Date: 23/09/2008
Residents and tourists have given a resounding 'thumbs up' to High Peak as a positively safe place to live, work and visit.
Feedback during public walkabouts in Buxton and Chapel-en-le-Frith, coordinated by High Peak Borough Council, suggests people feel that, overall, the High Peak is a pleasant area in which to spend time, either personally or professionally.
"The overwhelming response we had was that people like living and working here, and tourists like coming here, because they believe it is a safe place to visit," said Councillor Andrew Bingham, Executive Councillor for Community and Social Development.
"We were pleased that the general reaction was positive, although some concerns were raised about young people and alcohol, and the lack of things for them to do -- issues which we are already addressing through initiatives, such as Street Sports.
"The main aim of Street Sports, which will run from now through to next July, is to provide regular, informal sports sessions, usually on Friday nights, in areas where there have previously been problems with anti-social behaviour. The idea is to channel young people's energy into positive activities, geared to suit their needs, encouraging them to have fun and stay or get fit at the same time.
"Last year, the sessions helped reduce calls reporting anti-social behaviour by an average of almost a quarter across the borough -- and we're hoping that the current programme will prove to be just as, if not more, successful."
The Borough Council joined forces with Derbyshire Police to stage the walkabouts, in an effort to encourage people to share their views on safety issues affecting their community and to pick up useful tips on crime prevention.
Both local councillors and the Mayor of High Peak, Councillor Robin Baldry, were on hand to listen to their views.
Paul Rouse, Police Divisional Commander for High Peak and Derbyshire Dales at Derbyshire Constabulary, said: "The walkabouts proved very useful in helping us find out more about local issues that have an impact on residents and visitors alike, such as graffiti, anti-social behaviour and alcohol related assaults. The information we gathered will help reinforce much of the work our officers do on the beat every day of the week, in talking to people and taking on board their concerns."
Photo: A recent Chapel-en-le-Frith walkabout, with the Mayor of High Peak, Councillor Robin Baldry (centre) and Councillor Andrew Bingham, Executive Councillor for Community and Social Development (right).