Latest news with #PeakDistrict
The Sun
20 hours ago
- Business
- The Sun
Our once thriving town is dying thanks to MONTHS of roadwork hell – pubs empty, shops shut & tourists can't stand racket
A ONCE-thriving town and gateway to one of Britain's 'Seven Wonders' has become a "ghost town" - with tourists "actively avoiding it". Horrendous roadworks and noise pollution are making the popular staycation destination a "nightmare" for visitors, locals and traders say. 19 19 19 Located on the southern edge of the Peak District, Ashbourne is undergoing a huge and costly redevelopment to make its roads narrower and footpaths wider. But blocked off streets, dug-up roads and piercing noise from heavy machinery are driving visitors away from the picturesque Derbyshire town, according to residents. The high street, which is home to quaint shopfronts and inviting pubs, is instead littered with bright orange barriers, diggers and road closed signs - and could kill off trade altogether, locals fume. Business owners have slammed the council over the £15m Ashbourne Reborn campaign, which has heavily impacted footfall and caused shops to take in as little as £10 a day. The roadworks, which have forced several local shops to close, are not scheduled to finish until at least October - well after the summer influx of tourists. It's become a ghost town and it's become survival of the fittest because shoppers and tourists are simply avoiding us, which is very sad. Georgina Ashworthshop owner Georgina Ashworth, owner of local shop Pretty Things, said: "Visitors and shoppers are thinking twice about coming here, and businesses are closing down. "It's become a ghost town and it's become survival of the fittest because shoppers and tourists are simply avoiding us, which is very sad. 19 19 19 "They can't just nip across the road to browse and buy in many shops because the place is dug up and it's so noisy, people are walking around with their fingers in their ears. "The roadworks have been going on for months and have driven everyone away. People are avoiding Ashbourne. "[The council] have not offered any compensation for loss of business and it seems to be getting worse, rather than better. I visited creepy ghost town on tropical island - there is one building open "Shops are closing - the vintage clothing shop across the road shut its doors last weekend and more will follow. It's a shame. "If there are any visitors, it will put them off coming back again." She told how even local residents had been outfoxed by the confusing layout and rampant roadworks. The council -run project has seen excavators targeting all routes in and out of town, causing traffic chaos and delays. Jacob Hackett, who works at The Bridge Pub, said business was so bad the boozer had started closing early. The bartender said: "We're just not getting the footfall. 19 19 19 "We've had roadworks outside for two months and the noise from the machinery drives you mad! "Normally we get a lot of tourists and passing trade but they're not coming into town. "We're open from midday to 11pm but the other day we closed at 3pm because we had no customers." Whilst pedestrians can still access the streets on narrow, sealed-off footpaths, no vehicles can enter. Traders have pointed to the summer months as being crucial for the survival of small businesses in the area. But the chaos of excavators running rampant through the town centre poses a serious threat to shopkeepers' livelihoods. 19 19 Jo Hall, owner of The Olde Sweet Shoppe, told Derbyshire Live: "I do not understand why there was no impact assessment done. "It could have given businesses hope as to what positive impact we can expect after the losses we're facing this summer. "It's summers that get you through the winters. Next autumn and winter, I believe we will see a lot of shops struggle. "Ashbourne is made up of micro-businesses, most of us traders here don't have another shop somewhere else to fall back on. "It may well be that shop after shop just can't cope." Ms Hall's shop is now only accessible by a narrow, dead-end footpath. Derbyshire County Council apologised for the disruption but insisted the town was still accessible and "open for business". A council spokesperson said: 'We understand that local people, traders and visitors are feeling frustrated with the roadworks in Ashbourne at the moment and would like to offer our apologies for any inconvenience they are causing. "We were always mindful that the works would cause disruption, but business are open and accessible and Ashbourne is still very much open for business. 19 19 'We are working with all our partners, including Derbyshire Dales District Council, to do all we can to both speed up the roadworks and work with traders to address any specific concerns they may have. "Once the work is finished Ashbourne will be a much better place to visit.' Derbyshire has developed a reputation for its quirky spa towns, rich history and grand country homes. Ashbourne has previously been hailed as an "underrated" getaway, providing a cheaper option for Brits looking to book somewhere close to the national park. It is often referred to as "the gateway to Dovedale" - a popular valley in the Peak District which was hailed as one of the seven wonders of the UK by the Royal Geographical Society in 2021. According to analysis by Independent Cottages, the town has gained more attention in recent years than more celebrated staycation spots in the area, including places like Bakewell. 19 Ashbourne is home to more than 200 listed buildings, including Grade I listed Old Grammar School and The Greenman Pub. Another landmark in the area is St Oswald's Parish Church, which boasts an impressive 212ft high spire. It is also famed for its globally renowned gingerbread, which was allegedly brought to the town during the Napoleonic War. Legend has it that the recipe was given to a local by the personal chef of a captured French general, who was being held captive there at the beginning of the 19th Century. The black and white timber-framed gingerbread shop can still be seen in the roadwork-ridden town centre today. Once a year, locals participate in a peculiar sporting tradition known as Shrovetide Football. Taking place on Shrove Tuesday, the annual event is played over two eight-hour periods, with the goals spaced three miles apart and players able to handle the ball. The games can often become quite violent due to the lack of rules. Local shops and businesses have taken to boarding up their windows in anticipation of the spectacle - but they could be boarding their businesses up for good if the town continues to be plagued by roadworks.
BBC News
21 hours ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
The Sheffield street that appears on BBC Springwatch
A suburban street with an abundance of wildlife is the star of the new series of BBC the first time, producers of the popular nature programme decided to place hidden cameras in ordinary gardens for the show's 20th anniversary took place on a street in the Sheffield neighbourhood of Hillsborough, where residents have installed "swift bricks" to attract the cameras have captured badgers, foxes and hedgehogs as well as the nesting swifts. The location was selected because of its proximity to the National Trust-owned Longshaw Estate in the Peak District National Park, where Springwatch will be broadcast from for the first is also one of the UK's greenest cities, with a quarter of its land consisting of series began on 26 May and is presented by Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan. Researcher and ornithologist Jack Baddams was sent to Hillsborough to meet the human, avian and mammalian residents of the said he was delighted to see swifts nesting in the eaves of the houses and in the bricks installed by homeowners."Just being on this street and hearing their screams is absolutely fantastic - there's so much work going in to protecting swifts in Sheffield."The garden cameras were first set up in April and have recorded 12,000 clips so Baddams added he was surprised to see badger activity in the said: "Badgers are becoming increasingly urban, there's some fantastic populations of urban badgers in the UK, but to see it climbing over the wall, squeezing under fences it seems out of place. But it's very cool." One of the neighbours whose garden was "bugged" is Deborah Beck - who has a "no mow" policy for her lawn and has provided a pond, woodpile and plenty of flowers to attract wildlife.A fox and a hedgehog were filmed as well as a "big badger" jumping on and off her said: "We knew about the hedgehogs. And we have seen foxes here occasionally in the daytime but the badgers were amazing. "It's so lovely – it feels like the less you do in the garden, the more the wildlife come."I'm really pleased about that," she said. The series runs until Thursday 12 June on BBC Two and is also available on iPlayer. Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
The Guardian
a day ago
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
From DJing and folk to songwriting and salsa: 10 of the best music and singing holidays
The Kora Workshop is a small UK company that makes beautiful, high quality koras (a type of West African harp) and teaches people how to play them. UK festivalgoers may have bumped into its staff at Womad or Tribal Earth, but it also offers week-long immersion workshops in the Aveyron in southern France. They include seven days of tuition (both individual and group sessions), as well as shared accommodation and the loan of a kora. The first week got booked up quickly, so move fast if you're interested. 14-21 Sept, £510, HF Holidays is a co-operative whose origins date back to the early 1900s and a pioneer in developing walking holidays for working people. Its new three-nighter in the Peak District mixes singing and socialising with half-day walks in the valleys, forests and grasslands around Ilam and Tissington. The famous Dovedale stepping stones are less than a mile from the Peveril of the Peak country house where the trip is based. Vocal coach Su Grainger (founder of Singing Our Socks Off, Liverpool's longest running community choir) leads the singing sessions in a 'no-pressure environment' crafted to fit all abilities.7-10 Nov, from £459pp, To the outsider, Hard Trance Europe (HTE) – a record label on the heavier end of the electronic music spectrum – may not seem like the most likely organisation to be running a rural retreat with countryside views. But, as HTE puts it, 'the ability to learn is maximised from within a comfortable and relaxed environment'. So, a getaway by the River Tamar on the Devon-Cornwall border it is. Hosts Renegade System, Iain Cross, Lab4 and Nick the Kid boast more than a century of combined experience. Their three-day programme is tailored to participants, whether you're getting started or are mastering your mix. Expect workshops, guest speakers, hard beats – and splendid views.28-30 Sept, from £750, Halsway Manor, at the foot of the Quantock Hills, is the only residential folk music centre in the UK. The Halsway team offers a plethora of midweek and weekend-away courses, ranging from workshops on the Irish bouzouki to how to play the dulcimer. In July, the teaching trio of Amy Thatcher, Tamsin Elliot and Paul Hutchinson are leading a weekend class for levels 1-3 in accordion. You'll need your own instrument and a basic ability to read music, but that's it. Book a single or shared room, learn through the day and jam at night.4-6 July, £200 course-only or £215 to £330 with accommodation, Karuna Haus is set in an idyllic landscape, at the foot of forested hills with a backdrop of the Swiss Alps. This meditation retreat is the setting for holistic voice therapist Sophia Efthimiou's musical retreat in late August. Each day begins with gentle morning yoga and breakfast, followed by vocal exploration sessions, harmony singing and therapeutic voice work either side of lunch. Organic, plant-based food is included and there's a sauna and fresh water pool on site. Sophia also runs singing holidays (including a popular sailing week in Turkey, next dates April 2026).28-31 Aug, from £730 (£845 in a private room), Picture yourself watching the sun set over golden mountains in an ancient farmhouse in Andalucía, isolated between the Sierra Nevada and the Mediterranean. This is Finca Ara Oko, from where Bombo Productions – a community arts organisation focused on Afro-Latin American music – runs week-long retreats. 'Our place is remote, which is one of the attractions,' says founder of Bombo, Vicky Jassey. 'When guests arrive, they feel they can properly detach from everyday life.' Its upcoming salsa percussion retreat has an emphasis on the rhythmic aspects of Cuban music. When tuition time is over, guests can walk in the mountains or go snorkelling on the secluded La Rijana beach. The same team also runs singing retreats in the off-grid farmhouse.8-15 Sept, from £760, Sign up to The Traveller Get travel inspiration, featured trips and local tips for your next break, as well as the latest deals from Guardian Holidays after newsletter promotion The Sessions and Sail crew organise week-long voyages on gorgeous tall ships, giving fans of folk music the chance to live aboard and join workshops, sessions and ceilidhs as they sail. The trips usually operate off the west coast of Scotland, but they're trading Caledonian waters for the volcanic Aeolian Islands north of Sicily this October for an outing on SV Florette, a 40-metre brigantine. On shore, explore Lipari old town and sample Salina wine. On board, develop your fiddle, mandolin or guitar skills, and watch the sun rise and set over the Tyrrhenian Sea. All abilities 18-25, £1,525 adults, £1,395 under-30s, £1,295 hammock sailor, Immerse yourself in the landscapes that have inspired generations of musicians on a road trip around Ireland with the Guitar Social, an organisation born from the idea that learning the guitar is more fun with other people, and which now runs international retreats as well as regular meet ups and classes. Departing from Dublin, players head up to Kilnaleck in County Cavan, before going south-west to Cork, and on to a castle stay in Galway, improving their guitar skills as they go. 'We pride ourselves on welcoming all levels, and if we do get beginners, we tailor the learning to meet their needs,' says founder Thomas Binns. Ten guitar workshops and facilitated evening performances are part of the deal (and we assume a jar of whiskey can be acquired fairly easily as you go over the Cork and Kerry mountains).3-8 Sept, from £1,100 (£2,000 in a private room), Cosy down in a leafy, boutique riad in the medina of Marrakech for five nights, enjoying daily three-hour singing sessions with Belgian-Moroccan singer Laïla Amezian and discovering the storied streets and squares of a city where the scent of spices, orange blossoms and shoe leather fills the air. 'We'll explore Arabo-Andalucían melodies, chaabi [folk] songs, the rich Judeo-Arabic vocal heritage, and original compositions inspired by ancient poetry,' says Amezian. 'We'll journey between poetry and melodic lament, between entrancing tunes and captivating voices.' The trip culminates with a performance.20-25 Oct, from £2,250, It's hard to imagine a more inspiring backdrop for a songwriting retreat than Ardnamurchan. This rugged peninsula – with its wild coastline, rocky outcrops,sandy beaches, stags and sea eagles – juts out from the west coast of Scotland, reaching north to Skye, Eigg and Rum and south to Mull. Touring folk musicians Iona Lane and Katie Spencer are running a 'relaxed and inspired' songwriting retreat based in Kinlochmoidart House, a Scots baronial mansion built in 1884. The focus is on nurturing songwriting and musicality which responds to people and landscape – through workshops, creative sessions and walks in this unspoiled landscape.20-24 April 2026, £745 (£795 in private room),
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
'True treasure' near Bolton named among UK's best areas for staycations
A popular area near Bolton has been named among the best places for UK holidays in a list by Conde Nast Traveller. The travel publication said: 'Though our daily daydreaming usually sees us travelling to far-flung, exotic atolls, in reality, the UK has a vast and varied roster of holiday possibilities on offer without ever having to step foot off the island. 'Not only is this music to the ears of those trying to cut down on their carbon emissions, but it's also a godsend for those short on time, big on bringing their four-legged friend along or keen to keep travel costs low. 'With that said, we've rounded up a clutch of our favourite forms of staycation, from surfing on the enchanting Cornish coast to horse riding across the rugged landscapes of Scotland. So, leave the passport at home and head off on one of the many types of holidays that this island has to offer.' The Peak District features in the list and was labelled the best spot for climbing holidays. Conde Nast Traveller said: 'Our fair isle is dotted with outdoor rock climbing and bouldering spots that could compete with those all over the world. 'From the dramatic coastlines of Cornwall, which span over 300 miles and include the tors and quarries of Bodmin Moor, as well as the popular bouldering spots of Cheesewring and Carn Brea Quarry, to the rugged mountain ranges of Scotland, there is a cliff face to suit everyone here, whether you count yourself as a novice climber or an experienced boulderer looking to put their skills to the test. 'The Peak District also offers some of the UK's best climbing spots, with over 10,000 different route options and their gritstone edges (particularly those of Stanage and Burbage) drawing climbers here year after year.' Conde Nast Traveller suggested the best time of year to explore the Peak District: 'The end of May through September is the best time to go on a climbing holiday in the UK due to the warmer weather and longer days.' If you're looking for somewhere to stay, it recommends the Tawny Hotel in Consall: 'Though not the nearest to the key climbing routes in the Peak District, the Tawny Hotel is worth the 25-minute drive to be able to really relax at the end of a tiring day of bouldering. 'Treat yourself to a muscle-soothing treatment at the spa, stretch your legs out in the swimming pool and refuel with a relaxed dinner at their flagship restaurant, The Plumicorn.' Peak District National Park has impressed its visitors, with some sharing their experiences on Google Reviews, where it has a 4.8/5 rating from 33,516 reviews. One visitor said: 'Peak District National Park is absolutely stunning—rolling hills, peaceful trails, and breathtaking views at every turn. It's perfect for walking, cycling, or just relaxing in nature. 'The wildlife is a treat to watch, especially the sheep and lambs! A brilliant destination for all ages, and a true escape into the countryside.' Recommended reading: Peak District walks with 'breathtaking scenery' among UK's must-visit valley trails Lancashire coastal spot with 'amazing sunsets' among UK's best secret beaches Lancashire beauty spot with 'beautiful natural vistas' among England's hidden gems This person commented: 'The Peak District is a true treasure! We went in the summer, which was the ideal season to explore this gorgeous national park. With stunning views at every bend, the walks are amazing. There is a trail for everyone, regardless of your level of hiking experience or preference for a more relaxed walk. 'Don't pass up the opportunity to view the vast moorlands, charming villages, and undulating hills. I strongly advise planning your next summer vacation to the Peak District!' Have you been to the Peak District? Let us know in the comments.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- General
- Daily Mail
'Hypocritical' BBC is accused of damaging the countryside to film Chris Packham's Springwatch
The BBC has been accused of wreaking environmental damage on a National Trust estate in order to film Springwatch. Residents in the Peak District claim the production team for the hugely popular nature programme is destroying an area of the Longshaw Estate. Live filming for the 20th anniversary series of the programme - fronted by environmental campaigner Chris Packham and Michaela Strachan - is taking place on the estate, which sits within the Peak District National Park, near Sheffield. But images taken by local resident Christine Laver, supplied to MailOnline, show what some alleged to be hypocritical behaviour on the part of the BBC Natural History Unit, part of BBC Studios, the commercial production arm of the broadcaster. Steel plates are laid out across part of the estate - which only some vehicles belonging to the production team are parked on, with others in the grass. Large plates were also laid out across paths and ditches were filled in with bags of stones, topped with plastic mats to widen the roads for larger vehicles such as production lorries. The BBC and the National Trust both say the site will be restored to its original condition once filming is concluded. But in a viral social media post Ms Laver said the apparent damage reflected 'the reality of Springwatch at Longshaw'. Large plates were laid out across paths and ditches were filled in with bags of stones, topped with plastic mats to widen the roads for larger vehicles such as production lorries She wrote: 'Tons of limestone tipped in a gritstone landscape to facilitate access for huge lorries. Ditches blocked and tracks widened by vehicles they were never designed for. 'A meadow covered in steel plating, just when the wildflowers are coming into bloom and dozens of staff and production vehicles parked there. 'How many tons of CO2 will this lot produce in 3 weeks, Chris Packham?' The first episode of the latest series of Springwatch, which aired on Monday, opened with Chris and Michaela praising the habitats and the wildlife at the location. Among Longshaw's fauna are wild hares, herds of deer and birds including short-eared owls and ring ouzels. But some of those who saw Ms Laver's post fear that the wildlife may have been disrupted. The BBC has denied this is the case. 'Saw a pair of curlews in the field the wagons are in now, probs a week before the arrived, two days in a row,' one said. 'If they had a nest, that'll be trashed now.' One social media user opined that it was an example of 'hypocrisy and feeding a narrative' on the part of the BBC. Another, referring to Chris Packham, said: 'The hypocrisy of these environmentalists knows no bounds. Educate and inform by all means but stop the campaigning.' The BBC and National Trust supplied MailOnline with similar statements outlining how the site would be preserved after production came to an end. Some have given the broadcaster the benefit of the doubt as production continues. One said: 'Why not be thankful for the good that comes from this programme? For me personally I think it is fantastic that Springwatch is coming from my own backyard.' Another commented: 'I like they are trying to [put] wildlife to the forefront of people's attention and get people interested in wildlife and support mental health. 'And all people can do is look at the negative side if things. 'They're not destroying habitats to build homes like the government. They're trying to bring the beautiful side of nature.' The row comes despite Chris being a prominent environmentalist campaigner and vocal supporter of groups such as Just Stop Oil. In November last year, he joined thousands of people marching through central London to demand the government cleans up Britain's waterways. Speaking outside Westminster, he said: 'Rachel Reeves gave a Budget in 2024, whilst Valencia was being flooded and people were losing their lives, and she didn't use the word climate or nature once in that Budget. Now that's scary.' Pointing at Parliament, Mr Packham added: 'I know there are plenty of MPs and ministers over there who are desperate to do what they need to do and do their job - but they need to be given access to the resources, and part of that is finance.' Meanwhile in April last year Chris joined Extinction Rebellion protesters as they stormed the Science Museum's new climate gallery over its sponsorship by a mining company. The criticism centred on the fact the gallery's sponsor – the Adani Group – derives 60 per cent of its revenue from the coal industry. Speaking to the 30-strong band of young people, scientists and activists, Mr Packham deemed the sponsorship deal 'beyond greenwash – it's grotesque'. He continued: 'Science tells us that the fossil fuel industry is responsible for the accelerating destruction of our natural world. 'The Science Museum is a place to spark imagination, to provide answers but also to encourage us to ask questions. 'The question I'm asking today is a big one, 'why on earth are we allowing a destructive industry to sponsor an educational exhibition whilst simultaneously setting fire to young peoples futures?' 'This is beyond greenwash - it's grotesque.' A BBC spokesperson said of the Springwatch row: 'At Longshaw the Springwatch team is working in cooperation with the National Trust. 'The field location was confirmed as appropriate for temporary use by local land managers and no wildlife has been displaced. 'All of the surfaces installed and modifications are temporary, and the National Trust will undertake any works that may be needed to reinstate the site once Springwatch has departed. 'This restoration includes reseeding fields, restoring ditches, and reverting any landscape changes. 'Minimising our environmental impact is a top priority and Springwatch is certified by BAFTA Albert, which encourages sustainable TV and film production. 'Whilst on location, our main power source is a green hydrogen fuel cell, dramatically reducing our CO₂ emission.' In a similarly worded statement, the National Trust said it would 'uphold the highest possible environmental standards' during production.
