COMMENT: Council should ignore campaigning Matlock Bath bikers at their peril

That said, there is definitely something special about a trip into Matlock Bath on a Sunday to see all the bikes parked up on North Parade and South Parade in the village.

The presence of those very machines could become a thing of the past if a controversial move to push through parking charges is given ahead - that’s the view of bikers and traders in Matlock Bath who say the proposal could kill off tourism in the village.

Some business owners say a lot of people are drawn to Matlock to see the bikes - but council bosses say the changes will increase the number of visitors and also help the economy in Matlock.

It remains to be seen who will prove to be right if the charges are brought in, but the strength of feeling against the proposals highlights the affection for our gem of a tourist attraction.

So much so, more than 1,000 bikers are expected to descend on Matlock Bath this Sunday as part of the ongoing campaign against the proposals - while around 5,500 people have indicated they will be attending the event to ‘show what Matlock means to people’.

Bikers are a fundamental part of life in Matlock Bath and council bosses should ignore the strength of feeling against the proposed charges at their peril.