Hundreds sign petition to reopen Chesterfield road

Hundreds of Chesterfield residents have signed a petition calling for a road closed to create a cycle path to be reopened.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

People living on Crow Lane say they were not consulted about its closure to launch a new ‘sustainable and green’ cycle route between the town centre and Chesterfield Royal Hospital.

The closure was made following a joint request from the Royal and the Chesterfield Cycle Campaign to Derbyshire County Council (DCC) to close Crow Lane to traffic at the town end.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

However, residents claim they were not asked ahead of the closure and their reasons to object to the move are ‘many and varied’.

Local cyclists, hospital staff and MP Toby Perkins when Crow Lane was first closed to cars.Local cyclists, hospital staff and MP Toby Perkins when Crow Lane was first closed to cars.
Local cyclists, hospital staff and MP Toby Perkins when Crow Lane was first closed to cars.

“The initial ‘road closure’ signage indicated that this was for three weeks only with most assuming the closure was for road works,” a spokesperson for the residents said.

“It subsequently became apparent that DCC had agreed to its closure liaising with the NHS and the Chesterfield Cycle Campaign group. The road would now only permit cyclists, pedestrians and horses.”

They say there are ‘numerous’ cycle and walking tracks as well as bridleways in the area which could have been considered before closing Crow Lane.

Residents on Crow Lane in Chesterfield are angry the route has been closed off.Residents on Crow Lane in Chesterfield are angry the route has been closed off.
Residents on Crow Lane in Chesterfield are angry the route has been closed off.
Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The spokesperson added: “The closure of Crow Lane will cause congestion and traffic to be diverted elsewhere onto already overstressed roads.”

She says alternative routes will add up to 20 minutes on journeys into town and divert traffic past local schools.

“This is to mention nothing of the considerable added air pollution along these built-up roads, and the health impact it may have on children and the elderly,” the spokesperson said.

“DCC always speak of the need to be both transparent and accountable. They have been neither in this decision.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

A spokesperson for DCC said: “We were asked by the Government to look at a range of measures to help get more people cycling and walking - and closing Crow Lane is part of our response as it enables people to cycle safely to the Royal Hospital.

“We are aware of the petition and will consider it once it arrives with us. We have also had a large number of people contact us to say how much they appreciate the road closure.”

To sign the petition, click here

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this story on our website. While I have your attention, I also have an important request to make of you.

In order for us to continue to provide high quality and trusted local news on this free-to-read site, I am asking you to also please purchase a copy of our newspaper.

Our journalists are highly trained and our content is independently regulated by IPSO to some of the most rigorous standards in the world. But being your eyes and ears comes at a price. So we need your support more than ever to buy our newspapers during this crisis.

With the coronavirus lockdown having a major impact on many of our local valued advertisers - and consequently the advertising that we receive - we are more reliant than ever on you helping us to provide you with news and information by buying a copy of our newspaper.

Thank you

Nancy Fielder, editor