Read the latest column for the Glossop Chronicle by the leadership team of High Peak Borough Council.

As Volunteers Week draws to close, we want to celebrate the invaluable role that volunteering plays in our community. Our heartfelt gratitude to all the often unsung heroes who truly make High Peak a better place to live.

From supporting people in need via local charities like the Bureau, New Mills Volunteers Centre and Blythe House Hospice to organising community events like GlossFest and Well Dressing, volunteers are the backbone of our community. Their selfless dedication and tireless efforts bring positive change and makes a real difference to the lives of those around them.

Supporting and giving a voice to the community is at the heart of everything we do. We believe that when big decisions are made locally people should be consulted and made aware from the start of the process not at the end when it is often too late. 

As many of you will know, there are proposals to convert High Peak Halls in Buxton into an asylum dispersal centre. 

It is clear from correspondence we have seen that negotiations have been going on for months between the University of Derby and the Government. We have had no input into those plans.

Our only role as a council will be to deal with the planning application. Disappointingly, the planning application submitted by the University of Derby makes no mention of the intention to use High Peak Halls as an asylum dispersal centre. We are exploring ways to make sure locally we do get a say. We will keep you updated.

On a more positive note, June each year is Pride Month. An important time to celebrate the progress that has been made for LGBTQ+ equality so far, and to reflect on the work to ensure a more inclusive society for all. For its part, High Peak Borough Council will be raising the Progress Flag at Buxton, Whaley Bridge and Glossop during the month; and we will be sharing a range of LGBTQ+ resources with the community.

Read more from the Glossop Chronicle

Click here for more of the latest news

Click here to read the latest edition of the paper online

Click here to find out where you can pick up a copy of the paper