DESPITE all the talk of doom and gloom, large numbers of people are keen to move home in 2012, according to a leading property website.

According to Rightmove.co.uk, there were 27% more searches for homes in the first 10 days of 2012 than in the same period a year earlier.

Rightmove director Miles Shipside says: “Old records are being shattered as search activity surges. Potential buyers and sellers are looking more often and researching more thoroughly.

“In areas with a lot of property up for sale, buyers are looking hard for properties with something really special in terms of value, potential, location or quality of finish.

“If it doesn’t shout ‘special’, they are unlikely to overpay for the privilege of buying an average property in these mortgage-constrained times.

“In locations with little stock for sale, online junkies are ready to pounce on fresh property coming to market to see if it meets their housing needs.

“This search addiction is in part caused by each agency branch currently listing an average of less than one new property per week, an all-time low and around half of pre-credit crunch levels.”

Rightmove thinks the low levels of turnover will only ease when mortgages are easier to obtain.

There were more than 44 million property searches on Rightmove in the first 10 days of 2012 - highlighting strong pent-up demand to move, and also caution among value-seeking buyers taking extra care to research the market before they dive in.

It suggests that if a larger number of mortgages was available, transaction numbers could pick up sharply after three years of stagnation.

Average unsold stock per estate agency branch is 66, the lowest Rightmove has measured since February 2010. But the 36,433 properties coming to market this month equate to an average of less than one new listing per branch per week.

Agents say prospective sellers are deterred by lack of confidence, lack of choice and tight mortgage lending.

Contrasting conditions in local markets will drive prices: the shortage of homes for sale in some areas will help to underpin asking prices.

Despite minimal turnover levels, January also produced the beginning of a ‘spring bounce’ in asking prices of homes coming to market, with an increase of 1.4% in the first week of 2012.

Prices also appear to be little changed in the past year: up by a nominal 0.4%, though with RPI running at 5.2% this represents a fall in real terms.

Shipside added: “There will be upwards price pressure where the local market is short of a type or style of stock. In these areas, getting a property onto the market soon could be to a seller’s advantage, given the strong upsurge in property search activity.”

ALFRETON Town assistant manager Russ O’Neill insists Alfreton Town will go to Blue Square Bet Premier Division league leaders Fleetwood Town on Saturday with every intention of winning.

Big spending Fleetwood are red hot favourites to win the title this season and smashed Ebbsfleet United 6-2 on Tuesday night.

However, O’Neill says the Reds will not be going there to shut up shop and go for a damage limitation exercise.

O’Neill said: “Yes we know it is probably our toughest game of the season but we believe in ourselves.

“We matched Fleetwood for long periods in our home game against them and we can’t go defensively.

“Tamworth held them recently and there is no reason why we can’t go there and have a good go. I can’t see the benefit from doing anything else.”

It will be a first trip back to Fleetwood’s impressive Highbury set-up since losing out 2-1 in the Conference North play-off final back in May 2010.

Central midfield player Anton Brown will miss the game after receiving a one-match suspension for his sending off against Darlington last weekend.

Central defender Leigh Franks is back in full time training after recovering from a hamstring injury.

Reds manager Nicky Law has strengthened his squad with the signing of former Gretna and Barnet midfield player Nicky Deverdics on Monday.

Deverdics took part in a behind-closed-doors practise game at Burton Albion on Tuesday.

O’Neill added: “He did well, but you can tell he has not had many games lately. We might have to get him out for a few games to gain full match fitness but he will continue to train with us.

“We may also get another practice game behind closed doors in next week if we can.”

Meanwhile, it has been a good few days for Alfreton Town Football Club’s prospects of survival this season.

On Saturday they came from behind to thump relegation rivals Darlington 3-1 at the Impact Arena despite going down to ten men on the hour when Anton Brown was sent off for a second cautionable offence having already been booked in the first half.

Then, despite not playing themselves, Tuesday evening’s results went for them with the exception of Hayes & Yeading United closing the gap on the Reds to one point after a 1-0 win at rock-bottom Bath City who now look doomed.

Darlington lost again, this time 5-2 at Mansfield Town, and although Alfreton are still in the first of the relegation places in 21st spot, they are only there on goal difference from Darlington who have played two games more.

Alfreton also have two games in hand on Stockport County who are one place and one point ahead of Darlington.

Kettering Town also went down 3-1 at home to Forest Green Rovers and remain in 22nd place underneath Alfreton.

Newport County also went down 2-1 at Tamworth to end their recent mini revival.

Meanwhile, Alfreton Town Supporters’ Association transport departs at 9am and seats can be booked via Mark Thorpe on (01773) 836251.

Pictured are Alfreton players in action during the 3-1 victory over Darlington.

Results

DCFA DIVISIONAL CUP Semi-Finals: Cromford 1 (3), Dove Holes 1 (4) et&p; Furness Vale 1, Buxton Town 6.#

PREMIER DIVISION: AFC Dronfield Woodhouse 1, Hathersage 1; Bradwell 3, Hunters Bar 0; Brampton 7, Grindleford 1; Bakewell Town 1, Holmesfield 4.

A DIVISION: Buxworth 6, Calver 3; Peak Dale 0, Blazing Rag 4; Youlgreave Utd 2, FC United Tideswell 1.

B DIVISION: Bakewell Town Res 1, Bradwell Res 2; Baslow 3, Tideswell Blue Star 2; Cote Heath 3, Stoney Middleton 1; Edale 1, Railway FC 2; Eyam 5, Buxworth Res 5

FIXTURES

PREMIER DIVISION: Brampton, Bakewell Town; Buxton Town, Dronfield Town A; Furness Vale, Hathersage; Grindleford, Bradwell; Holmesfield, AFC Dronfield Woodhouse; Tintwistle Villa, Hunters Bar; Totley Sports, Dove Holes.

CLIFF ELLIS TROPHY: Blazing Rag, Dronfield Woodhouse; Buxworth, Red Lion; Tideswell Utd, Dove Holes Res.

A DIVISION: Calver, Youlgreave Utd; Dronfield Town B, Peak Dale; FC United Tideswell, Buxton Christians;

B DIVISION: Bakewell Town Res, Buxworth Res; Baslow, Stoney Middleton; Bradwell Res, Cote Heath; Chinley, Eyam; Edale, Tideswell Blue Star; Railway FC, Furness Vale Res; Winster Wasps, Bamford.

NO further action is to be taken against a college principal who was suspended from her post last year.

Judith McArthur was suspended as chief executive and principal of Chesterfield College in July 2011 in what was described at the time by college chairman, Frank Smith as a “management issue.”

But he has this week released a statement saying Mrs McArthur is no longer under investigation.

He said: “Following a thorough investigation that has taken place over several months it has been decided not to proceed with any action.

Judith reaches 60 in March and is retiring as she originally intended.”

He added: “Judith was appointed to the college in December 1995 as curriculum director, was appointed vice principal in 2000 and principal in July 2008 after serving for six months as acting principal. 

“During her time at the College she presided over four successful Ofsted Inspections.

“Judith built up an excellent knowledge of the College as a whole and became a well-known and respected figure. During the last twelve months of her employment Judith encountered a series of personal family illnesses and subsequent bereavements.

“Judith leaves the College in March 2012 with its best wishes for the future.”

Chesterfield FC’s Walking Football sessions for the over 60s restart on Monday and will continue until Monday, April 2.

The sessions take place indoors at Queen’s Park Sports Centre. Beginners play from noon to 1pm while the intermediate sessions will be staged from 1-2pm.

Over 60s who would like to take part are advised just to turn up. The cost per session is £1.50.

HAUNTING Julia doesn’t fit the typical Alan Ayckbourn mould. It’s billed as a ghost story, and he usually explores the way people connect with each other, or fail to.

HAUNTING Julia doesn’t fit the typical Alan Ayckbourn mould. It’s billed as a ghost story, and he usually explores the way people connect with each other, or fail to.

But his own introduction to the play describes how he became more interested in the people than the haunting.

Tabs Productions bring this tense, intriguing piece of theatre to the Pomegranate this week; there’s spooky laughter and music, but mostly, in true Ayckbourn style, it’s about the people.

John Hester tugs any parent’s heartstrings as the desperate father of a girl genius still looking for answers twelve years after her untimely death.

Chris Sheridan contrasts crisply the girl’s logical, down-to-earth former boyfriend; his life has moved on, and he has no truck with weird happenings.

John Goodrum is Ken the self-styled psychic, an odd little man with an agenda of his own.

And then there’s Julia...

I’m giving nothing away – but it will make you question what you believe, and the shock ending is well worth waiting for.

It runs until Saturday, and the repertory season continues until March 10.

POLICE in Chesterfield are appealing for witnesses after an elderly woman had three chains stolen from her neck.

At around 10.25pm on Friday, February 17, a 70-year-old woman was stood in New Square outside the Portland Hotel when she was approached by a man.

The man put his arm around the victim and then grabbed the necklaces she was wearing and pulled them from her neck.

The victim did not suffer any injuries during the theft.

The thief had approached the victim and spoken to her earlier in the evening in The Market pub.

Officers from the Chesterfield Town Centre Safer Neighbourhood Team would like to speak to anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information.

The thief was in his late twenties, around 5ft 9in tall, medium build and of Mediterranean appearance with dark hair and stubble. He was wearing a pink top and blue cargo-style trousers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chesterfield Town Centre SNT on the non-emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

]]> 1.4271638 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:22:48 +0000 http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/homes_without_water_after_major_leak_1_4273481

NEARLY 1,600 homes were left without water after a mains pipe burst.

Water cascaded through Matlock after the major leak on the corner of Woolley Street and Dimple Road at around 8.30am on Wednesday, February 22.

Woolley Street was closed in both directions and workers from Severn Trent Water arrived at the scene at 9.45am.

Gravel was spread across Bakewell Road near to the junction after water began to gather.

A spokesman for Severn Trent said workers were trying to fix the 12 inch pvc mains pipe as soon as possible.

He added: “We are looking at getting water from other areas and as long as it goes to plan people should be back on soon.

“Repairs have begun but we expect there will still be some disruption tomorrow.

“We apologies to those that have been inconvenienced both traffic wise and without water.”

julia.rodgerson@derbyshiretimes.co.uk

Staveley MW’s dream season has surged on with the Inkersall Road men reaching the quarter finals of the FA Vase and maintaining their push for the Northern Counties East Premier League title.

Manager Billy Fox was delighted when his side booked their ticket to the last eight of the Vase competition thanks to a 2-0 triumph over East Midlands side Oadby Town from Leicestershire.

The visitors looked a dangerous prospect as in their ranks was Matt Piper who cost Sunderland £3.5m when he moved from Leicester before a series of injuries put paid to his professional career.

But the night belonged to Joe Thornton who scored a goal in either half to take Staveley through.

The opener came on 41 minutes when he slotted in a cross from Andrew Fox while the second arrived in the 61st minute when he fired into an open net following a poor clearance.

Staveley’s reward is a home quarter-final tie against St Ives Town, from Cambridgeshire, of the United Counties Premier League, on March 3, kick off 3pm.

Meanwhile, on Saturday, Staveley returned to league business and defeated Nostel MW FC 2-1.

Ian Clarke gave Staveley the lead in the 18th-minute before the visitors pulled level in the 55th minute.

Welfare were not to be denied, however, and the winner arrived in the 80th minute, courtesy U19 striker Adam Houghton.

OVER 100 residents turned out to have their say on “congestion chaos” in their village.

Hasland villagers and traders attended the meeting at Chesterfield town hall on Tuesday, to call on highways bosses to reinstate a mini roundabout.

They claim traffic lights on Mansfield Road, are “dangerous” and say they are deterring trade.

A petition of over 2,300 signatures against the new traffic system has been given to the county council.

Resident Debbie Roe said: “Everyone voiced their opinion. We need traffic to flow again.”

]]> 1.4271714 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 10:49:44 +0000 http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/hospital_in_unprecedented_situation_1_4271365

HEALTH chiefs battling to contain outbreaks of a highly infectious bug at a Derbyshire hospital hope the “unprecedented” situation will improve over the next few days.

Bosses took the drastic step of closing Chesterfield Royal Hospital to visitors last Wednesday after the contagious Norovirus winter vomiting bug struck eight wards.

The Calow hospital remained under lockdown as the Derbyshire Times went to press on Wednesday.

Sarah Turner-Saint, head of communications at the hospital, said: “It’s over a week since we took the unprecedented decision to close our adult in-patient wards to visitors to try and break the cycle of this outbreak – which is the worst we have known.

“This was a tough call to make - but with fewer beds and fewer staff we were in real danger of not being able to provide services to critically ill patients.

“We hope that over the next few days the situation will improve as we self-limit the infection on these wards and the bug dies out.”

She added: “This has been an extremely difficult time for patients and visitors and we appreciate their ongoing support and patience.

“On the whole everyone has been very understanding.”

Norovirus causes violent sickness and diarrhoea and is the most common stomach bug in the UK.

Mrs Turner-Saint called on visitors to be vigilant when the hospital opens its doors again.

She said: “When we do re-open we’d urge visitors not to come under any circumstances if they have had symptoms of diarrhoea and sickness over the past 72 hours.

“Good hand hygiene is vital too – there are hand gels and hand wash stations at all ward entrances and these should be used on arrival and leaving.”

A video on Norovirus can be viewed at www.chesterfieldroyal.nhs.uk.

l For updates on this story keep checking www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk.

michael.broomhead@

derbyshiretimes.co.uk

NO LONGER OPEN: Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

A ROMANTIC suitor who has celebrated 60 years of marriage was swept off his feet when he first met his wife-to-be at a roller skating ring.

Doug Dean, of Overton Close, Staveley, met Alice after she came to his rescue when he fell over during a skating session in Manchester.

Alice said: “Doug’s friend had brought him skating while he was in the army doing National Service and he fell and I helped him up and got him safely to one side of the skating ring.

“During the break I went for an orange juice and we had a chat and became friends and started courting.”

The couple went on to be married at St Thomas’ Church, Gorton, in Manchester, on February 16, 1952.

Doug, 82, had several jobs and worked at a blacksmith’s, at Staveley Works and as a social security works supervisor while Alice, 80, worked as a machinist.

The couple have sons Douglas, Anthony, Christopher, David, Carol and Ann and also have five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. They are hoping to celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary with a family meal.

FLIP-FILLED fun was brought to Winster on Shrove Tuesday as an inaugural pancake race took place in the village.

Competitors from toddlers to pensioners grabbed their frying pans to race along the village’s main street.

Around 50 people took part in 12 races.

Organiser Nicola Gilbert said: “It was a brilliant day and we had a really good turn-out.

“Some of the older generation said the pancakes were not being tossed enough and they would have been disqualified in their day but good fun was had by all.”

]]> 1.4270198 Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:54:37 +0000 http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/arrows_on_target_for_national_final_1_4269463

North Derbyshire basketball fans are gearing up for a national final on Sunday after Killamarsh Arrows defeated London Westside 78-65 in an exciting semi-final showdown.

The Arrows, who booked their ticket in front of a noisy crowd at Killamarsh Leisure Centre, will face Hemel Storm for the Patrons Cup in Leicester.

Reaching the final is a great achievement for the Arrows who are celebrating their 20th anniversary this season.

In addition, they have a history of youth development and a team that has overcome bigger budgeted organisations to earn a chance in the spotlight.

Led by the inspirational skipper Same Spare, Arrows have made Killamarsh a fortress this season, winning eight out of ten games there.

Arrows are having a great season with two U14 players - Ross Walcott and Aiden Dennison - having won a National Championship with the East Midlands.

Pictured are the members of the successful Killamarsh Arrows team.

Chesterfield 2, Bradford City 0

Dean Morgan, who netted the winner in the derby victory over Sheffield Wednesday, grabbed both goals on Tuesday as Chesterfield Reserves defeated their opposite numbers from Bradford in a behind-closed-doors match at the B2net on Tuesday.

It was an opportunity for both teams to give match practice to squad players, as well as players coming back from injury such as Jimmy Juan getting 30 minutes of pitch time.

Midfieldef Mark Randall, who has been unwell in recently, also got in half a match.

Chesterfield took the lead after 15 minutes when a Craig Westcarr cross from the right was controlled by Dean Morgan, and a trademark shimmy created the opening for him to emphatically hammer the ball into the net.

Although Chesterfield were the most dominant another clear cut chance didn’t come until just before the break when Derek Niven glanced the ball wide from Jamie Lowry’s pin point free-kick.

Chesterfield scored a second goal soon after the break and they were rarely troubled during the second-half and made a number of substitutions as the game progressed.

The Spireites second goal came when the Bradford goalkeeper missed his clearance.

This let in Dean Morgan who rounded the keeper to slot the ball home for his second goal of the game.

A third Chesterfield goal looked likely after 60 minutes when Scott Boden crossed invitingly from the by-line but the flight of the ball somehow eluded Jordan Bowery who was in space at the back post.

After the game coach Mark Crossley said: “The purpose of the game was to give the lads some match practice. Mark Randall, who has been poorly, managed to get in half a game, and Jimmy Juan played for 30 minutes after recovering from a calf injury.

“He is on the road to recovery but will need another game and training before he is back in contention.”

He added: “The only player out injured is Gregor Robertson who has a slight hamstring strain from Saturday’s match against Sheffield Wednesday but it doesn’t seem to be too serious and we expect him to be out for a couple of weeks.”

Chesterfield line-up: Fleming, Mendy, Gray, Smith, Hazell (sub Randall 46), Westcarr (sub Waddle 60), Niven, Lowry, Morgan (Juan 60), Boden (Wafula 70), Bowery.

A NEW weapon has been developed in the war on Derbyshire’s litter – a talking bin.

Shoppers will be congratulated for throwing away their rubbish responsibly.

The bin – located near the library, behind McDonalds – is part of the Love Where You Live campaign and will be spreading some love to shoppers for the next month.

In London talking bins have collected 50 per cent more rubbish than normal bins.

“I just love rubbish”, “I love it when you feed me” are just some of the special messages that will greet you when you pop your rubbish into the bin.

Cllr Chris Ludlow, executive member for the environment said: “The challenge is to encourage people to properly dispose of their fast food litter and hopefully the talking bin will have a positive impact.

“It is a bit of fun but it’s also part of our efforts to have a clean, litter free Chesterfield.”

]]> 1.4270100 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:58:33 +0000 http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/dining_out_creative_cuisine_puts_fire_in_dragon_s_belly_1_4270061

If you are a fan of unusual and creative recipes featured on TV cooking programmes such as ‘Masterchef’, then the Dragons Fold Restaurant could be the place for you.

The Dragons Fold is a small privately owned restaurant situated in the village of Old Brampton approximately three miles west of Chesterfield town centre.

Standing opposite the village church of Saint Peter and Paul, it was formerly known as the George and Dragon, having been a public house since the early 18th century.

It was rebuilt in its current form in the 1890s and was refurbished and reopened as the Dragons Fold Restaurant in November 2011.

On entering the restaurant we ordered our drinks at the private bar which like the restaurant area was vibrantly decorated in a contemporary theme. We felt the wine list was a little limited, indeed if you chose wine by the glass, only one choice of white was available. As we took our seats in the bar we were presented with the menus in order to make our choices.

It is said that the best restaurants carry the smallest menus and large menus only mean large freezers, however we felt the four main courses plus a steak meal did not leave us with enough choice, especially as the dish we would really have liked to try ,The Slow Braised Derbyshire Lamb, was not available. This left a main course menu of one meat, one fish and two vegetarian courses, as the starter Twice Baked Mushroom souffle was also available as a main course.

We relaxed over drinks in the bar area before being escorted to our table in the restaurant as our first course was ready to be served. My choice was Pan Fried Pigeon Breast with Puy Lentils, Game Chips and Bacon Foam (£6.95), which was cooked perfectly, with a touch of delicacy provided by the lentils and bacon foam. My fellow diner chose Cauliflower Soup with Celeriac (£4.95), which may not be to everyone’s taste. However it proved to be the most delicious soup that she had ever tasted, ‘compliments to the chef’ !

For the main course I chose Pan Fried Sea Bass with Confit of Oxtail, (£16). The sea bass was served on a bed of baby spinach accompanied by dauphinoise potato, enhanced by the confit of oxtail, a delicious and superbly presented dish.

Across the table the choice was Confit of Belly Pork with Crackling (£14.95). The lure of the crispy crackling was too hard to resist but unfortunately the dish was slightly under-cooked resulting in a layer of soft fat and disappointing absence of crackling. This was served with sour apple strudel, a clever twist on the usual apple sauce, a swirl of creamed potato and cabbage and bacon ball. The dish was enhanced by a drizzle of tasty shrimp butter. A generous selection of piping hot seasonal vegetables was a welcome extra to the meal.

After perusing the dessert menu which offered some interesting and unusual dishes we opted for the more traditional Treacle Tart with English Custard and Amaretto Ice Cream (£5.50). We felt slightly disappointed as the pastry could have been a little lighter and the tiny serving of custard was hardly worthy of mention. The most enjoyable part of the dessert was the amaretto ice cream.

We were rather surprised that for the duration of our meal no member of staff came to the table to check if everything was ok.

Our visit to the Dragons Fold left us feeling that once a few shortcomings are addressed this will become a much sought after dining experience for Chesterfield

RATING: Three stars

The Dragons Fold Restaurant, Old Brampton, Chesterfield, S42 7JG

Opening times: Friday/Saturday from 6pm; meals served 6.30pm-9pm.

Contact: (01246) 567776 or info@dragonsfold.com

Finally, a much longed for break in the horrendous freezing weather gave me a chance to get a line out at my local fishery, writes Kevin Miles.

Conditions were far from ideal, low bright winter sunshine combined with a bitingly cold wind gave the water’s surface a nasty chop and made spotting a float difficult, to say the least.

But I was in desperate need of some ‘float therapy’!

The water itself was nearly freezing, pockets of thin ice huddled together in the sheltered bays and around bankside reeds, it was going to be a tough day.

A day of ‘scratching for bites’ – with any fish in the net, a welcome bonus.

I was using a ‘puddle chucker’ float, cast to the middle of the lake, combined with a four-foot hook-length and a 20 hook, baited with a single red maggot as bait.

Even the maggots looked cold, barely moving in the box, but still a top bait in the depths of winter.

Amazingly, the first cast resulted in an unmissable sail-away bite and a lovely 6oz rudd that couldn’t resist the bait presented on the drop.

Safely in the landing net, I had a chance to admire its lovely winter colours and tried to remember when last I managed to bank a fish. Fish depravation has strange effects on anglers!

Six fish on the trot, all to a single red, (one maggot landing three fish) and I thought I was doing really well, it’s easy, this fishing lark!

How wrong could I be? For some reason, I couldn’t buy another bite. The fish had totally switched off!

A pouch full of reds around the float resulted in nothing. A change of swims, change of hook-length – nothing!

The feeding time was obviously over and it was time to go home.

It wasn’t until I started to tackle-up that I realised I wasn’t all that cold, it’s amazing how catching fish keeps you warm and alert.

What a fabulous few hours of fishing therapy and with a chance of a midweek session on the horizon, it doesn’t get much better!

Meanwhile, the Young Vanish Angling Club visited us last Sunday and struggled with the conditions, but 8lb of roach and chub were needed to take first place on a very hard day.

For further match information, phone Dave Offler on 07836 570066.

The Labour controlled Chesterfield Borough Council is making much of the one week, rent free, holiday for the market traders and the fact that the sacking of the market horse (which from your mailbox was clearly an attractor to the market ) will pay for that.

Could I remind your readers that when the Liberal Democrats were in control, we gave two weeks rent free holiday for the market traders in 2008/9 and 2009/10 AND we didn’t have to get rid of the market horse to pay for them – they were paid for out of the operating surplus for the markets, which seemed fair to us.

K.P.MORGAN

Cllr. Walton Ward, CBC

]]> 1.4250174 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 15:21:21 +0000 http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/serious_crash_closes_road_1_4268203

A SERIOUS crash has left a Derbyshire road closed.

A Toyota RAV and a pedal cyclist collided on the A616 in Creswell at 7.30am today.

A Derbyshire police spokesman said the cyclist suffered “multiple injuries” and was airlifted to Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The spokesman added the road remains closed between the junction of Gapsick Lane and Hazelmere Road.

CHESTERFIELD Royal Hospital is still closed to visitors today (Tuesday) as a result of the Norovirus outbreak.

The hospital took the unprecedented step of closing eight wards last Wednesday.

Those with concerns can call the NHS Direct phone service and are advised not to visit surgeries.

For updates see www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk.

]]> 1.4268130 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 10:00:34 +0000 http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/flipping_mad_fun_for_shrove_tuesday_1_4268042

FLIPPING fantastic fun will be taking place in Winster today.

From 2pm races will be taking place along the main street of the village.

Competitors from toddlers to pensioners will be taking part and schoolchildren will enjoy a half-day holiday.

For photographers from the race and a video see this week’s Derbyshire Times and updates on our website.

]]> 1.4268042 Tue, 21 Feb 2012 09:36:51 +0000 http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/victory_over_owls_delights_sheridan_1_4267803

John Sheridan was delighted with Chesterfield FC’s 1-0 victory over his old club Sheffield Wednesday.

The victory over the Wednesday, who are chasing automatic promotion to the Championship, saw the Spireites take a step further towards League One survival.

The Blues boss said: “We battled really well against a very good team.

“They put us under a lot of pressure and I was pleased that it was 0-0 when we came in at half time.

“I said to the lads ‘stay in the game’ and we went out for the second half and had a go and we got the break.’’

The deciding goal came 11 minutes from the end when striker Nicky Ajose was brought down in the area by John Bostock and Dean Morgan - on as a substitute just before halt-time - stroked home the penalty.

The team also recorded a confidence-boosting clean sheet, which helped Blues No 1 Tommy Lee gain the man of the match laurels.

Sheridan praised his defence for the commitment they displayed keeping Wednesday at bay.

He said: “The back four defended well and the keeper made some great saves.

“We could have lost that game 2-0 or 3-0 a few weeks ago.

“But new lads have come in on loan and they have given us a lift. They want to play football and they hit the ground running and our lads have responded.

“In the last ten games we have improved and we have just got to carry on doing what we are doing.’’

Sheridan - who admitted that he never looks while a penalty is being taken - was pleased that Morgan buried the chance near the end.

The manager said: “I didn’t know Morgan was going to take it. He had the confidence to take it and the character to put it in.

“I did not watch it, I have not watched them since I have been here.

“They are, of course, of interest. But I listen to the reaction of the crowd.

“I discovered last season that if I did not watch, we scored. That’s how it was with Danny Whitaker.’’

Whitaker scored eight times from the spot last season as Chesterfield won the League Two title.

Meanwhile, tickets for the JPT final at Wembley against Swindon on Sunday, March 25, were due to go in general sale today at 10am.

Before 8am a queue of supporters snaked around the B2net Stadium waiting their turn.

Last week tickets went on sale to season ticket holders and loyalty card holders.

Pictured is Drew Talbot leading the Chesterfield charge with John Sheridan and Wednesday manager Gary Megson looking on.