The brains behind Britain's national cycle network has said there is a "national and international obligation" to set up a cycleway linking Matlock, Bakewell and Derby.
Whilst money may now be forthcoming for the route, DVCG members agreed at a recent meeting that they will continue to work together to see that the cycle route/Greenway between Matlock and Buxton becomes a reality.
£1.25 million has been awarded by Cycling England for the provision of a cycle route linking Matlock and Buxton. The project will be managed by the Peak District National Park Authority (PDNPA) with cooperation from Derbyshire County Council. A project manager has already been appointed. Works will be undertaken in a phased manner, with Buxton to Millers Dale the likely first phase of the route to be built. The 1.25 million needs to be spent by 2011 and further funding will be required for the route, which will cost an estimated £3.5 million.
See also: Peak District National Park News; Matlock Mercury
During a meeting in July, it emerged that Derbyshire County Council, despite earlier indications of support, do not favour the route proposed by DVCG and prefer a route to the west of the River Derwent via Oker and the gated road broadly following the Derwent Valley Heritage Way. This route is more suitable for horseriders and less objectionable to a major stakeholder. The DVCG are concerned that whilst the proposed DCC route would support tourism and day trippers, it would not serve the local community as well as it is not close to centres of population and does not provide such a direct route between settlements. However, the DVCG will continue to liaise with DCC and wish to be included in the further development and refinement of the route and links to it. DCC Councillors, Officers and members of the DVCG are hoping to walk the route together in the near future.
On 25th June 2009 members of DVCG gave a presentation to Derbyshire Dales District Council, describing the proposed Greenway route from Matlock to Rowsley and also the wider context of the route between Derby and Buxton. The talk was well recieved with supportive comments from councillors and encouragement to liaise with both County Council and District Council Officers to agree on the route and move forward with planning and funding.
The presentation can be downloaded (0.2MB): DV Greenway presentation
A Working Group has been set up within Darley Dale Town Council to support the aims of the DVCG and in particular the provision of the multi-user Greenway from Matlock to Rowsley. The Town Council have recognised that the route meets one of the key aims of their Town Plan and would be of huge benefit to the local community in providing a route for pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists to get around Darley Dale without facing the dangers of the A6.
The working group have offered to provide financial assistance as well as general support to facilitate the provision of the route as soon as possible.
DVCG awarded funds from Community Fund (Mar09)The following text appeared on the front page of 'Focus' the LibDems newsletter March 2009:
"Well done to the local Derwent Valley Greenway Group for publishing an excellent report. This report expresses a desire to see a Greenway Route through the Derwent Valley for cycling and walking. A substantial part of the route will pass through Darley Dale.
District Councillor David Burton welcomes the hard work contributed by the group. David says, “This proposed Greenway route will be of great benefit to many local people and visitors to our area. These people are entitled to a safer and more environmentally friendly route. ClIr Burton is now encouraging the group to publish more copies of their report and to make a full presentation of this important project to all members of the District Council at a future Full Council Meeting. County Councillor, Nigel Allwood has donated a Community Award Grant of £500 pounds to help with publication costs for the group."
The DVCG will give a presentation to the full Council Meeting of Derbyshire Dales District Council on Thursday, 25th June 2009 in order to explain the route and answer questions.
DVCG have recently completed a report showing the proposed route for the Greenway between Matlock and Rowsley. This has been circulated to Peak Rail, Derbyshire Dales District Council, Derbyshire County Council, Matlock and Darley Dale Town Councils and local Councillors.
The proposal can be downloaded (3.8MB): DV Greenway Proposal (includes detailed maps) or see The route (detailed maps not included)
DVCG agrees constitution (Nov 08)
The Derwent Valley Cycle Group has now been formally constituted. The core group of the DVCG consists of:
President: John Grimshaw (CBE) Chairman: Chris Strawford Secretarty: Martin Jones Officers: Robert Clarke Antony Crowder Liz Pasteur Jeremy TaylorBy Jeremy Taylor (see http://www.matlockmercury.co.uk/news/Founder39s-call-for-Dales-cycle.4594535.jp for online article)
Bike call: Sustrans founder John Grimshaw.
DVCG member cycles Coast to Coast (Sept 08)
DVCG member, Antony Crowder cycled the Coast to Coast route from Workington to Sunderland during September in beautiful autumn sunshine to raise money for the Derwent Valley Cycleway. Anyone wishing to make a donation, please contact Antony.
Route Surveys undertaken (July 08)
Members of the group have been out and about along the Matlock to Rowsley section of the route during June and July. They have been surveying the different route options and updating the information from the original Sustrans survey done in 1998. There are different options for sections of the route and this information will be used to inform choices about the final route.
South Peak Sustrans Supporters Group formed (Feb 08)
Sustrans recently set up a local supporters group in the area, the South Peak Sustrans Supporters Group (SPSSG). One of the issues that the group will be focussing on is the Derwent Valley Greenway. This group should be able to bring experience and expertise to the campaign and work in a complimentary way with the DVCG.
A member of the DVCG, Martin Jones, will act as liaison between the DVCG and DVSSG.
West Derbyshire and High Peak Greenways Strategy (Jan 08)
The West Derbyshire and High Peak Greenways Strategy has recently been published by the County Council Countryside Service.The Derwent Valley Route is included in the document as a proposed route. The DVCG submitted comments on the Strategy in January 2008, as well as a petition of around 200 signatures in support of the route.
DVCG Supporters Meeting – 9thJan 08 at the Whitworth Centre, Darley Dale (Jan 08)
The meeting was attended by more than thirty enthusiastic supporters (names available) - not all cyclists, some walkers and others local residents wanting to support the DVCG.
Although there were some at the meeting who favoured ‘direct action’ the majority agreed that we remain a lobby group (of local people) trying to bring about the proposed Derwent Valley Cycleway as soon as possible by maintaining our ‘profile’ through the media and at consultation meetings, together with talking to individuals with influence over Council budgets and priorities. Together with encouraging support from other agencies such as Sustrans, the Peak District National Park Authority and others.