conservation of some the rarest livestock and equine breeds native to the UK.

RBST is the national charity that works to secure the future of rare breeds of native livestock and equines. Chatsworth Farmyard is now part of the 25-strong network of RBST accredited farm parks which take part in crucial conservation programmes, manage special breeding groups, and support education about rare breeds and why they matter.

Chatsworth Farmyard and Adventure Playground is open daily to visitors (www.chatsworth.org).

Chatsworth supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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Chesterfield Vegan Market launches

Chesterfield will host a regular Vegan Market in 2022 that adds to the line up of specialist Sunday markets held in the town.

The Vegan Market is run by Rainbow Monkey Events Ltd and the first one will be held on Sunday 8 May from 10am to 4pm in New Square. There will be a wide selection of vegan traders both from Derbyshire and from further afield.

Councillor Kate Sarvent, Chesterfield Borough Council’s cabinet member for town centres and visitor economy, said: “The specialist Sunday markets are proving really popular amongst both visitors and residents. It’s great that we’re working with another partner to increase the variety of Sunday markets.”

Chesterfield Vegan Market will offer an amazing range of vegan products including cakes, chocolate, dog treats, fudge, jewellery, household goods, clothing, pies, pizza, plastic free and zero waste solutions and a selection of hot food.

There will also be animal charities and rescue centres promoting the services they offer and a selection of vegan artists and creatives selling their artwork. Everyone is welcome at the market whether they are vegan or not and visitors are also able to bring along their canine companions.

Sam Brundish, founder of Rainbow Monkey Events, said: “We have chosen to run some of our ethical vegan events in Chesterfield as I have a long connection with the town – I attended Chesterfield College for my Foundation Degree and I’ve been eating at Elliott’s since I first went vegan 20 years ago! And, having previously traded at the vegan markets which were run in 2019, we are keen to bring a regular vegan market to the folks of Chesterfield and beyond!

“We have already booked in a number of exciting stalls so whether you are new to veganism or interested in any aspect of it from the tasty food to the animal rescues which are local to you, we welcome you all to Chesterfield Vegan Markets starting in May 2022.”

Specialist Sunday markets in Chesterfield include the Artisan Market which takes place on the last Sunday of every month and the Chesterfield Record Fair which takes place on the second Sunday of every month.

On 8 May the Chesterfield Vegan Market will take place in New Square whilst the Record Fair takes place in the main market.

Future dates for the Chesterfield Vegan Market are Sunday 10 July and Sunday 4 September. All taking place in New Square from 10am to 4pm.

Find out more about the market at www.rainbowmonkeyevents.co.uk and follow the company for regular updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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Chesterfield’s new Belvedere House Care Home spreads “eggstra-special” joy for the community

Residents, relatives and staff at Belvedere House Care Home in Chesterfield enjoyed getting involved with Gussies Kitchen, located at St Augustine’s Church, in celebration of the upcoming Easter weekend.

The growing Belvedere House family got together and discussed spreading some eggstra-special joy within their community and came up with the idea to raise Easter Eggs that would be donated to the Church.

The event became very popular and word spread so quickly that it resulted in a collection of 63 Easter Eggs and 21 freshly home baked cupcakes which were packed with love and care by residents.  The treats were then taken to the Church.

Shiva Sheikholeslami, Home Manager, said: “Easter is our first holiday and first celebration at Belvedere House.  We are all delighted to be involved with our local community and to have made the links with St Augustine’s Church is very important for our residents to be able to engage, interact, have faith and to have fun”

Lisa Blakemore, County Councillor, accompanied by all volunteers and organisers at the church kindly made time to warmly welcome the Belvedere House team stating: “This is only the beginning of a lifelong partnership between the care home and the community, and this humble gesture will go a long way to brighten up a lot of families on Easter Sunday”

Belvedere House is a newly opened care home located on St Augustine’s Rd, providing care services.

The facility built by Crown Care Group provides luxurious living accommodation, with 64 bedrooms as well as a range of facilities for residents to enjoy including a cinema, tea room, bar/ brasserie, garden room, hair salon and extensive landscaped gardens.

The home will generate up to 50 jobs within the local area when it is at maximum capacity. Find out more.

For all enquiries about the new care home, contact 01246 959200 or go to https://crowncaregroup.co.uk/our-homes/belvedere-house/

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Queen’s Platinum Jubilee grants available for Derbyshire Community celebrations

All 64 of Derbyshire’s county councillors have been given an extra pot of money to help local groups in their area mark the Platinum Jubilee and people are being encouraged to get their applications in now.

Every year each county councillor in the county receives £3,860, called the Members Community Leadership Scheme, which local groups can apply for to go towards community causes, and this year an additional £1,500 Platinum Fund has been added which is available now.

Groups seeking funding should contact their local county councillor explaining the nature of their project, activity or event, the amount needed, what other funding may be available and how it will benefit the community.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “Last year we doubled the amount councillors could spend in their areas to help and support communities with their efforts during the pandemic and this year we’ve added to their amounts again with the extra Platinum Fund.

“We see this as a really positive way of supporting all our councillors to help their communities and I’m sure local groups will have lots of ideas as to how they can put extra funding towards Jubilee celebrations and events in their area.”

Find out more about the Community Leadership Scheme and check the name of the local county councillor in your area.

During the 2021/22 financial year, a total of 500 applications were received by the County Council and approved which were aimed at supporting local organisations and activities through the pandemic.

Find information about Jubilee plans, events and initiatives, other grants that are available nationally and who to contact to apply for a road closure for a street party or other Jubilee event.

To keep up to date with the great local events taking place across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire, go to: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/visiting/events/

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Plans for Sensory Hub outlined by Chesterfield FC

Chesterfield Football Club has announced that plans for a Sensory Hub at the Technique Stadium are well underway.

Jane Cooper, who is a director of the club and a trustee of the Community Trust, has played an instrumental role in the project. She was a guest on BBC Radio Sheffield earlier this week to talk about the plans.

The Chesterfield FC Community Trust Sensory Hub is a stand-alone building which will be located opposite the entrance to Chester’s Den. It will be a safe, quiet space with sensory equipment and sensory lighting. There will also be a Sensory Garden to the rear.

The Hub is intended for the use of autistic people who need a quiet space to retreat from the noisy, often chaotic environment of a football ground. It will also benefit autistic people and people with profound and multiple learning disabilities in the wider community. It will support autistic youngsters to access the Community Trust’s activities and alternative education provision.

It will be a community resource, open for members of the wider community to hire on an hourly basis and will be a welcome alternative to Chester’s Den who find the play centre environment challenging.

Why is the Sensory Hub needed?

• Autistic people can often be overwhelmed by the sights, sounds, textures, tastes and smells of the world around them and they can become ‘overloaded’ with information.

• This can lead to a ‘meltdown’ or ‘shutdown’ often meaning that they find it difficult to access busy and noisy environments such as a football stadium.

• This impacts on their life and that of their family, friends and those who support them.

The design of the Sensory Hub has been agreed and will be supplied by Rise Adapt. The club has planning permission from the local authority who have commended this provision. Chesterfield FC Community Trust is now applying to funding bodies for the circa £60,000 it will cost to create the Sensory Hub and the sensory garden to the rear. Other fundraising initiatives are likely to follow.

A statement on the Chesterfield FC Community Trust website said: “Chesterfield FC’s vision is to be THE most accessible football club in the country and providing the Sensory Hub will be a step towards achieving this vision. The Football Association motto is ‘For All’ and we intend to make that a reality.

“In the longer term we want to create a quiet viewing area of the pitch on matchdays. A full access audit of the site is underway which will identify other ways in which we can improve.”

Chesterfield Football Club supports the marketing and economic growth of the town through Chesterfield Champions, a network of over 190 organisations across Chesterfield and North Derbyshire.

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