We've closed the A6 between Cromford and Matlock Bath for urgent tree safety work. The road closed on Sunday 16 November and will remain closed for up to a week.  

We’re concerned about the state of trees that could come down onto the A6 just after the junction at Cromford heading towards Matlock Bath, opposite Masson Mill. There are around 100 trees on this piece of privately owned sloping land, some of which are up to 25 metres high, and are next to the road. Two trees have fallen on the road in the past few days, and others could come down imminently.

We know that this road closure will cause issues for many people, including many of our colleagues, but we must put public safety first at all times. Our apologies go to all who will be affected.

A diversion route is in place – coming from the from the south would mean coming off the A6 at Ambergate, onto the A610 to the A38 to the A61 at Alfreton up to Chesterfield. Then using St Augustines Road to access the A632 to Matlock, and vice versa.

Local routes are available, but currently the road through Starkholmes is also closed.

There will be significant disruption to bus services but we are liaising with all bus operators who run services along the A6. Operators will be looking to see what alternatives they can offer their passengers and will update their websites once they have made plans.

We are keeping our website up to date with the latest information.

Calling all parents!

If your child is due to start school next September – or move from infants to juniors – you need to apply for their primary, infant or junior place before Thursday 15 January.

Applying online is quick and easy and allows you to make changes to your application at any point up to the closing date. You'll receive an email to confirm your application has been received.

A meeting of Full Council was held and councillors voted in favour of the council’s Cabinet Members proposing one single council for the whole of Derby and Derbyshire.

Cabinet Members will now meet on 27 November to formally approve the final proposal ahead of the deadline for submitting a ‘preferred option’ to Government on 28 November.

Government asked the council to look at ways to simplify local government by combining existing councils in Derby and Derbyshire into a smaller number of unitary councils which look after all services for their area, from social care, education, roads and children’s services to bin collections, housing, parks and leisure.

Government is expected to carry out a statutory consultation on all submitted proposals early in 2026.

To help protect both wildlife and visitors, please follow this advice:

• popular feeding stations have been fenced off, along with the path on the north side of the lake, to reduce the risk of spreading the disease among flocks
• please do not feed the birds anywhere in the park
• keep dogs away from the lake and ensure they do not enter the water
• if you’ve been in close contact with wild birds, please wash your hands and clothing thoroughly before visiting other areas or interacting with pets.

Signage and fencing have been put in place to protect both you and the birds. We kindly ask all visitors to respect these measures while we work to safeguard our wildlife.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) advises that avian flu is primarily a disease of birds, and the risk to public health is very low.

You can find more information on the NHS website and GOV.UK

This year’s theme is Know Your Rights. Sessions being held by our Derbyshire All Age Carers Support Service, which is delivered by Derbyshire Carers Association on our behalf, include:

• Tuesday 18 November: community engagement drop-ins, the Arc Leisure Centre, Matlock, 9am-12.30pm and Ripley Leisure Centre, 1pm-3.30pm
• Thursday 20 November: carers information stand, Florence Nightingale Hospital, Derby, 10am-2pm
• Friday 21 November: community engagement drop-in, Ashbourne Leisure Centre, 10.30am-12.30pm.

Carers’ Rights Day takes place on Thursday 20 November.

Champneys will ensure continuity for colleagues at Buxton Crescent, welcoming the existing team into the Group. Building on the good work since the Crescent reopened, it will maintain momentum by working with local partners and suppliers so that the economic benefit remains in Buxton, supporting the town’s visitor economy all year round.

The hotel building remains the property of the county council and High Peak Borough Council.