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)
1. Attendance and support
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.
2. The Role of the Group
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.
3. The West Derbyshire and
This is a study of the East and South Derbyshire Greenway Strategy. It forms a strand of the Rights of Way Improvement Plan and will inform the Local Transport Plan 2006/2011 by extending the Derbyshire Cycle Network throughout the Derbyshire Dales and High Peak Districts (eventually?).
We agreed a submission which recommends priority is given to the urban
corridor between Cromford and Rowsley providing a traffic-free route away from the A6 for walkers, cyclists, pushchairs and wheelchairs. To
eventually include the proposed Derwent Valley Cycleway, from
The submission also included a petition of over 200 signatures, collected at meetings, supporting our campaign.
This would effectively, by joining up the two trails (
We are concerned that the standard set by the County Council is ‘an ideal’ but not always practical. Our experience of well-used Sustrans’ routes, although often of a high standard and equal to the DCC recommended standard (DCC Greenways aim to be 3 metres wide with 1 metre verges), was one of compromise when necessary. The aim should be to achieve a ‘viable’ route rather than rigidly stick to the ‘ideal’. It is clear to us that the Derwent Valley Route has ‘pinch points’ and problem sections which would need a pragmatic approach (use of shared pavements and maybe some road use) to be viable. This should not delay or stop it happening.
4. Progress
We have made progress; raising the profile of the proposed Derwent Valley Cycleway and getting the project off the shelf, where it had been gathering dust for some 10 years, and on to the DCC’s plans. The next stage is to see the appointment of a project manager and a starting date for part, or the entire project.
We have produced a leaflet describing who we are, what we are about and included a sketch of the probable route. We also now have our own website.
5. Ideas and Action
b) Use our membership of the local Sustrans group to encourage support from their national body.
c) Contact: The English Tourist Board; The Developers of Cawdor Quarry site; local MPs.
d) Include Local Radio in our Press Releases.
Chris Strawford
Jan 08