Derbyshire news in brief

The hampers – which include chocolates and cosmetics – will help women survivors of human trafficking and those escaping domestic violence.

The hampers were handed over to representatives from organisations including the UK Human Trafficking Centre earlier this month.

Pictured above is Sarah Benger, of the church, with one of the hampers.

- A new project in the Peak District which will encourage residents and visitors to get involved in caring for the area’s moors has been awarded more than £600,000 in funding.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant has been given to the Moors for the Future Partnership (MFP)to develop its Community Science Project.

The “exciting” scheme allows volunteers to help preserve the future of the Peak District’s iconic upland moorlands.

Vanessa Harbar, head of the HLF in the East Midlands, said: “The moors are a much-loved, beautiful landscape and the work to restore them over the last decade is a real success story.

“We’re delighted to continue supporting this pioneering work – helping to send hundreds of volunteers out across the length and breadth of the back-bone of England to gather data to inform land management practices.

“It will provide an incredibly useful insight into how habitats are changing, increasing understanding and informing future priorities,” she added.

Visit www.moorsforthefuture.org.uk for more information about the MFP. If you would like to volunteer, email [email protected]

- A candidate at next year’s General Election is urging Dronfield residents to fill in a questionnaire on policing in the town.

Lee Rowley, Conservative candidate for North East Derbyshire, launched the survey amid fears about the future of the town’s police station.

Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, Alan Charles, is currently considering an internal report which looks at possible station closures in the county.

Mr Rowley said: “Crime remains a real issue of concern in Dronfield.

“I’m launching this survey for residents to show Mr Charles how important this issue is in the area.”

You can fill the survey in at www.dronfieldcrimesurvey.co.uk

- Representatives from a Derbyshire charity have given a talk on the importance of disabled toilets.

Gillian Scotford and Jane Carver, co-founders of Accessible Derbyshire, raised awareness about Changing Places toilets at the prestigious Loo of the Year awards in Solihull.

Changing Places are designed for the 250,000 people in the country whose needs are not met by standard accessible toilets and who need to be changed when they are out.

They are special because they have a height-adjustable changing bench, a ceiling hoist and tracking along with the usual facilities you would expect in a toilet.

Exhibitors Evolve were so impressed with the pair’s presentation and the work of Accessible Derbyshire that they decided to donate £300 to the charity.

- Chiefs at Chesterfield Royal have approved the appointment of a new chairman for the hospital.

From March 2, Helen Phillips will take up the position – signalling the end of a maximum nine-year term of office for outgoing chairman, Richard Gregory. In her new role, Helen will be responsible for strategic development and ensuring robust governance and accountability.

Helen, who is currently an executive director at Yorkshire Water, said: “I am delighted to be appointed to the role of chair and I am looking forward to getting to know the hospital and the people who work hard to provide patients and local people with excellent care and treatment. I will be working closely with Richard to ensure a smooth transition.”

With a combination of executive and non-executive experience, Helen is a scientist by background and has been a director of the Environment Agency as well as chief executive of Natural England.