Chesterfield

Chesterfield to fall under highest level of local restrictions (Tier 3)

Chesterfield – along with the whole of Derbyshire – will be under the highest level of local restrictions when the national lockdown ends on 2 December.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of Chesterfield Borough Council, said: “We understand the concern and frustration that today’s announcement will cause for many people, particularly local businesses which have already endured so much disruption and hardship this year.

“In particular, we know the county-wide tier three restrictions will hit our hospitality and tourism industry hard in the run-up to the festive period. This is something which I and all other Derbyshire council leaders highlighted in an urgent letter to Government this week, urging them to consider less strict rules for our area.

“But unfortunately, while we have seen some improvements in infection rates, they remain too high.

“We must all continue to play our part and abide by the updated restrictions when the national lockdown ends, to continue to slow the spread of the virus, reduce pressure on the NHS and protect the most vulnerable. In doing so we can lower infection rates, and hopefully move to a lower tier in time.

“Our community’s resilience will continue through these ongoing challenges, and as we prepare for the festive season I know this spirit will keep shining through, even though our celebrations must be different this year.

“As a council we will do all we can to keep essential services running for local people, as we have since the start of the pandemic. However, there will be some ongoing impact on some of our services when national restrictions end on 2 December – we are currently reviewing this and more information will be available on our website and social media channels as soon as possible.”

Find out more details about the current restrictions on the Government website: www.gov.uk/guidance/local-restriction-tiers-what-you-need-to-know#very-high-alert

Posted in About Chesterfield, Business, Development, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

Get involved in shaping Derbyshire County Council services and budget priorities

Residents from across Chesterfield and Derbyshire are being asked to take part in online focus groups which will help to shape Derbyshire County Council’s services and budget priorities for the year ahead.

The online focus groups are currently being arranged and Derbyshire residents who would like to take part are encouraged to find out more and register their interest.

People signing up will be able to get involved in discussions and give their views on a wide range of issues affecting them and the council, with the results feeding into its wide-ranging annual residents survey, ‘Your Council Your Voice.’

The focus groups will be held via Zoom and are designed to give us a greater understanding of residents’ satisfaction with how the council runs its services and how it sets budget priorities, as well as topics including value for money.

Derbyshire County Council Leader Councillor Barry Lewis said: “Due to the challenges we are all facing this year it is more important than ever that we know if Derbyshire residents think we’re getting it right, what changes they’d like to see and whether their priorities have changed from last year.

“While we’re encouraging people to take part in the Your Council Your Voice survey, we’d also like people to get more involved if they can and be able to go into more depth about their views.

“We’re hoping people from all walks of life, all ages and backgrounds will consider taking part in one of the focus groups so we get a really clear picture of what people think, what their priorities are and what they think we should be prioritising for the coming year.”

The online focus groups will run until Tuesday 8 December 2020 and people wanting to take part are being encouraged to register as soon as possible.

Groups will meet at different times of the day to make it easier for people to take part, and each session will take 90 minutes.

Places at each of the focus groups are limited and people who register will have their place confirmed with further details provided along with the date and time of their session.

People with any queries about taking part should email haveyoursay@derbyshire.gov.uk or tel: 01629 533091.

The Your Council Your Voice survey runs until Sunday 13 December 2020.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, UncategorisedTagged in , , , ,

National Award for School Games collaboration work in Derbyshire and Notts

Active Derbyshire, Active Notts, and the School Games Organiser Networks in Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire have won a School Games National Award for collaboration.

The award comes after the organisations pooled resources and expertise to support schools with a new virtual School Games offer during lockdown in the Summer term 2020.

Working together, colleagues produced 11 weekly resources featuring a range of sporting activities themed around daily physical challenges and cultural competitions.

The development of the resources also involved colleagues from National Governing Bodies, and partners within education, health, community groups, sports clubs and associations supported by circulating resources more widely.

Resources were developed further to help local communities include physical activity cards in food parcels for those in deprived areas, assist with the provision of physical activity at the Royal School for the Deaf Derby, and for a Staycation resource to help keep young people physically active over the holidays.

Naomi Bennett-Jones, who leads young people work for Active Derbyshire and Active Notts, said: “It is fantastic to be recognised for what was a truly collaborative approach to keep children and young people active at home and school during lockdown at what was a very challenging time. The trust and relationships between a range of colleagues that have developed through this work have established a new culture and ways of working that will benefit all future work.”

Paul Ryan, Tupton Hall School Games Organiser and Partnership Development Manager for SHAPE Learning Partnership in Derbyshire, said: “I am extremely proud to have been part of this collaboration. It was vital that we came together as a School Games network at a time of real challenge and it was amazing how well we worked across the districts and counties. The unity showed, created a real opportunity to share the vast knowledge and experience we have as a collective and resulted in a meaningful and worthwhile set of resources that provided support for teachers, parents and young people.”

Chris Ballard, School Games Organiser for Rushcliffe School Sport Partnership, said: “The weekly resources enabled schools to be able to simply follow and deliver a variety of tasks and activities with and to their pupils. The consistency of format and challenge ensured that pupils were able to engage whether that be within a school environment or at home.”

 

Posted in About Chesterfield, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

Chesterfield companies and local school children set to support Vulcan XH558’s Operation Safeguard

A new innovative four-way partnership led by the Vulcan to the Sky Trust (VTST) is set to inspire the next generation of engineers in a project that supports the Trust’s latest fundraising drive – Operation Safeguard.

The project will see CBE+, a specialist precision engineering sub-contractor, join forces with The Work-wise Foundation to engage with local schools who will all work together on a number of projects to help the VTST charity.

The Work Wise Foundation is an employer-inspired and led initiative for engineering, manufacturing, technology, set up to support the development of children and young people so they have the knowledge, skills, aptitude and opportunities for employment.

Dr Robert Pleming, CEO of VTST said: “We are thrilled to be announcing this partnership with Chesterfield based CBE+ and The Work-wise Foundation to bring a unique opportunity to young people, schools and colleges in the region.

“Inspiring young people into careers in aerospace and engineering is one of the fundamental principles guiding our charity.”

CBE+ are currently housing an original Fuel Tank (as used in the conversion of Vulcan to a tanker) and two spare original Delta Wing Tips form the stock of parts used to maintain the iconic British engineered Vulcan XH558, delivered by the Trust for preparation, restoration and subsequent display in The Vulcan Experience.

Robert added: “This is partnership working at its best. CBE+ are providing the workshop space, engineering innovation/adaptation and apprentices to help renovate the components in a modern engineering environment.

“The Work-wise Foundation are delivering an education programme with links to the curriculum, employability skills and managing visits and experiences for students and schools to get involved.

“The exhibits resulting from this work will eventually take pride of place at The Vulcan Experience, displaying the names of people who support us by donating to Operation Safeguard – the campaign to build our new home.”

XH558 is based at Doncaster Sheffield Airport and the VTST have planning permission to build a new permanent base for the aircraft. Operation Safeguard is their fundraising campaign to turn these ambitions into reality.

Marie Cooper, CEO of CBE+ said: “We are extremely pleased to be working with the Vulcan to the Sky Trust and The Work-wise Foundation on this project and cannot wait to get young people and apprentices involved in this innovative project.

“Taking delivery of the Fuel Tank and the Wing Tips was a very exciting moment for us and our engineers are keen to get to work on the restoration of these parts.

“Working with and inspiring young people into careers in STEM is so important for us. These are our future employees and we need to capture their attention when they are young so that they can see the potential of working in this sector.”

The Work-wise foundation will be working with schools to launch a competition that will see young people design the display stands to showcase the Fuel Tank and Wing Tips, the winning design will be translated into reality by CBE+.John Barber, CEO of The Work-wise Foundation said: “This is a really exciting partnership and we are proud to be working with both CBE+ and the Vulcan to the Sky Trust to bring this project to life.

“We will be working with primary and secondary schools to give students a first-hand experience of a real engineering renovation project in a modern industrial setting.

“Students will be able to learn about and see the work to restore and bring back to practical use the Fuel Tank and Wing Tips of the iconic Avro Vulcan Bomber XH558. Seeing and hearing from a team of Vulcan Engineers (Volunteers) and current apprentices.

“There will be a number of opportunities for students to learn practical skills and learn about all the jobs involved in working in aviation and engineering and the skills that are needed.”

The Work-wise Foundation 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, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, Made in Chesterfield, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , ,

New international scale tourism destination, PEAK, selects Green Biofuels as construction fuel partner

PEAK, a phased development of an all year leisure, education, wellness, and entertainment destination based on 300 acres of reclaimed parkland at the edge of the Peak District National Park and Chesterfield, has selected the UK’s leading provider of HVO fuel, Green Biofuels, as the sole provider of fuel for the construction of the site in order to fulfil its journey to sustainability from the outset.

The multi-million-pound development will include the UK’s first fully-serviced national park gateway linked to a resort and educational campus. With the principles of sustainable tourism at its core, PEAK will offer domestic and international tourists experiences based around nature, culture, heritage, and activity in the Peak District and its environs. Overnight and short stay accommodation will be available in hotel, hostel and lodge formats.

The first development at PEAK, the Summit is underway and will open 2021. In line with Summit Resort and Development’s sustainability agenda, the construction compound, machines and equipment will be fuelled with Green Biofuels’ low emission high performance paraffinic alternative fuel. All vehicles delivering fuel to the site, and all construction vehicles on site will run on Green D+, which is a drop-in diesel alternative, requiring no changes to engines. Green Biofuels is supporting PEAK’s environmental commitment by supplying the site with a 35,000-litre tank to hold the fuel, in order to reduce emissions resulting from fuel deliveries to a site.

Independent tests at the Millbrook specialist vehicle testing facility have shown that compared to standard diesel emissions, Green D+ has up to an 85% reduction in particulates, and up to a 30% reduction in Nitrogen Oxides, thanks to a special additive not found in any other HVO fuel. This means that emissions contributing to climate change are reduced, as well as pollution affecting the local air quality. The emissions savings at the Summit construction site will be monitored and results announced over the duration of construction.

Gateway developer, Milligan, has appointed Cundall as its key advisor on sustainability and transport, working alongside Birchall Properties the landowner and strategic partners the Peak District National Park Authority, Chesterfield Borough Council and the University of Derby.

Alongside its regional attractions PEAK has planning permission for up to 2000 hotel rooms and 250 chalets. The overnight and short stay accommodation will be delivered in phases and in a range of formats from 5-star hilltop hotel with lodges, to village centre hotels with hostel accommodation. The aim is to deliver the quality and scope of accommodation and hospitality more familiar with an international ski resort.

Magnus Hammick, COO of Green Biofuels, said: “Green Biofuels is hugely proud to be on the journey toward sustainability with PEAK right from the start. As one of the UK’s largest privately funded construction projects, this partnership is especially important because it proves how easy it is for large-scale sites to instantly cut their emissions and protect local air quality with small and strategic changes. Ensuring low pollution is especially important at a site like PEAK because of its proximity to the National Park, so we have introduced a super-tank of 35,000 litres to supply the site, thereby reducing emissions from multiple fuel deliveries.

“This is a major commitment to clean air from the private sector, and I sincerely hope to see the Government making green construction practices a rule, so that our other national flagship projects are also built as sustainably as possible.”

The green ambitions of the project have attracted world renowned adventurer and polar pioneer, Robert Swan OBE. Through his ambassadorship of the Summit, Robert seeks to empower and enable people from all walks of life to participate in sustainability through their leisure activities and adventures.

Robert Swan OBE, said: “After everything I have seen and experienced, I have to say I am truly impressed and excited by what Green Biofuels are doing and what they will do for the green footprint of the PEAK construction.

“Now that the journey to sustainability at PEAK has begun, it is essential to take meaningful and strategic steps to ensure every choice is considered and weighed up against its environmental impact. It is for this reason that I am very encouraged to see PEAK select Green Biofuels as its construction fuel partner.”

Mark Hutchings, COO of Summit Resorts & Developments, said: “We as a company and indeed as individuals are passionate about our environment and the world in which we live. We want our legacy to be not only to provide something truly special for the local community and visitors to the area, but to deliver that in a way we can truly say is the most environmentally friendly way we possibly could. We believe that using Green D+ in every aspect of our operation from fuelling the plant and machinery on site to providing the power for our site cabins to run is a huge step towards achieving this.

“We are proud to be part of one of the largest developments in the U.K. at the moment that is adopting such a policy, and we believe that by doing this we will hopefully set a precedent for others to follow.”

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Chesterfield primary school introducing ‘daily mile’ track to improve health and wellbeing for pupils

St. Mary’s Catholic Primary School in Chesterfield is currently in the process of constructing a daily mile running track around the perimeter of its sports field. It is hoped the development will help promote health and wellbeing amongst pupils and the wider community.

Once completed, the track will run around the full perimeter of the grassed area of the field and will require 9 laps around it to complete a mile. The surface will be 1.2m wide and be made out of polyurethane bound rubber all weather material.

Rachael priest, chair of the school’s Parent-Teacher Friends Association said: “The field is a large part of the school’s outdoor space (making up almost half the outside play area available to the children) however, the British inclement weather means that it can typically only be used for a few months of the year. The nature of the material will mean that even through the winter months when the field is to muddy to utilise the children will still be able to use the track to complete their daily mile and for other activities.”

“The school is very keen to promote health, fitness and wellbeing and the introduction of the track would be a positive step in encouraging both children and staff to adopt a healthier and more active lifestyle while also improving and enhancing the Schools outdoor environment. The school is eager to adopt the mile as a daily part of the school day and hope, in time, that the completion of the daily mile by each pupil becomes as routine as maths lesson or break time.”

“We hope that the effects of the daily mile will also be felt by the wider community with our pupils becoming positive, confident individuals passing on the message that exercise is good for both body and the mind and encouraging others to embrace a happier and healthier future.”

The school has currently raised £2000 of its £10,000 target through past events and currently have collection points in the classrooms and playgrounds where children can bring in small change and deposit them in a covid secure way.

It is now looking to  affiliate with a local running club in the future and hold sponsored running events with funds raised going towards the track. Other initiatives being planned include ‘sponsor a step,’ where people can help fund the track by buying a virtual step for a fee. In return the sponsors names or nominated names will be displayed on a sign in a similar way to buying a brick projects.

John Cannon of Cannon Events, who host a number of local fun-runs to promote exercise locally, said: “To have a facility like that in the school, for children to exercise every day, will benefit their physical and also mental health enormously and it’ll have a positive effect on their schoolwork as well. It is absolutely priceless. This track is going to make a huge difference.”

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High street expert to speak at 2020 Chesterfield Investment summit

Town centre expert Ojay McDonald will headline the speaker line-up at the fourth Chesterfield Investment Summit.

The free-to-attend event is being held virtually on Wednesday 25 November from 8.30am – 10am.

As Chief Executive of the Association of Town & City Management, Mr McDonald is considered one of the country’s foremost experts on the high street, working with Government Ministers, parliamentarians, economic development professionals, business leaders and place-makers across the UK and Ireland to support town and city centres.

At the event he will address the challenges the high street faces following its second lockdown, and how it can be helped to survive and thrive in the face of adversity.

Mr McDonald will also be joined by a number of other speakers at the virtual event including Elaine Clark, Chief Executive of the Rail Forum Midlands, who will talk about the post pandemic opportunities for Chesterfield within the rail sector.

Darren Mansfield, Partner at Global Real Estate Consultants Knight Frank, will also speak at the event to address Chesterfield’s office proposition. Knight Frank has recently been appointed to find tenants for the office space which is under construction at Chesterfield Waterside.

Additional speakers include Dr. Huw Bowen, Chief Executive of Chesterfield Borough Council, Cllr Tony King, Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Derbyshire County Council and Dom Stevens, Destination Chesterfield Manager.

Peter Swallow, Chair of Destination Chesterfield which is one of the event’s organisers, commented: “The annual Investment Summit is always a popular event in the business community’s calendar, and I am delighted that we have been able to make it happen again despite the challenging circumstances.

“It’s very easy to feel doom and gloom but the Investment Summit will show that despite the pandemic, Chesterfield has continued to move forward with developments and plans, opening up investment opportunities which will make a significant difference to the recovery of the area.”

The event is organised by Derbyshire Economic Partnership, Destination Chesterfield and Marketing Derby and is part funded by the European Regional Development Fund

Always a sell-out, the organisers anticipate high demand for this year’s virtual event. To find out more about the event and book your free place, please visit: https://www.chesterfield.co.uk/events/chesterfield-investment-summit/

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Chesterfield’s Custom Solar produces UK’s largest rooftop solar array at the Port of Hull

Associated British Ports (ABP) has unveiled the UK’s largest commercial rooftop solar array based at the Port of Hull, after contracting Chesterfield company Custom Solar to undertake its construction.

The array will produce 6.5MW of energy, more than doubling ABP Humber Ports’ renewable energy generation.
ABP’s 6.8 million investment will save 2,600 tonnes of CO2e per annum, which equates to the energy needs of 1,450 average UK homes.

Simon Bird, Director at ABP Humber, said: “This has been a huge project for ABP and our appointed contractor, Custom Solar, to undertake. I’m delighted that the Port of Hull now holds the accolade of the UK’s largest, commercial rooftop array.

“Our ambition is to keep reducing the emissions that port operations generate, by implementing a mix of clean energy production, and investing further in hybridised port equipment.

“Every bit of effort and investment to lower our carbon footprint, contributes to the region’s environmental targets. This scheme and others like it, also help to secure ABP’s energy supply, making great commercial and environmental sense.”

The project team decided on using solar technology, as it could be installed on the vast space created by the port’s many warehouse rooftops. Custom Solar began installing the solar panels in October 2019, but the project had already been many months in the planning.

Teamwork was at the heart of ABP’s solar project, with the support of many external partners such as Northern Power Grid. Custom Solar began designing the scheme to make the most of the available space, in liaison with the port’s management team. Once the design reached its final stages, a detailed assessment was made of the electrical network to plan its necessary upgrade and strengthen it – a key part of the project.

The installation of the 21,000 solar panels, powered by 49 of global solar specialists FIMER’s PVS-100-TL 100kw inverters and 3 PVS-50-TL 50kw inverters, was completed in August 2020. The team were able to quickly adapt to COVID-19 working requirements, as their established working practices were already socially distanced in their nature, and COVID secure welfare facilities were introduced.

Matthew Brailsford, Managing Director of Custom Solar, said, “It’s another proud moment for the Custom Solar team and our client, Associated British Ports, as we deliver yet another iconic rooftop solar system. Obviously this one is in a very special bracket all on its own being the UK’s largest.

“The project was in planning for nearly two years before beginning construction due to the sheer complexity of the system we delivered, this is yet another reason why the system is incredibly unique and bespoke to the client’s needs and environment.

“With carbon reduction, CSR and keen financial savings on the agenda of all large corporations during such a challenging time, we see solar as the perfect fit. The future is solar powered, and we are glad to be leading the way.”

FIMER’s chairman Filippo Carzaniga, comments: “FIMER is delighted to be supporting this new era for the UK’s solar energy market. This was a ground-breaking project, which marks our first major solar development in the country, and the largest installation of its kind.

“It demonstrates how powerful solar power can be and, we are proud to have worked closely with ABP and Custom Solar to make this vision a reality.”

17 of ABP’s 21 ports now have renewable energy projects attached. The addition of the solar scheme in Hull means that ABP’s Humber Ports can produce 29% of their energy requirements, and ABP isn’t stopping there.

Simon added: “Having now completed the solar arrays on the Ports of Immingham, Goole and Hull, ABP has already started work to understand the next phase of our ambition. Grimsby will be our focus, as the port is home to the growing offshore wind sector, we would once again like to reduce our carbon footprint using a mix of clean energy generation.”

ABP launched its core strategy in January 2020, which outlines the company’s commitment to accelerating green energy generation and storage for its port operations, as well as for new manufacturing sites in their ports. Over the last two years ABP Humber has also been investing in hybridised cranes and electric forklifts, to make the most of its onsite energy generation.

Find out more about our recent Chesterfield Round Table event, where the topic of business sustainability was discussed in detail.

Custom Solar Ltd. 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, Celebrate Chesterfield, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Home, UncategorisedTagged in , , , , , , ,

Peak District & Derbyshire tourist board launches virtual Christmas market to support local business

Delicious Derbyshire food and drink, locally-made products and exciting experience days are amongst the great gifts available at the virtual Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market, launched by the area’s official tourist board.

The free online market at www.visitpeakdistrict.com/christmas-market showcases the fantastic variety of quality items made and sold in the area, from arts and crafts to photography, homeware and locally-brewed beer, plus gift vouchers for overnight stays, dining and days out.

Over 100 independent local businesses are exhibiting at the market, where each ‘virtual stall’ leads to an online selling platform – allowing visitors to browse and purchase fine, festive gifts with ease during Covid-19 restrictions.

Stalls are arranged in eight categories including Accessories and Jewellery; Art, Ceramics and Glass; Experiences and Annual Passes; Local Food and Drink; Homeware and Books; Landscape Calendars and Prints; Short Breaks and Afternoon Tea; and Pet-friendly Gifts.

The market is part funded by Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Project and aims to support local businesses who have been impacted by Covid-19 restrictions by boosting online sales whilst celebrating the range of unique products available in the area.

Jo Dilley, Managing Director of Marketing Peak District & Derbyshire, says: “Christmas markets are a key part of the festive season and, in the absence of many annual markets and craft fairs due to Covid-19 restrictions, we’re delighted to launch our virtual market thanks to support from our ERDF project.

“The Peak District & Derbyshire Christmas Market offers a great chance for people to buy quality gifts online and get a head start on their Christmas shopping, whilst supporting independent local businesses and producers during this critical time.

“From fine food and drink to arts, crafts and amazing experience vouchers, the market has something to suit all tastes and we’re encouraging everyone to show their support, pay a virtual visit and discover unique local presents!”

Tony King, Derbyshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Clean Growth and Regeneration, said: “We are delighted to be supporting Peak District & Derbyshire’s first virtual Christmas market.

“A lot of small businesses in Derbyshire rely on local markets to sell their goods and with many being cancelled or postponed this year it has never been more important to shop local and show our support.

“We have so many talented makers and designers in our county and you’ll be able to find truly unique gifts while at the same time supporting someone’s dream.

“We’re working hard to support businesses right now and we are doing all we can to help them through this difficult and challenging time.”

People are encouraged to get involved and spread the word using #PDDChristmasMarket.

Posted in About Chesterfield, Apprentice Town, Business, Celebrate Chesterfield, Christmas, Destination Chesterfield, Development, Featured, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , , ,

Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire launches Mission Christmas appeal

Greatest Hits Radio North Derbyshire is asking local residents to help “make Christmas magical” this year for underprivileged children across the region, by donating gifts and funds to their ‘Cash for Kids’ charity appeal.

The radio station want to make this year’s appeal bigger than ever, with many young people and families suffering hardship caused by the covid-19 pandemic.

In 2019 £978,801 of gifts and cash were distributed to more than 31,875 underprivileged children across South Yorkshire and North Derbyshire; Greatest Hits say it is their mission to ensure no child wakes up without a present under their tree this year.

Greatest Hits Radio Account Manager, Alison Ollerenshaw said: “Mission Christmas will be more important than ever this year. COVID-19 is directly affecting unemployment levels and household incomes, pushing many more families into poverty this winter. Christmas could be a luxury that they simply can’t afford, but our mission is still to ensure that every child receives a gift from Santa on Christmas Day.”

Donations are distributed to children who have been identified by social services, head teachers and other charitable organisations.

In light of COVID-19 some changes have had to be made this year, with the need for social distancing to ensure that the team, volunteers, beneficiaries and donors are kept safe.

In previous years businesses have been asked to collect for the appeal, but to deliver the appeal safely this year the number of public-facing gift drop-off points has to be limited. A map of all the local businesses involved will be available online from 16th November.

There are also other ways for you to support the appeal this year. A cash donation would enable the charity to buy gifts where donations from the public fall short or where specialist items are needed for disabled children.  Local people and businesses are also encouraged to organise a raffle or a challenge.

Companies with a showroom, a shop window, or a wall display are being asked to feature an interactive poster featuring a QR code that people can scan with their smartphone to donate.

Whilst the number of public facing drop-off points are being restricted, workplaces can still collect gifts internally and deliver them to Mission HQ as early as possible and ideally by Friday 11th December to give the reduced team more time to sort and distribute them.

To find out how you can get involved, contact Alison via email: Alison.ollerenshaw@bauermedia.co.uk or by calling 07867 361 855. You can also contact Audra via email: Audra.sloan@bauermedia.co.uk or by calling 07812 661 675.

Greatest Hits Radio 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, Christmas, Featured, Home, Leisure, Uncategorised, VisitingTagged in , , , , ,

National lockdown – changes to council services in Chesterfield

A second national lockdown has been announced by Government in response to rising numbers of Covid-19 cases.

This will take effect from Thursday 5 November and is due to end on Wednesday 2 December.

Chesterfield Borough Council is committed to doing all it can to keep essential services running for local people. But the safety of customers and staff must come first, and changes to some services will take effect from Thursday 5 November.

Councillor Tricia Gilby, Leader of the Council, said: “This is a very difficult time for everyone, but I want to reassure residents and business owners in Chesterfield borough that we will do all we can to support them over the coming weeks.

“Infection rates in Chesterfield continue to rise and we must take action. We urge everyone to follow the Government’s guidance to help slow the spread of the virus and protect the most vulnerable in our community.

“We have reviewed the impact of the Government’s latest guidance on our services – public safety must be our top priority, but we will do all we can to keep the council’s essential services running for local people.

“We are a resilient borough with a strong sense of community which has absolutely shone through during these last seven months, and we will continue to work together to get through these difficult times.”

The key changes are summarised below – for the latest information visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk or follow the council’s social media pages on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

People must adhere to the new lockdown restrictions at all times, including:

  • Do not meet socially indoors with family or friends unless they are part of your household – meaning the people you live with – or support bubble
  • You should minimise time spent outside your home and when around other people, ensure that you are two metres apart from anyone not in your household or support bubble
  • Remember the Hands. Face. Space rule – follow social distancing, wear a face covering where required (unless exempt) and wash hands regularly

Customer services arrangements

People are asked to contact the council online or by phone wherever possible to avoid unnecessary travel and face-to-face contact:

  • Via the council’s website – www.chesterfield.gov.uk
  • Via the new My Chesterfield online hub – visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/mychesterfield to set up an account and manage a range of council services online. Signing up to My Chesterfield will allow you to:
    – Securely manage Council Tax bills and payments, and sign up for e-billing and direct debits
    – View bin collection days
    – Report an issue, such as noise nuisance
    – See information about your local councillor
    – Change your address details
    – Report something that needs cleaning up on a street, road or park
  • By telephone – (01246) 345345

To reduce face-to-face contact, the Customer Service Centre at New Square will be closed from Thursday 5 November for the four-week lockdown period.

Leisure

Healthy Living Centre, Staveley

This will close from Thursday 5 November for the four-week lockdown period. For membership enquiries please email: hlcenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk

Queen’s Park Sports Centre

This will close from Thursday 5 November for all sporting activity. For membership enquiries please email: qpscenquiries@chesterfield.gov.uk

The building will remain open for anyone with a midwifery appointment at the centre and Chesterfield College will continue to access the centre for education purposes.

For both centres, memberships and activity pre-payments will be frozen or carried over for the period of the temporary closure – customers are being contacted directly with more information.

Parks and playgrounds

Parks and playgrounds will remain open to allow people to enjoy outdoor exercise, in line with Government guidance.

You can exercise or visit outdoor public places with the people you live with, your support bubble, or one person from another household (children under school age, as well as those dependent on round-the-clock care, such as those with severe disabilities, who are with their parents will not count towards the limit on two people meeting outside).

Allotments

Chesterfield Borough Council’s allotment sites will remain open for use, in line with Government guidance.

Town Hall

The Town Hall reception will remain open but people are strongly encouraged to contact the council online (www.chesterfield.gov.uk) or by phone (01246) 345345, to reduce face-to-face contact and unnecessary travel.

Services within the Town Hall

Chesterfield Coroner’s Court

This will remain open, operating a service in line with Government guidance but please check the Derbyshire County Council website for the latest position

Register Office

This will remain open, operating a service in line with Government guidance but please check the Derbyshire County Council website for the latest position

Chesterfield Crematorium

Attendance at funeral services is still limited to a maximum of 30 people and to family and household members only. Those attending services are asked to wear a face covering when inside the crematorium chapel (unless exempt).

For families who would wish for absent family members and friends to be part of the funeral services, a free webcasting service can be arranged through your funeral director.

It is recognised that many people visit the Crematorium to view the book of remembrance and find comfort in doing so. The council would respectfully ask that you do not visit the Crematorium at this time. Those who wish to do so can still view the book online: www.chesterfield.bookofremembrance.uk/view-books

Venues

Pomegranate Theatre / The Winding Wheel Theatre

Chesterfield Borough Council venues will close to the public from Thursday 5 November for the four-week lockdown period.

Customers who have bought tickets for any show which falls within this time frame will be contacted by a member of the team. Details of rescheduled and cancelled shows can be found at www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk/event-updates

If you have an enquiry, please email box.office@chesterfield.gov.uk. There will be a limited telephone service on (01246) 345222

*Please note that the NHS Blood Donation sessions scheduled at The Winding Wheel Theatre will go ahead, in line with Covid-19 safe procedures.

Visitor Information Centre

The Visitor Information Centre will close to the public from Thursday 5 November for the four-week lockdown period. If you have an enquiry, please email tourism@chesterfield.gov.uk

Chesterfield Museum / Revolution House

The venues are closed and will remain closed to the public for the four-week lockdown period. A decision has not yet been made on when the venues will reopen to the public.

Chesterfield Museum has a phone service available during office hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays – call (01246) 345727.

Chesterfield Market Hall / Pavements Shopping Centre and outdoor Market

These will remain open for essential retail only, in line with Government guidance.

The Market Hall Café will be closed from Thursday 5 November, for the four-week lockdown period.

Public toilets in the Market Hall and Pavements Shopping Centre will remain open for use – operating to Covid-19 safety standards.

Find out more about changes to some of our local businesses on our Shopping During Lockdown page

Other local venues

The council will keep its community venues (Hasland Village Hall and the Market Hall Assembly Rooms) open for exclusive use by health and wellbeing support groups who currently use them, to provide a service for residents in line with Government guidance.

Council car parks

For now, council car parks in Chesterfield will remain open and usual parking charges will apply.

Drivers have the option of cashless parking in a number of town centre car parks and can pay on their phones through the PayByPhone app. More information is available at www.chesterfield.gov.uk

For further information on how you can save money by pre-purchasing weekly, monthly or annual parking permits, please visit the council’s website www.chesterfield.gov.uk.
Parking savers can also be purchased through the PayByPhone app. The code to access the parking savers on the app is ‘804576’.

Residents are reminded to use their Resident’s Permit, which entitles them to park for free in most car parks before 10am and after 3pm Monday to Saturday and all day on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

Waste and recycling

Waste and recycling collection services will run as normal.

Housing repairs

The Council is working to maintain housing repair services where it is safe and appropriate to do so. It will contact council tenants if there are changes that they need to be aware of.

Support services

Business support

The council is still awaiting Government guidance on the business support schemes that will operate through the period of the four-week lockdown. The council anticipates receiving an allocation of funding to enable it to give grants of up to £3,000 (with the amounts per business linked to rateable value) per business where they are required to close for the period from 5 November to 2 December.

With Chesterfield borough moving from a Tier 1 area to a Tier 2 area (high Covid alert level) on 17 October, the council will also receive an allocation of funding to support businesses in the hospitality, leisure and accommodation sectors that suffered from reduced demand from 17 October to 4 November.

Finally, the council will receive a share of Government’s recently announced £1.1 billion Additional Restrictions Grant. The amount of funding the council will receive is still to be confirmed. This is a discretionary grant scheme for local authorities to decide how best to use it to support local businesses.

The council will share more details on the above schemes when it has received further Government guidance and knows exactly how much funding it has to allocate. The funding will be used to support eligible local businesses affected both immediately prior to and during the period of the four-week lockdown.

Find out more about the support available to local businesses here 

Careline

The Careline service is unaffected.

Homelessness support

Rough sleepers are vulnerable to contracting Covid-19 due to their inability to self-isolate and comply with social distancing guidelines and therefore the council is encouraging anyone who may need help to get in touch as soon as possible.

Anyone who needs support is encouraged to contact the homelessness prevention team on 07870 277291 (calls only, not text messages) or homelessness.prevention@chesterfield.gov.uk

More information is available on our website at www.chesterfield.gov.uk/housing/homeslessness

Community support information

For more information about local community support organisations and projects please visit www.chesterfield.gov.uk/community-support-information

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