Chesterfield council boss responds after Staveley ‘snub’

The boss of Chesterfield Borough Council has hit back after concerns were raised about the authority ‘completely snubbing’ suggestions for Staveley’s future.
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Staveley could receive up to £25million as part of the Government’s Town Deal programme and the borough council is currently leading a process to develop a plan outlining how the money would be spent.

But Councillor Paul Mann, leader of Staveley Town Council, said he felt the borough council was not properly consulting with his authority about where the cash should go.

Huw Bowen, chief executive of Chesterfield Borough Council.Huw Bowen, chief executive of Chesterfield Borough Council.
Huw Bowen, chief executive of Chesterfield Borough Council.
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Coun Mick Bagshaw, Staveley Town Council member for Hollingwood ward, added: “We have three main aims for Staveley with the money, including a better conference and events building for Staveley Hall.

“We have put forward a plan to help Staveley town centre and increase footfall, and we would also like the borough council to gift us the field behind Staveley Hall for events.

"But our plans and the ideas of the public of Staveley have been completely snubbed by the borough council.”

Huw Bowen, borough council chief executive, said: “We are working to a very tight timescale to develop an ambitious and exciting Town Investment Plan for the Staveley area that will deliver new jobs, new housing, and new learning and development opportunities for local people.

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“We are following to the letter the Government’s direction in establishing a Town Deal Board to direct the plan’s development with an independent chair and members drawn from a range of stakeholders including Chesterfield Canal Trust, Barrow Hill Roundhouse and Staveley Town Council.

“Staveley Town Council have made their priority investments known to the council and the board, and these will receive full and proper consideration alongside those promoted by other board members, local businesses and members of the public.

“With the full co-operation and participation of all board members, including Staveley Town Council, and with the board’s work also informed by the outcome of past and upcoming consultation events, the council’s aim is to submit the Staveley Town Investment Plan to the Government in October.”

Coun Bagshaw warned Staveley Town Council may withdraw its support for the plan if the borough council ‘doesn't consult and listen to us’ – which could lead to the money being lost.

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