Listening to locals - Peak District National Park's chief executive launches new roadshows

A new series of Peak District roadshows will give local people the chance to share their views with National Park Authority chief executive Phil Mulligan.

The Meet the Chief Executive roadshows are an opportunity to speak to Phil in an informal setting and to share views, ideas, opinions and other feedback about the work of the National Park Authority or the National Park Management Plan.

Events will be held regularly, around once a month, at venues across the National Park.

Phil says: "It’s very important that we involve local people in our plans - and that means getting out into communities and really listening to what people have to say.

"I want the Authority to be accessible to local people and for our role to be better understood. Every decision we take is welcomed by some and unpopular with others. We cannot avoid such tensions but we can aim to be more understanding and enabling where this is possible and explain the context more clearly when we have to make a decision that someone disagrees with.

“We know people feel proud to live in the National Park and I want them to also feel proud of the organisation that is helping to conserve and enhance the place they love."

The first four roadshows will be:

• Castleton Visitor Centre (Blueberry Café) - 14 February (2.30pm-4.30pm)
• YHA Hartington - 22 March (3pm-5pm)
• Hathersage Swimming Pool Café - date and time to be confirmed
• The Chakra Lounge, Bakewell - date and time to be confirmed

There is no need to book a place or to contact the National Park Authority beforehand, just simply drop in during the session times shown.

Phil will aim to speak to everyone who attends the events, where time and venue capacity allows. If he is unable to speak to everyone, there will be an opportunity to follow up at an alternative venue or by email.

Due to the very high volume of planning applications received each year and to allow a wide range of topics to be covered at each event, Phil will not be able to discuss specific residential or business applications. However, people are welcome to discuss broader planning and development issues, strategy and policy planning.

Further dates and venues will be announced in due course at: peakdistrict.gov.uk/ceo.