Cllr Susan Hobson’s update

Susan Hobson, Councillor for the Derwent Valley Division has written an open letter to local residents with an update on her recent activity.

Dear Resident

As I type this update on the situation in Ukraine it is very worrying, but local people are already working tirelessly to support those affected by the war. Darley Dale Town Council and The Whitworth are working together to accept donation of clothing, toiletries and nappies, etc. Donations can be dropped at The Whitworth (DE4 2EQ) during office hours.

Here in the Derbyshire Dales the independent review of our waste contract was recently presented to full council. It was accepted that Derbyshire Dales District Council had a robust procurement process and there was no criticism of any of our officers. However, problems do persist and I can only apologise for that, and hope that the situation will be resolved as quickly as possible.

On a positive note, both Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Dales District Council are looking to support local events to support the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, so please do contact me for details.

I have been working very closely with our MP Sarah Dines and our parish and town councils over issues such as flooding and road issues, and also visited homes and businesses, as well as having site meetings with residents. Sarah also joined me recently on a local community litter pick in Darley Dale on a very wet and windy Saturday.

Please report any highways or other issues online and in that way you will have a reference number so that I can follow these up.

It was good to see the Police & Crime Commissioner, Angelique Foster, at Baslow Village Hall recently to meet the wider community and I do hope further events can be organised so that your voices can be heard. It was, however, disappointing that so few residents joined the online Derbyshire Dales District Council Community Forums.

I remain very busy, still doing some private work, and also supporting my wider family. Some recent highlights were visiting Buxton Museum and Art Gallery, Caudwell’s Mill in Rowsley, the LEVEL centre in Rowsley and Midland Railway Centre in Butterley as part of my Derbyshire County Council Cabinet Support role.

The family trip to Baslow Panto was a joy – great to be back being entertained in the village hall – and we are looking forward to the Live & Local musical event in Baslow on 26 March.

As ever it is always best to contact me via email at eithersusan.hobson@derbyshiredales.gov.uk or susan.hobson2@derbyshire.gov.uk

Kind regards

Councillor Susan Hobson
Derwent Valley Division