DEVOLUTION: Town leaders at war over Sheffield City Region move

Derbyshire Labour Party anti-devolution poster.

Town leaders are at war over one of the biggest decisions Derbyshire has faced in decades.

The leader of Derbyshire County Council has made a last ditch plea for the people of Chesterfield to make their voices heard in the major devolution debate.

Anne Western claims Chesterfield Royal Hospital could be at risk if the borough joins Sheffield City Region and says public services will be fractured.

But Chesterfield Borough Council’s John Burrows says the Sheffield deal will be good for the town, bringing millions of pounds of investment as well as jobs, skills and housing.

Derbyshire Labour group leader Anne Western.

After years of negotiations, Chesterfield decided to join the Sheffield deal over a Derbyshire deal which has currently been put ‘on hold’ by ministers.

Residents are now being given the chance to have their say on the plans.

Derbyshire County Council mounts legal challenge over Sheffield deal

Anne Western: ‘It’s time we let our voices be heard’

John Burrows: ‘Transport deal with make things better’

Toby Perkins: ‘I believe deal is in town’s best interests’

Chesterfield Conservatives: ‘Give people a vote in a referendum’