Peak chief confirms that Stanage Edge is not for sale

Stanage Edge will not be put up for sale, members of the Peak District National Park Authority have decided.
POSS PICTURE POST>>>>   visitors clambering over the rock of  Stanage edge, Derbyshire below..Details Nikon D3s, 300mm f/2.8 at f/9, 1/320s with 400 ISO See Story ?????????? Picture by Chris Lawton
26 Oct  2011POSS PICTURE POST>>>>   visitors clambering over the rock of  Stanage edge, Derbyshire below..Details Nikon D3s, 300mm f/2.8 at f/9, 1/320s with 400 ISO See Story ?????????? Picture by Chris Lawton
26 Oct  2011
POSS PICTURE POST>>>> visitors clambering over the rock of Stanage edge, Derbyshire below..Details Nikon D3s, 300mm f/2.8 at f/9, 1/320s with 400 ISO See Story ?????????? Picture by Chris Lawton 26 Oct 2011

Earlier this month, the Mercury reported how the authority was considering selling the tourist hot-spot to save money – sparking a huge backlash and a petition to stop any sale.

But on Friday, fears were laid to rest when Peak Park members voted not to sell the 545-hectare estate.

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Christopher Pennell, chair of the audit, resources and performance committee, said: “After careful consideration we concluded that the authority is in the best position to run the North Lees estate.

“It was bought with public money and we are fully committed to ensuring public access, conservation, education and innovation.”

Mr Pennell did warn that people will “have to be prepared” to pay higher fees for car parking, camping and refreshments. “But they can rest assured there would never be any restriction or charge for access,” he added.

However, the British Mountaineering Council – who were responsible for petition, Save Stanage Edge – still have their reservations.

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Volunteer Henry Folkard said: “Our main concern is that the land remains open to the public. If the Peak Park will do that, then fine.

“We just wonder how sustainable increasing charges is. It doesn’t seem like a long-term plan. I hope that we are invited around the table to discuss the estate’s future.”