Date: 16/03/2009
The harsh challenges facing upland communities in the Peak District area are the focus of a major investigation by the Government's Rural Advocate.
Dr. Stuart Burgess, the Chairman of the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) has issued a call for evidence from the people living in the high hills and moorlands of Derbyshire and Staffordshire's Dark Peak.
Dr Burgess will head a two-day invitation-only panel meeting at Buxton in Derbyshire on March 25 and 26, to hear evidence directly from hill farmers, businesses and representatives of upland communities.
A report by the CRC1 reveals that communities in the Peak District rank among the most disadvantaged in the country. Most of the Peak District National Park ranks among the worst off, including the areas around Bakewell, Buxton, Ashton under Lyne and Matlock,
And a recent CRC report to government2 highlighted a study by emda which claims that much of the Peak District is in the lowest quartile of all rural areas in terms of economic production.
And yet a recent survey for the BBC by the University of Sheffield revealed that Derbyshire came out top in the East Midlands as the county with "the strongest sense of community".
Dr Burgess said: "High hills and moorland occupy a little under a fifth of England but they, and their communities, are vital to the health, economic prosperity and quality of life of many millions of people across the country as a whole.
"They face challenging times, however, and the CRC has pledged to hold an inquiry to determine how the nation can best equip upland communities to secure their economic prosperity and provide sustainable benefits for all."
The information and views examined by the inquiry panel and comments from members of the public will help shape a report to the Prime Minister recommending ways to create a brighter future for upland communities. The final report will draw on direct evidence, the results of a series of seminars, data analysis by the CRC and commissioned research. Evidence will be reviewed this summer, after which the final report and draft recommendations are expected to be published.
Dr Burgess said: "Living and working in sparsely-populated places such as the Peak District and Pennines is rarely as romantic as outsiders like to dream. It is tough at the best of times, and has been made even more so of late because of animal disease, flooding, reduced access to essential services and the general downturn in the economy.
"Yet with so many aspects of our life and lifestyle relying on good upland management, we need to let upland communities now that we understand their issues and hopes, and we want to find ways to help."
The Rural Advocate's call for evidence closes on April 30. Comments can be made online by completing a short questionnaire at http://www.ruralcommunities.gov.uk/projects/uplandcommunities/overview or in writing to Uplands Inquiry, Commission for Rural communities, John Dower House, Crescent Place, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, GL50 3RA.