'˜Keep Derbyshire together' says county council leader

Chesterfield Borough Council voted to become part of the ‘combined authority’ earlier this year and a six-week consultation period on the move has just begun.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government will decide whether to approve the plans later this year but before a decision is made Derbyshire County Council have appealed to the people of Chesterfield to make their opinions known on the plans.

Leader of Derbyshire County Council, Councillor Anne Western, said: “This is a huge decision which could affect Derbyshire’s largest town and beyond for generations to come. It could mean the end of Derbyshire as an administrative county.

“But it’s not a done deal – the final decision rests with the Secretary of State. So if you don’t want a Mayor and councils from Sheffield and South Yorkshire making decisions that affect Chesterfield and the rest of Derbyshire, it’s important that you have your say to help keep Derbyshire together.”

“It’s important that people have their say about these plans but there will be no referendum.

“Sheffield City Region has launched a public consultation about its proposals but the questionnaire is not designed to allow Derbyshire people to comment on the crucial question of whether decisions about services in Chesterfield should be handed over to a Sheffield City Region Mayor rather than being made locally.

“If you want to comment on this we suggest you use the space provided in the questionnaire for answering other questions to make your feelings known. You can visit www.derbyshire.gov.uk/chesterfield to find out how to take part or send your views to your local councillor or MP.”