February

Plans to restore the whole of the Chesterfield Canal back to a navigable waterway take a major step forward next week. 

A five-mile section of the canal between Chesterfield and Staveley was re-opened in May 2002 for the first time in 50 years in a £3m project carried out by Chesterfield Canal Partnership. 

Now Derbyshire County Council, which is part of the partnership, has employed a full-time project officer to help re-open the next seven miles between Staveley and Killamarsh. 

As part of the scheme, the Next Navigation Project, Dr Geraint Coles will co-ordinate the preparation of an engineering plan to restore navigation to the derelict section. 

The plan will consider the economic benefits of restoration, a wide range of engineering problems such as the building of new locks and the effects of mining subsidence as well as environmental and wildlife issues. 

County council cabinet member for environment and highways Coucillor Brian Lucas said: "The restoration of the Chesterfield Canal has the potential to provide a real social and economic boost for this part of Derbyshire. It`s not just messing about on boats - it`s also about creating sustainable jobs." 

Meanwhile a new exhibition detailing the rise and fall of the 130-year-old waterway and the re-opening of the first section can be seen at Tapton Lock Visitor Centre, Lockoford Lane, Chesterfield, on weekends from 10am to 4.30pm and every day during these times from from April 1 to October 31.

A host of events are planned at Derbyshire libraries to celebrate World Book Day on Thursday (March 4). 

The national event aims to encourage more people, particularly younger readers, to pick up a book or visit their local library. 

As well as displays at the county council`s 45 libraries and 13 mobile libraries, visitors will be able to log on free to the website dedicated to the national event. 

A series of events are also planned at libraries across the county to mark the occasion including an on-line session with children`s writer JK Rowling. 

Youngsters from Bradley CE Primary School will visit Ashbourne library to take part in the national web chat with the Harry Potter author. 

At Alfreton library, nursery school children will take part in story and craft sessions based on author Nick Sharrat`s stories while Heanor Book Chat Group will meet at the town`s library at 7pm to talk to other readers online. 

Children`s poet Paul Cookson will be visiting Chesterfield library on the day and there will be a coffee afternoon for members of Book Chat readers` groups to discuss their favourite book and go on-line. 

Eckington Library is holding a coffee morning at 10.30am where people can come along and log onto the website and join in the day of fun activities. 

At Buxton library under eights are invited along to an event called `Dastardly dragons and fairytale princesses` to share songs, poems and stories and the chance to make a bookmark. 

Youngsters can take part in storytime sessions at Clowne library throughout the day and older readers can vote for their favourite crime novel. 

Children from Kensington Junior School will visit Ilkeston library on Thursday while library staff will wrap up books and invite readers to take home a `mystery` title to try. At Long Eaton library, staff are organising a sale of old loan books. 

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "World Book Day is a chance for people across the globe to celebrate reading and books and Derbyshire is no exception. 

"But of course there are always loads of events going on at our libraries and I would encourage people to go along and find out more."

World Book Day will be celebrated in Derbyshire libraries as part of a host of activities planned during March. 

Special events will be held to mark the occasion on Thursday (March 4) which aims to encourage more people to pick up a book. 

Activities around the county include a visit to Chesterfield library by children`s poet Paul Cookson at 2pm. 

Stories and craft sessions will be held at Alfreton library for nursery children and an event called `Dastardly dragons and fairytale princesses` for under eights will take place at Buxton library. Derbyshire County Council runs 45 libraries - and 13 mobile libraries - which are free to join. 

As well as a choice of thousands of books, visitors can loan out videos, CDs and DVDs and have free access to the internet. 

Events planned at Derbyshire libraries throughout March include: 

AMBER VALLEY AREA

• Heanor Library - Heanor Book Chat Group meets at 7pm on March 4 as part of World Book Day. 
• Alfreton Library - Invited groups on March 4 and a storytime session on March 15 from 11.30am to noon; pension service surgery on March 5 and 19 from 10am to noon
• Ripley Library - Storytime session on March 2 from 10am and 10.30am; Ripley Poetry Group will meet on March 11 and 25 between 2pm and 4pm; Learn Direct courses on Thursdays from 1.30pm to 4pm; pension service surgery on March 12 and 26 from 10am to noon 
• Belper Library - Storytime session March 4 from 9.30am to 10am; Housebound drop-in on March 3 from 6pm to 7.30pm 
• Duffied Library - Housebound drop-in on March 9 from 2.30pm to 4pm. 

For more information call Julie Potton on 01773 833199 

CHESTERFIELD DISTRICT

• Newbold Library - Visit by Newbold Community School on March 16 at 9am; visits by Dunston Primary School on March 5, 12, 19 and 26 from 11am to 11.30am and 2pm to 2.30pm; storytime for under fives on March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30 from 10.30am; Book Chat reader group meetings on March 9 at 7pm and March 10 at 2pm.
• Staveley Library - Visit by Speedwell Infants on March 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30, visit by Staveley Junior School on March 4, 11, 18 and 25; storytime on March 1 at 10.30am; pensions service surgeries on March 3, 10 and 31 from 10am to noon. 
• Brimington Library - Visit by Henry Bradley Infants` School on March 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 18, 22, 23, 29 and 30; storytime on March 4, 11, 18 and 25 at 10.30am; Book Chat reader group meeting on March 8 at 3pm; pensions service surgery on March 25 from 10am to 12.30pm; teenage magazine focus group meets March 15 from 6pm to 7pm;
• Old Whittington - Pension service surgery on March 5 from 2pm to 2.30pm.
• Chesterfield Library - History teachers from Chesterfield secondary schools will visit the local studies library on March 31 from 4pm to 5pm; Visit by Brockwell Infants` School on March 10 at 1.15pm and 2.15pm and March 11 from 9.30am to noon and 1.15pm to 2.15pm; storytime on March 3, 10, 17 and 24 at 10.30am; Chesterfield Book Club for eight to 11 year olds meets on March 12 from 6pm to 7.30pm; visit by author Anthony Horowitz to the Pomegranate Theatre on March 29 from 1.30pm to 3pm for invited schools; Look It Up Check It Out, a course for foster carers and family centre workers, on March 18 and 25 from 10am to noon; pensions service surgery on March 1 from 10.30am to 12.30pm; lunchtime concert by Melanie Gilbert and Max Taylor on March 6 from 11.45pm to 12.30pm and North East Derbyshire Chamber Group on March 27 from 11.45am to 12.30pm. 

For more information call Ann Ainsworth on 01246 209292 

HIGH PEAK AREA

• Buxton Library - Storytimes March 5, 12, 19 and 26 at 2.15pm. For more information contact Angela Wilkinson on 01298 25331; listening group for visually impaired people on March 10 at 10.30am. For more information contact Rosemary Orders on 01298 25331 
• Glossop Library - World Book Day class visit with a Doctor Seuss theme on March 4; Storytime for under fives on March 24 at 2pm. For more information contact Annabel Wilson on 01457 852616 
• New Mills Library - Classes from St Mary`s School will visit throughout World Book Day on March 4; New Mills Book Chat will meet on March 9 at 7pm to discuss Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver. For more information contact Gewnda Culkin on 01663 743603. 
• Whaley Bridge Library - The Creative Writing Group meets on March 2 at 2.15pm. People are welcome to join in. For more information contact Brenda Richardson on 01663 732480. 
• Hadfield Library - Storytime for under fives on March 12 at 2.15pm. For more information contact Ann Atherton on 01457 852589. 
• Gamesley Library - Meeting of Chatterbooks, a bookclub for nine year olds, on March 25 at 3.30pm. 

For more information contact Pam Francis on 01457 860041

DERBYSHIRE DALES AREA

All libraries in Derbyshire Dales will be holding the Life Info collection during the month to celebrate Consumer Rights Day on March 15. 

• Ashbourne Library - Meeting of Chatterbooks on March 5 from 5.30pm to 6.45pm 
• Bakewell Library - Storytime for pre-school children every Tuesday at 2.30pm; Book Chat Readers` Group meets on March 17 at 7.30pm. 
• Wirksworth Library - Mother and toddlers drop-in session on March 5 from 11am to noon, International Womens` Day display from March 5 to 18; photographic display from March 23 to April 8. 

For more information contact Trisha Hill on 01629 582480 

EREWASH AREA

• Ilkeston Library - A reader group meeting will be held on March 11 from 1pm to 3pm; computer taster sessions on Monday and Wednesdays from 10am to noon; storytime on Wednesdays at 11.15am; pension service surgery on Thursdays from 9.30am to 11am. 
• Long Eaton Library - A reader group meeting will be held on March 17 from 7.15pm to 9.15pm; storytime on Thursdays at 10.30am; pension service surgery on Mondays from 10am to 11am. 
• Borrowash Library - A reader group meeting will be held on March 30 at 7.30pm; computer taster sessions on Wednesdays from 12.45pm to 2.45pm; storytime on Wednesdays from 2.30pm 
• Sandiacre Library - A reader group meeting will be held on March 5 from 1pm to 3pm; computer taster sessions on Tuesday mornings from 10am to noon; storytime on Mondays from 10.30am. 

For more information contact Jan Colombo on 0115 930 1104 

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "Joining your local library couldn`t be easier and it is absolutely free. 

"As well as giving people access to books, CDs, videos, DVDs and free use of the internet, there are a host of other activities for them to enjoy." 

To join your local library take along two pieces of identification. Library users over 12 can take out 16 items on loan - under 12s can have eight items. Books can be renewed beyond the three week loan period, provided no other library user has reserved them, by ringing Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058. 

Alternatively, readers can consult the catalogue, reserve and renew items, and check borrower records by clicking here (opens in a new window).

A plan to replace two homes for older people with a new purpose-built residential home has been given the go ahead. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet met today (Tuesday 24 February) to agree a proposal which will see Oaklands Home for Older People and South Lodge Home for Older People, both in Swadlincote, close and be replaced with a new 40-bed residential home in Castle Gresley. 

The new home will not be ready for occupation until October 2005 at the earliest and residents will not have to move until the new building is finished. 

The plan to build a new 22-bed specialist dementia unit on the site of Oaklands, in partnership with Derbyshire Mental Health Trust and South Derbyshire and Dales Primary Care Trust was also given the go ahead by councillors. 

The scheme is part of wider proposals, also agreed today by cabinet, to improve residential care homes through building new ones and improving care services across the county. 

The plan to replace Oaklands and South Lodge with a new home, to cost around £2 million, was announced by the county council in October when a 90-day consultation period was launched. 

Residents, relatives, carers, staff and other interested parties were asked to give the council their views on the proposals. 

Several meetings were held with residents, relatives and staff to explain the plans and the rationale behind them. There were also several one-to-one meetings with carers, local councillors and the area`s MP to explain the benefit to the area of the new scheme. 

South Lodge in Salisbury Drive, Midway, Swadlincote, has 29 beds with five shared rooms and is in urgent need of repair to meet minimum care standards. Residents there have welcomed the plan. 

The Oaklands site was identified in 2002 as the most suitable for the new dementia unit which is needed in the area. 

Now the plan has been agreed, the county council will work closely with Derbyshire Mental Health Trust to develop the Oaklands site into a purpose-built dementia unit. This will be developed using the Local Improvement Financial Trust (LIFT) initiative. 

The council will also be exploring the possibility of linking up with South Derbyshire District Council and South Derbyshire and Dales Primary Care Trust to expand on the plans for the new unit. This could include developing an older people`s resource centre among other opportunities. 

Residents at Oaklands in Church Street, Swadlincote, have also been consulted at length during the 90-day period, with several meetings being held for everyone with an interest in the home including relatives, carers, local councillors and the area`s MP. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "We have carried out a comprehensive consultation into the proposals and considered everyone`s views, investigating options that have been put forward and going down every avenue. 

"We believe that the decision made by cabinet will improve the care available to older people in South Derbyshire for years to come. They will have a new, purpose-built residential home which will be built to a very high standard and there will also be much needed facilities and support available for people with dementia." 

She added: "Discussions will continue to seek to further improve the range of services for people with dementia in the area."

Plans to build a new residential home in the Chesterfield area have been given the go-ahead by councillors. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet met today (Tuesday 24 February) to agree a proposal which will see 32-place Brendon House Home for Older People in Brendon Avenue, Chesterfield, close and be replaced with a purpose-built home in the area. 

The new 40-bed home will cost around £2 million and replace the current building that was built in 1960. It is in need of urgent maintenance work to ensure it meets minimum national care standards. 

The plan for Brendon House is part of wider proposals, also agreed at today`s cabinet meeting, to improve residential care homes through building new ones and improve care services across the county. 

The plans were announced by the county council last October and a 90-day consultation was launched to gather views from residents, relatives, carers and staff. 

Now the plan has been agreed by cabinet, the county council will identify potential sites in the Chesterfield area for the new home. Brendon House residents will be given the chance to give their views on future designs for the new building and influence its shape and facilities. 

The new home will not be ready for occupation until October 2005 at the earliest and residents will not have to move until the new building is finished. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "There are concerns that the Brendon House building is no longer suitable and will not meet minimum national care standards in the future. 

"Urgent maintenance work will be needed over the next five years and we believe the best course of action is to replace it with a new building." 

Councillor Western added: "The residents will have an input into the design and won`t be disrupted while the work is going on. "We are confident the new home will benefit older people in the area for many years to come."

Plans to build a new residential home in the High Peak have been given the go-ahead by councillors. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet met today (Tuesday 24 February) to agree a proposal which will see Whitestones Home for Older People in Manchester Road, Chapel-en-le-Frith replaced with a purpose-built residential home on the same site. 

The new 40-bed home, which will cost around £2 million, will replace the Whitestones building which dates back to 1912 and is in urgent need of repair to meet minimum care standards. 

The plan for Whitestones is part of wider proposals, also agreed at today`s cabinet meeting, to improve residential care homes through building new ones and improve care services across the county. 

The plans were announced by the county council in October last year and a 90-day consultation was launched to gather views from residents, relatives, carers and staff. 

Residents at Whitestones have reacted positively to the plans for their new home. They will now be given the chance to give their views on future designs for the new building and influence its shape and facilities. 

The new home will not be ready for occupation until October 2005 at the earliest and residents will not have to move until the new building is finished to minimise disruption. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "Whitestones needs considerable maintenance over the next few years to ensure it meets national care standards and it was felt the best course of action was to build a new home. 

"The residents will be able to have an input into the design and watch it take shape. The real bonus is they will not have to move while the work is being carried out. 

"People were very positive about the plan during the consultation process and we are confident the new home will benefit older people in the area for many years to come."

Plans to build new residential care homes and improve care services in the community have received the green light from Derbyshire County Council. 

The county council`s cabinet agreed the proposals to invest in and develop residential and caring services for older people at its meeting today (Tuesday 24 February). 

The plans will see three new residential homes, costing around £2 million each, as well as a new dementia care unit and an extracare development similar to sheltered housing where older people can live independently with support. 

As part of the plans Burley House Home for Older People in Duffield will close and not be replaced. Hazelwood Home for Older People in Cotmanhay, which was earmarked for closure, will now stay open with the reduction of 10 beds. 

Today the cabinet agreed the following: 

• To build a new 40-bed residential home in the Chesterfield area to replace Brendon House Home for Older People in Chesterfield 
• To replace Whitfield House Home for Older People in Glossop with a 35-place extracare housing scheme on the same site. A decision on a funding application to the Department of Health is awaited 
• To build a new 40-bed residential home as a replacement for Whitestones Home for Older People in Chapel-en-le-Frith on the same site 
• To replace Oaklands and South Lodge Homes for Older People in Swadlincote with a 40-bed residential home at Castle Gresley and build a specialist dementia care unit on the site of Oaklands in conjunction with Derbyshire Mental Health Trust 
• To keep Hazelwood Home for Older People in Cotmanhay open and reduce the number of beds from 40 to 30 as well as developing day services in one wing at the home, in conjunction with Erewash Primary Care Trust 
• To continue to upgrade existing residential homes across the county in order to meet National Care Standards Commission Standards 
• To close Burley House Home for Older People in Duffield and reinvest the resources in community services 

A 90-day consultation was launched in October last year to gather views from residents, carers, relatives and staff after the proposals were first announced. 

The consultation finished on 16 January and during the 90 days thousands of people made their views known via meetings, telephone, e-mail, petition and letter. 

As well as individuals, views were also expressed on the plans by organisations including primary care trusts and charities with an interest, including Age Concern. 

The new homes and the extracare development will not be ready for occupation until before October 2005 at the earliest. Residents will not have to move until the new buildings are ready to minimise disruption, unless they choose to move to a different home. 

Residents living in Burley House will meet with social services staff shortly to discuss their future and will be given the opportunity, along with their relatives or carers to talk about where they would like to live. Groups of friends will be kept together where possible. 

Plans will now be drawn up for the new buildings, with planning applications being submitted in the near future. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "These plans will see the council investing millions of pounds on the future of Derbyshire`s residential care and community care services. By building new homes and improving resources we are widening the choices available to older people in the county, giving them more independence, dignity, respect and privacy." 

Councillor Western added: "We have considered people`s views during the consultation and have been able to change some of our proposals to reflect what people want. We feel positive about the route we are taking and we are doing everything we can to ensure a smooth transition for everyone involved."

People with disabilities across Derbyshire are to benefit from changes in the way they receive day services. 

Derbyshire County Council`s social services department, in partnership with disability charity Leonard Cheshire, is proposing to introduce a wider range of community-based services. These will supplement the services that are currently provided by Leonard Cheshire in three day centres - Cressy Fields in Alfreton, Granville Resource Centre in Long Eaton and West Street Resource Centre in Chesterfield. 

The changes have been proposed following a review of the way services are delivered and by consulting with people in the county who have physical disabilities or a sensory impairment. 

The review of day services showed that while people using them were generally satisfied, many people where unable to access them because of their location and others felt they wanted more flexible services that were tailored to their individual needs and delivered at a local level. 

The new programme will see an expansion of community-based services tailored to meeting individuals needs and an increase in the opportunities for disabled people to take part in activities that are nearer to home. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "The review of day services underpinned our commitment to provide services which fully reflect the needs and aspirations of disabled people. 

"An important part of the review was consultation with current service users and with those people with disabilities who are unable or unwilling to use the existing services. 

"They gave us a clear message as to the changes they would like to see and I am sure that the changes over the coming years will be of benefit."

A home for older people in Erewash which was earmarked for closure will now stay open following consultation with residents and the community. 

Residents, relatives and staff were due to be told at meetings today of the decision by Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet not to close Hazelwood Home for Older People in Skeavingtons Lane, Cotmanhay and to develop new day services. 

The closure plan was part of wider proposals by the county council to invest in and develop residential services for older people, revealed last October. 

Due to low occupancy levels at Hazelwood, which can accommodate 40 people but currently has only 18 long-term residents, it was proposed to close the home and develop day services across the Erewash area. 

The county council launched a 90-day consultation on the plans last October, with several meetings being held at Hazelwood for residents, relatives, carers and staff. 

During the consultation, and after further discussion with Erewash Primary Care Trust (PCT), earlier plans to develop a specialist day service in the area in partnership with the county council were finalised. 

The proposal to use one wing of Hazelwood to house the new scheme was explored by the council and was agreed by the cabinet at its meeting today (Tuesday 24 February). 

The new plan will see Hazelwood keep 30 residential places, with initially one wing being converted to provide specialist day services. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "In October when the original proposals were put before cabinet there were no partners available to develop an alternative use of the site. However, during the consultation process further discussions took place with Erewash PCT around the potential for using a wing at Hazelwood, as part of new joint service developments taking place with the PCT. This makes the whole site more viable and allows us to keep 30 residential beds on the site." 

Councillor Western added: "We believe we have been able to come up with an outcome that has pleased Hazelwood residents and will also provide extra support for older people in the area." 

Derbyshire County Council is encouraging schools to give pupils an even greater say about their education by setting up school councils. 

School councils are becoming more involved in improving schools by consulting pupil representatives and the Government wants to see more of them introduced. 

There are currently around 250 councils in primary and secondary schools in Derbyshire and the county council aims to help at least 50 more schools establish a pupil body before the end of March 2005. 

School councils are made up of a number of pupils across the school age range who are elected by their peers. They meet with the headteacher and staff to discuss issues surrounding school life. 

The councils can meet as often as they like and choose to talk about issues which matter to them. 

Some schools give their councils a budget to spend on improvements they would like to see made in schools. 

School councils also give headteachers the chance to consult with pupils about their education and school governors can invite pupils to be associate members of the governing body. 

Recent developments by the authority to support the growth of school councils include the launch of an Engaging Young People Unit which was set up in July to consult young people about services and issues that matter to them. 

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education, said: "Young people spend a great deal of their life at school and school councils allow pupils to have a say in what is happening in their school. 

"Pupils are in the front line in relation to the education they receive and are therefore well placed to offer constructive comments and make important contributions to school improvement. 

"I believe it is essential that we listen to children and young people and make sure that we are meeting their needs. We want to ensure that more young people`s voices are heard by helping more schools to introduce school councils."

A new housing scheme for older people living in Glossop has been given the go-ahead by councillors. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet met today (Tuesday 24 February) to agree a proposal to replace 17-bed Whitfield House Home for Older People in Charlestown Road, Glossop with a £3.5 million `extracare` housing scheme on the same site. 

The scheme, which would have 35 places, would be built and run in partnership with High Peak Borough Council. 

An extracare housing scheme is a style of housing and care for older people that is a mix between sheltered housing and more traditional residential care homes. 

Detailed plans have not been put forward for Whitfield House but the scheme would include individual living accommodation and a range of services on the same site. The facilities will include treatment rooms, assisted bathing and communal activity rooms. The level of care and support will be equal to that received by the current residents. 

Residents will be able to choose whether to move to the new extracare scheme or decide to move to another more traditional residential care home. 

The new Whitfield development is part of wider proposals, also agreed today by cabinet, to improve residential care homes through building new ones and improving care services across the county. 

The plans were announced by the county council in October last year and a 90-day consultation was launched to gather views from residents, relatives, carers and staff. 

The county council has applied for funding from the Department of Health to build the new scheme and is hoping to hear by the end of the month whether it has been successful. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "Whitfield House will need considerable maintenance over the next few years and the extracare development will offer older people in the area an alternative to traditional residential care, as well as meeting their long-term needs. 

"Current residents will be able to stay in Whitfield House while the work is carried out and will have the same level of support and care they are currently receiving. 

"We are now awaiting the outcome of our application before taking the scheme to the next stage."

A residential care home in Duffield is to close following a meeting of Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet. 

The cabinet met today (Tuesday 24 February) to agree to close Burley House in New Zealand Lane, Duffield and re-invest the resources into community services. 

The move is part of wider proposals, also agreed by cabinet today, which will see new residential homes being built where needed and improved care services across the county. 

The proposal to close Burley House was announced by the county council last October and a 90-day consultation was launched to gather views from residents, relatives, carers and staff. Meetings were held at the home and people also gave their views via letter and telephone. 

Staff, residents and relatives were to be told at meetings today following this morning`s cabinet decision. The home will close within the next three to six months once alternative placements for all the residents have been found. 

One of the main factors behind the decision to close Burley House was the low occupancy rates. While the home has room for 28 people, there are currently only 12 long-term residents. 

Occupancy has been falling since local government reorganisation in 1997 and in addition the home requires urgent maintenance work. 

It is estimated that it needs at least £500,000 of maintenance work over the next five years, and even if the work was carried out it may still fall short of meeting national minimum care standards. 

Residents and their relatives will all be given the opportunity to have further one-to-one meetings with social services staff to discuss their future. They will be given comprehensive information of all the alternative accommodation available, both council and privately owned, and helped to find a new home. 

Where possible, social services will try to keep groups of friends together and staff will also arrange visits to see alternative residential homes on request. 

There will be no compulsory redundancies among staff and further meetings will be held with them to look at future job opportunities with the council. 

Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for social care and health Councillor Anne Western said: "The home needs a large amount of work carrying out and even then it may not reach national minimum care standards. As our aim is to ensure all our residential homes meet national standards this is not acceptable. 

"This, coupled with the very low occupancy rates, has led us to make the decision to close Burley House." 

Councillor Western added: "We will be working very closely now with residents and their relatives to ensure they find suitable accommodation they are happy with for the future."

A £400,000 underspend from Derbyshire County Council`s education budget for 2002-03 is being used to improve the condition of three education centres in the county. 

Much-needed work to upgrade Lea Green residential outdoor education centre, Killamarsh Youth Centre and the Glossop Centre for adult education was approved by the council`s cabinet today (Tuesday). 

The projects include: 

• £70,000 urgent works to refurbish the bathrooms and install showers at Lea Green 
• £130,000 to provide meeting and storage space and improve the kitchen at Killamarsh Youth Centre 
• £200,000 to contribute towards a major refurbishment at the Glossop Centre. The total cost of the project is expected to be approximately £1.5million 

All three projects are being carried out for health and safety reasons but the refurbishment will also improve access at the Glossop Centre. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "I`m extremely pleased that funding is now available to spend upgrading these three education centres for adults and young people. 

"Derbyshire County Council is committed to improving education for local people of all ages and one of our key aims is to improve participation and achievement in learning. 

"These much-needed projects will create a more suitable and welcoming environment for people who use the centre`s services." 

Work on the three projects is expected to get underway later this year.

A £11.2 million fund to help schools improve their buildings was announced today (Tuesday) by Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet. 

The cash has been allocated to Derbyshire under the Government`s New Deal for Schools formula capital funding scheme. 

All schools will receive a basic allocation of £12,750 and additional amounts depending on how many pupils they have. The allocations mean: 

• Primary and nursery schools will get £48 per pupil, up from £42.40 last year 
• Secondary schools receive £72 per pupil, compared to £63.60 last year 
• Schools will get £144 for every pupil with a statement of special educational needs, compared to £127.20 last year 

Each school can decide how they wish to spend the money and may save it for up to three years. This enables schools to plan for the future, saving their funding for bigger projects if they wish. 

Most of the money is expected to be spent on projects to improve the condition of buildings, such as new windows, toilet improvements, roofing work, heating improvements or drainage work. 

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "This is the fifth year of the New Deal for Schools formula capital funding scheme and it is now having a real impact on the condition of Derbyshire`s schools. 

"The funding is again thanks to the Government which has given Derbyshire more than £1 million on top of last year`s funding levels and it is through this continued investment that we are seeing a major improvement in the overall condition of our schools. 

"Giving money to schools in this way enables them to plan for the future and address their own priorities." 

Consumer advisors from Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards have joined the fight to stop debt levels spiralling out of control. 

The authority is to work with the Derbyshire Community Legal Services Partnership and the Office of Fair Trading to offer help and advice to people who need to get out of debt problems. 

The trading standards service is promoting a new pocket sized leaflet called In Debt? Help Yourself Out which gives handy tips on where to turn for legal advice and other help. 

Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "Debt problems in Derbyshire continue to increase because of legitimate and unscrupulous lenders constantly encouraging people to take out more loans. 

"While it is hard to know the exact level of debt in Derbyshire recent studies have revealed that the average household with debt problems owes £25,000 to a number of different lenders. 

"If someone has debt problems it can often have a knock-on effect in other areas of their life, such as causing anxiety, the loss of their home or even mental health problems." 

Anyone struggling to pay off their loans should: 

• Deal with the problem - don`t panic but equally don`t ignore it 
• Seek impartial advice 
• Contact the lenders to see if they can reschedule payments 
• Keep copies of all letters sent and received about debt problems 
• Prioritise debts so the most important bills, like rent and mortgage, are paid first 
• Think carefully before borrowing money to consolidate a loan - the long term cost of payments can be high 

Anyone needing legal advice should contact the Derbyshire Community Legal Service, a Government backed initiative to provide advice on issues like debt, housing and welfare rights to everyone regardless of their financial circumstances. 

Councillor Bob Janes, cabinet member for community services and chair of the Derbyshire Community Legal Services Partnership, said: "The trading standards service comes into contact with a lot consumers. 

"This means they are ideally placed to help consumers with debt problems and, where necessary, point them towards other agencies who can offer other assistance." 

Copies of the In Debt? Help Yourself Out leaflet are available from Derbyshire libraries or by ringing Derbyshire County Council`s trading standards on 01629 585858.

Hard working young people from across Derbyshire will gather on Friday to pick up prestigious Duke of Edinburgh and Peak Awards. 

Around 58 youngsters have gained a Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver or Gold award while 20 have achieved Derbyshire County Council`s own Peak Award. 

Family and friends will gather at the Polygon Youth Centre in Church Street, Alfreton, to see more than 40 award-winners receive their certificates and badges from the authority`s cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes. 

Peak Awards are open to children as young as 11, while the Duke of Edinburgh scheme caters for 14 to 25-year-olds. Both schemes aim to help young people gain confidence and independence while offering them the opportunity to try new pursuits and hobbies. 

Participants in the Duke of Edinburgh scheme can take several years to complete the Gold award which involves four kinds of activities: service, skill, physical recreation, expedition and residential experience. It can be done through youth clubs, schools, universities, voluntary organisations or the workplace and is recognised by employers as a sign of hard work and commitment.

Computer users are being urged by Derbyshire County Council to learn their legal rights before buying on internet auction sites. 

The county council`s trading standards service is concerned that many consumers who contact them are unaware of the legal rights they can call upon if a sale doesn`t go according to plan. 

Many sellers on internet auction sites are private individuals rather than businesses so buyers do not have the same consumer protection laws on their side as if the goods were bought from shops. 

Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "Internet auction sites have become very common in the past few years with the growth in broadband internet access. 

"While these sites can offer customers lots of choice and flexibility consumers need to exercise as much caution as they would if they were buying anything privately from classified advertisements in a newspaper." 

When a consumer buys from a shop or someone who is in business they have statutory rights under the Sale of Goods Act 1979. 

However, when consumers buy from a private seller the only statutory right they have is that the goods must correspond to any description that is given to them. This means it can be a lot more difficult to get a refund or any other redress. 

If the seller on the internet site is in business then consumers will be covered by normal consumer protection laws. Some internet auction sites offer a free complaints service or an anti fraud guarantee. 

Consumers looking to buy from an internet auction site should: 

• Check the terms and conditions on the site before making a bid. 
• Make sure the goods meet their requirements as they may not be able to return them. 
• Be wary - if a price seems too good to be true then it probably is. 
• Check the seller`s reputation - most auction sites give feedback based on comments made by previous buyers 
• Find out what methods of payment are available before bidding. If the seller will only accept a cheque or a money order think about the risk of sending a payment before receiving the goods. Some sites offer an on-line facility that allows the money to be held until the goods are delivered.

Local businesses, landowners, schools, community groups and local councils are being invited to apply for grants totalling more than £150,000 from a Derbyshire County Council-run fund to help finance environmental schemes. 

This is the third round of bidding for Derbyshire Aggregates Levy Grants Scheme (DALGS) funding to carry out conservation work and other improvements near to current or former quarry sites. 

Grants of up to £50,000 are on offer, for up to 85 percent of total costs of eligible projects. 

Applications are particularly welcome from Whitwell, Creswell, Wirksworth, Cromford, Buxton area (including Sterndale Moor, Harpur Hill, Dove Holes, Peak Dale ares), the Trent and Lower Derwent Valleys, Stoney Middleton Dale, Stanton in the Peak area and the Hope Valley. 

Councillor Geoff Carlile, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for regeneration and chair of the DALGS panel, said: "The grants will help bring real benefits to communities that have had to suffer for years from the impact of sand, gravel or rock mining. 

"We are keen to receive further applications from community groups for the third bidding round so that we can distribute all the money given to us by the Government from the Aggregates Levy Sustainability Fund." 

A two-stage application process has been introduced this year. Initially, outline applications will be considered. Those that meet the scheme guidelines, the level of impact of aggregate extraction and the Government`s sustainability objectives for the Fund will be invited to submit full applications. Final decisions are due to be made this summer. 

The DALGS fund was set up by the government in 2002 to use some of the money raised by a new tax on quarried aggregates and crushed rock. The tax is designed to reduce the direct effects of mineral extraction. 

The Derbyshire Environmental Trust is administering the scheme on behalf of the county council. 

For full details of the types of grants on offer and an application form are available by clicking here (opens in a new window), by emailing det@derbyshire.gov.uk or ringing 01629 585314. 

The deadline for submitting outline applications is Wednesday 3 March.

Bus services in rural parts of Derbyshire have been safeguarded thanks to a £1,138,789 Government grant awarded to the county. 

Derbyshire County Council welcomed the allocation announced by Transport Minister Tony McNulty today (February 19) as part of the national £51m Rural Bus Subsidy Grant for 2004/2005. 

The authority put in an initial bid for the annual funding five years ago and has been successful every year in gaining an increased grant. This year`s allocation is a 6.9 per cent on last year`s £1,065,690 award. 

This latest funding, to be spent between this April and March 2005, will safeguard dozens of existing rural bus services already run by the council to ensure residents in rural and isolated areas, elderly people or those with mobility problems, have access to jobs, healthcare, shops and leisure services. 

County council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "We very much welcome this annual award which allows us to continue running the rural bus services we already operate funded by this particular grant. 

"They are a vital lifeline to hundreds of residents in many of Derbyshire`s rural and isolated areas and help us fulfil our commitment to not only increase bus use but also to tackle social exclusion." 

Commenting on today`s announcement Mr McNulty said: "The services supported by this grant are playing an increasing role in tackling social exclusion and improving transport choice in rural areas and in awarding these grants we are demonstrating our commitment to that goal."

A free course gets underway in the coming weeks to help local parents and carers in the Long Eaton area support their children with special educational needs. 

The four-week course has been organised by the Derbyshire Parent Partnership Service, an impartial service funded by Derbyshire County Council that offers advice and support to parents and carers of children with special needs. 

The sessions cover all aspects of the special educational needs process, including dealing with meetings, paperwork and the role of education professionals. 

The courses will take place at Long Eaton Town Hall, between 9.30am and 11.30am on Thursdays, starting on 26 February. 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education Councillor Alan Charles said: "The special needs education system is geared towards meeting the individual needs of the child, but this means it has to be a very involved process. 

"It is understandable for parents who are new to all of this to find it quite daunting - for example, they will be called on to attend quite a lot of meetings with teachers and educational workers. 

"However, the courses will support them through this process and will enable them to fully participate and support their child, so that they receive the best possible education." 

Places are limited and so parents are urged to get in touch as soon as possible to register their interest. 

For more information they should contact the Derbyshire Parent Partnership Service on 01246 273154.

From furniture restoration to French -- Clay Cross Adult Education Centre is inviting adults to sign-up for a course and try something new. 

The centre, which is part of Derbyshire County Council`s adult community education service, specialises in arts and crafts but there are a variety of courses on offer. 

Places are still available on the following courses: lip reading, cookery, embroidery, web design, pottery, woodwork, furniture restoration, garden design, French, lace-making and various childcare and computer courses. 

A range of one-day craft courses are run on Saturdays and an all-day event centred around lace and textiles will be held on 13 March featuring trade stalls, speakers, workshops. 

Staff are also looking to launch glass staining and family craft classes if there is sufficient demand. 

Many of the courses are free and are available to anyone over the age of 19. 

Would-be learners can discuss their options with staff at the centre on Market Street or visit the adult community education service website, which includes an on-line course search facility, at www.derbyshire.gov.uk/adulteducation (opens in a new window). 

Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "Clay Cross Adult Education Centre is a great adult education facility with specialist provision for subjects including pottery, woodwork and ICT. 

"It`s still not too late to join a class so why not visit the centre and find out what`s on offer."

Youth workers are taking to the streets of Derbyshire with the launch of three new mobile youth information units. 

Derbyshire County Council hopes the vehicles will enable youth workers to engage young people in locations where they normally gather. 

This will provide more choice and options to young people, particularly those who have not traditionally visited youth centres. 

The three new units will operate in the Derbyshire Dales, North East Derbyshire and the Amber Valley and Erewash districts. They were bought following a successful pilot project in South Derbyshire. 

Two further mobile units will shortly be bought for the Bolsover and High Peak areas. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "We are trying to move away from traditional ways of supporting young people. 

"These mobile units provide us with an effective way of contacting young people and providing them with a range of information and social education programmes. 

"Because we are not constrained by having to run activities from a building we can provide young people with the information and help they want in a place where they want to get it from." 

The mobile units will have two members of staff on them and work in conjunction with outreach and detached youth workers. Each mobile unit has internal seating for up to 12 people, displays of leaflets, space for computers and disabled access. 

The unit can be used for one-to-one or small group discussions and as a way of providing information from a range of organisations, including Derbyshire County Council`s b_line youth travel and discount card scheme and Connexions. 

Derbyshire County Council also has a mobile climbing wall and will shortly have creative arts and adventure activity mobile vehicles which tour around Derbyshire offering young people opportunities to take part in activities under the supervision of qualified instructors.

Major work to completely rewire and replace heating at Cotmanhay Infant and Junior Schools is due to be carried out by Derbyshire County Council. 

A £706,000 project has been approved to replace the existing boiler system in poor condition with a modern gas fired system and install new wiring for the fire alarms, lighting, emergency lighting and general electricity supply. 

Most of the funding for the project is being provided by the authority with a contribution from both of the schools. 

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education, said: "I am pleased that we now have the funds available to carry out this work at Cotmanhay Infant and Junior School. 

"This is much-needed work to replace old and out-dated utilities and improve the condition of the school for the comfort of pupils and staff." 

Work was due to start during the February school break and is expected to be completed in October.

A group of pupils have been getting some practical tips designed to increase their interest in science - with a little help from their friends. 

Twelve year nine boys from Aldercar Community Language College in Langley Mill took part in a three-day practical course at Cromford Venture Centre to encourage pupils` enjoyment of science lessons and help their progress in classes. 

The residential course also involved two year 10 peer tutors who have been trained in a joint project run by Derbyshire County Council and the University of the First Age, an educational charity that uses creative approaches to promote learning. 

During the course pupils travelled around Derbyshire collecting water samples from locations including Cromford Mill and Carsington Water. 

Pupils were then asked to work out how to test whether the water they had collected was hard or soft. Peer tutors assisted the year nine pupils with their experiments under the supervision of teaching staff. 

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "The year 10 peer tutors are both doing particularly well in their science lessons. 

"The idea was that they use the skills they have learnt to help inspire younger pupils in their science lessons. In turn this helps the peer tutors to develop their own self-confidence. 

"The younger pupils respond well because they are learning in a different way with the help of people who are of a similar age group." 

Before becoming peer tutors the year 10 pupils went on a training course run by Derbyshire County Council`s University of the First Age partnership so that they could learn the skills necessary to assist younger pupils at their school. 

Aldercar Community Language College is looking at other areas where the peer tutors can assist other students. 

Seven other schools in Derbyshire have also trained peer tutors, aged 14 to 16.

Derbyshire County Council is ploughing another £41,000 into community safety partnership schemes designed to fight crime. 

Tackling drug and alcohol abuse, distraction burglaries, domestic abuse and substance misuse education for primary schools are the latest projects across Derbyshire being helped by the county council`s community safety grant awards scheme. 

Launched in 2002, the award scheme aims to strengthen the authority`s commitment to improving community safety and tackling crime and disorder in Derbyshire. So far, more than £375,687 has been distributed. 

The latest schemes to be approved are: 

• £1,250 for the Amber Valley Community Safety Partnership to produce an information leaflet about drugs and alcohol for the community in Belper. The leaflet will include details of local drug and alcohol agencies and treatment services, information on overdose prevention and harm reduction, and a competition for young people to design a poster. 
• £21,000 for the South Derbyshire Crime and Disorder Partnership, Erewash Community Safety Partnership and Amber Valley Community Safety Partnership to enhance substance misuse education in primary schools in these areas. The It`s Up to You project will use arts, poetry, theatre workshops to deliver messages about substance misuse to children and parents. The total cost of the project is £46,000. 
• £14,061 for the Derbyshire Domestic Abuse County Forum to fund eight conferences for multi-agency staff on preventing abuse and promoting recovery. The conferences will take place at four local domestic abuse forums and will address various issues surrounding domestic abuse in the county. The total cost of the project is £28,182. 
• £5,000 for Derbyshire`s Neighbourhood Watch towards the Nominated Neighbour Scheme. The new scheme aims to protect vulnerable people from distraction burglary and rogue traders by ensuring that there is a nominated neighbour to establish that callers are genuine. The total cost of the scheme is £7,500. 

The grants are part of the county council`s support for Derbyshire`s eight district-based Community Safety Partnerships, which pull together the resources and expertise of local organisations including the district/borough councils, county council, police and probation service. 

Councillor Walter Burrows, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "It is vital that we support the work of the eight local community safety partnerships and I am delighted we have been able to help four more important projects. 

"Our aim is to reduce crime and disorder in Derbyshire and we can do this by continuing to assist the work of groups in local communities."

More than 50 people have benefited from a new service set up to help run co-operatives in Derbyshire. 

Funding from Derbyshire County Council, the Midlands Co-operative Society, the New Deal for Communities in Derwent ward, Derby and money from Europe, is being used to fund a worker to advise people setting up businesses that have social objectives. 

The worker can also advise people who already work in a co-operative or social enterprise and want advice and support. 

The Co-operative and Social Enterprise (CASE) worker, Jane Avery, filled the job last April and has met with and advised more than 50 people since then. 

Jane has advised a wide range of businesses on how to run as co-operatives, from rural businesses in the High Peak to pubs in more urban settings. 

Enquiries have ranged from help to set up the correct legal structure needed in a co-operative, marketing and managing cash flow to understanding break even analysis or taking on new staff. 

One of the success stories centres around Matlock café Good For You at the top of Firs Parade. 

Owners Caron Jones and Richard Litchfield set up the café three years ago selling home made wholefood meals and snacks. 

The couple had many objectives in mind, aiming to ensure it was child-friendly, supported local campaigning groups and was a rewarding place to work. 

Jane said: "They wanted to ensure that all employees would feel included and be as committed as they were to the business, which is why they contacted me to see if I could help." 

Jane explained the various ways the couple could offer employees a stake in their own business and also advised on valuing the business and its transfer from a partnership to a co-operative. 

Caron said: "The co-operative is a logical extension of what we set out to be. More people are more committed to our success now, rather than being part-time employees. 

"Responsibility is shared and the rewards are shared too." 

Jane said: "Social enterprises, like any business, have to make a profit to exist but it is what the business does with that profit that makes them social enterprises. 

"They apply the profit to meet their social objectives which could include providing training and employment in areas where there is a high level of employment, safeguarding farmers` incomes, providing essential services in rural areas or subsidised child care places." 

County council cabinet member for regeneration Councillor Geoff Carlile said: "Social enterprises can meet needs that are not met by either the public or private sector. 

"Having a CASE worker carrying out this role is a real asset for Derbyshire and we hope it will convince people thinking of setting up a business to take a closer look at all the options available to them."

Adults interested in taking an Introduction to Teaching and Training Principles can sign-up for a new 10-week course at Hilton Primary School. 

Classes are being run by Derbyshire County Council Adult Community Education Service starting on Wednesday 3 March from 6pm until 9pm. 

The course is aimed at people who would like to use their knowledge or skills to teach adults. 

No previous teaching experience is necessary to enrol on the course. 

For more information about the course contact 01283 813000.

The Government is to reconsider a £75 million bid by Derbyshire County Council to rebuild five secondary schools. 

Derbyshire County Council was one of 52 authorities in the country to bid for a share of £2.2 billion the Government was offering as part of its Building Schools for the Future programme. 

Derbyshire was not among the first 14 authorities given money in the first bidding round but the Department for Education and Skills has promised to reconsider the authority`s proposals again in the second bidding round this autumn. 

If the bid had been successful it would have meant that the county council was able to replace buildings at Bolsover School, Shirebrook School, Heritage Community School in Clowne and Springwell Community School and Netherthorpe School, both in Staveley. 

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "We are very disappointed for the schools involved that we are not among the first round winners. 

"We do not know the reasons why our initial bid was not successful but we will be meeting with the DfES as soon as possible to find out. We hope those talks will enable us to strengthen our case for the next bidding round." 

The Building Schools for the Future programme is a long-term Government plan to refurbish or rebuild every school in England to provide flexible, inclusive and attractive learning environments. 

Derbyshire County Council`s bid will be considered again in wave two of the bidding process, which will provide funding from 2006/07.

Two Derbyshire schools are to get new teaching blocks after Derbyshire County Council was awarded a £4.23 million Government grant. 

The successful Targeted Capital Fund (TCF) bids will mean new buildings can be constructed at John Port School in Etwall and Swanwick Hall School. 

However, two other bids for a £598,000 ICT suite at Bishop Pursglove CE Primary School, in Tideswell, and a £622,000 sports hall at St Philip Howard Catholic School, in Glossop, were unsuccessful. 

John Port School is to receive £2,590,049 from the Government towards a £3.45 million scheme to build a teaching block to replace temporary classrooms on the school site. 

Derbyshire County Council had already agreed to contribute a further £460,000 if the TCF bid was successful and the remainder of the money will come from the school itself. 

The news comes just a week after the county council agreed to spend another £1.5 million to build a teaching block to help the school cope with an influx of pupils from new housing estates in Hilton. 

Discussions are now planned with the school to look into the possibility of linking the two projects together to create one larger teaching block. Once constructed, the building will also be available for community use outside school hours. 

Swanwick Hall School will receive £1,640,800 towards a £2.05 million scheme to build a new library, ICT and music block. Derbyshire County Council will contribute a further £350,000 and the school will pay the remaining costs. 

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "This funding will enable John Port and Swanwick schools to deliver the modern facilities that pupils want to learn in and teachers want to teach in. 

"We worked very closely with both schools on developing their bids so that they clearly outlined the wider community uses that these new buildings can have outside of school hours. 

"However, we are very disappointed that the bids by Bishop Pursglove CE Primary and St Philip Howard Catholic School didn`t succeed because we felt they were strong applications." 

Targeted Capital Funding is designed to help schools improve the curriculum they offer by providing new buildings with better facilities to help pupils learn.

Education in Derbyshire today received a major boost after Derbyshire County Council decided to pump an extra £17.7 million of Government funding into schools. 

Individual schools will be able to decide how to spend their budget but most of the money is expected to go on: 

• employing new teaching staff 
• reducing class sizes 
• buying more books and other equipment needed in classes 

Derbyshire County Council will be spending £332.984 million on schools in 2004/05 - an extra £17.7 million on this year. 

It means that after schools have set aside £7.6 million to pay for inflationary pressures there will be a £10.1 million increase in budgets for schools to spend as they see fit so they can improve the education of pupils. 

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, said: "The budget will mean that we can provide a much better deal for all children in Derbyshire. 

"This has only been made possible because the Government has made a major commitment to give Derbyshire a fairer funding deal. 

"We have campaigned over many years to deal with past issues of under funding compared to other authorities. The Government has listened and responded in a very positive way by giving us the biggest increase we have ever had. 

"The result is that we will now see more teaching staff, reduced class sizes and better resources in all of our schools. That is good news for everybody." 

All Derbyshire schools and governing bodies have been consulted about how the £10.1 million of extra funding should be split between schools. 

As a result it has been decided that one third - £3.4 million - will go to secondary schools with the remaining two-thirds - £6.7 million - going to nursery and primary schools. 

Of the £6.7 million set aside for nursery and primary schools £2 million will be spent on Key Stage 1 pupils, aged between five and seven, with more than £4 million being allocated to Key Stage 2 pupils, aged seven to 11. 

Special schools will also receive increases in their budgets. 

Schools will be notified of their precise budgets after the February half-term holiday, which is several weeks earlier than usual. 

This is possible due to the Government changing the way it deals with the budget process. It will mean that schools have more time to prepare their budgets and decide how they will to spend the money. 

Councillor Charles added: "I am sure schools and governing bodies will be delighted with this budget. 

"By giving schools extra notice of their allocation it will enable them to spend it on their priorities. 

"This will particularly help them if they are planning to recruit new staff in time for the new academic year in September." 

News of the education budget comes on the same day that Derbyshire County Council announced it is limiting its council tax increase to just 2.94 per cent. This is expected to be one of the lowest council tax increases in the country.

A tax increase of just 2.94 per cent has been set by Derbyshire County Council - way below the expected county average of between 5 and 6 per cent. 

Good housekeeping and another good Government settlement have allowed the authority to limit the extra cost to the average council tax payer to just 38p a week. 

Council leader Councillor John Williams said: "We`re in the business of improving life for local people not making life harder by excessive increases in council tax bills. 

"Last year we set the joint lowest county council tax rise in the country and we`re pretty sure we`ve set the lowest increase this year." 

Councillor Williams said the low limit was thanks to fairer funding settlements from the Government, good housekeeping and tight spending controls. 

Final spending figures for the county council were agreed at £667.9 million - an increase of around £34 million. 

The new budget allows the council to maintain existing services, passport £10.1 million in real growth to schools and increase its reserves to the highest level for many years. It can also invest an extra £5.7 million to improve services with extra cash for: 

• Education - to help with drugs education, special needs and literacy support - £500,000 
• Social services - to help meet increases in demands for support - £1.5 million 
• Cultural and community services - to move towards national library standards - £400,000 
• Environmental services - to cover landfill tax increases and extra road maintenance - £680,000 
• E-government programme - £500,000

In addition, almost £2 million has been committed to fund one-off initiatives to support community safety, change management, communication and Markham Employment Growth Zone programmes. 

Councillor Williams added: "This is a good budget which allows us to address some very real service pressures particularly those in schools. 

"We listened carefully to what local people said during our extended budget consultation programme and the priorities highlighted in countywide opinion surveys before allocating extra cash for services." 

The new council tax levels are: 

The council tax figures for 2003/04 have been adjusted to exclude the figures for the Derbyshire Fire and Rescue Service. From 1 April 2004 the Fire Authority sets its own council tax rates.

Matlock Adult Education Centre is inviting adults to broaden their horizons and sign up for a new course. 

The centre, which is part of Derbyshire County Council`s adult education service, is launching a number of new classes based on the success of its current course programme. 

New courses will get underway at The Ritz centre, the Edgefold Club, the Good For You Café, Scarthin Bookshop, Highfields School and Darley Dale Mencap Room. 

They include: Classroom assistant training; Beauty therapy; Reflexology; Introduction to essential business skills; Flamenco dancing; Samba music workshop; Writers workshop; Computers - installation and maintenance; Desk top publishing; Keep fit for women. 

Since Matlock Adult Education Centre opened in 2002 the number of people enrolling on local courses has increased from around 550 to around 900 in autumn 2003. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for community services, said: "I`m pleased to see that The Ritz is expanding its course programme and offering even more opportunities for adults to learn in the Matlock area. 

"There are a diverse range of new courses available from classroom assistant training to computer maintenance which gives people even more choice when deciding to learn a new skill." 

For more information about any of the courses contact The Ritz on 01629 584336.

People of all ages can enjoy a host of activities at libraries across Derbyshire during February. 

Story-time sessions for youngsters, book groups and advice for pensioners are just some of the events being staged. 

Derbyshire County Council runs 45 libraries - and 13 mobile libraries - and it is free to join. 

As well as a choice of thousands of books, visitors can loan out videos, CDs and DVDs and have access to the internet free of charge. 

Events planned at some of the county`s libraries this month include: 

CHESTERFIELD AREA 

• Newbold Library - Storytime for under fives on Tuesdays between 10.30am and 11am on February 3, 10, 17 and 24. Each Friday this month youngsters from Dunston Primary School visit the library. Pension advice on Wednesday 25 February between 10am and 1pm. 
• Chesterfield Library - Storytime for under fives on Wednesdays between 11am and 11.30am on February 4, 11, 18 and 25. Chesterfield Book Club (for readers aged 8 to 11 years) meet on Friday 13 February at 6pm. Pension advice on Monday 16 February between 9.30am and 12.30pm. Folk group A Bit In The Side holds a lunchtime concert on Saturday 28 February at 11.45am. Young people meet on Tuesday 17 February between 4.30pm and 6pm to help draw up a CD loan selection list. 
• Brimington Library - Storytime for under fives on Thursdays between 10.30am and 11am on February 5, 12, 19 and 26. Henry Bradley Infant School visit on February Monday 9, Tuesday 10, Monday 23 and Tuesday 24. Book Chat reader group meet on Monday 9 February at 2pm. 
• Staveley Library - Staveley Junior School pupils visit on Tuesday 10 and 24 February. Speedwell Infants visit on Thursday 12 February. Work by St Joseph`s Primary School is being displayed between 23 February and 19 March. 

For more information call Ann Ainsworth 01246 209292 

BOLSOVER AREA

• Bolsover Library - Storytime every Friday at 10.30am for under fives; pension advice Friday 27 February at 10 am; children`s pottery workshop Tuesday 17 February 2pm 
• Shirebrook Library - Children`s storytime Friday 27 February 2.15pm on a food theme. 

For more information call Hilary Doherty or Cathy Petersen on 01246 823179

HIGH PEAK AREA 

• Buxton Library - Storytime for under fives on February 13 and 27. For more information contact Angela Wilkinson on 01298 25331. 
• Glossop Library - Storytime on Wednesday 25 February at 2pm. For more information contact Annabel Wilson on 01457 852616. 
• New Mills Library - New Mills Book Chat will meet on Tuesday 10 February at 7pm. For more information contact Gwenda Culkin on 01663 743603. 
• Hadfield Library - Storytime on Friday 13 February at 2.15pm. For more information contact Ann Atherton on 01457 852589. 
• Gamesley Library - Chatterbooks, a bookclub for nine-year-olds, meets on Thursday 26 February at 3.30pm. 

For more information contact Annabel Wilson on 01457 852616

SOUTH DERBYSHIRE AREA 

• Swadlincote Library - Storytime is held every Monday from 2pm to 2.30pm. 
• Etwall Library - Storytime is held every Thursday from 3.10pm to 3.30pm 
• Borrowash Library - Children aged from five to 11 can join in "Science Fun" on Monday 16, Wednesday 18 and Friday 20 February in the morning and in the afternoon. A limited number of tickets will be available from the library on Victoria Avenue from 4 to 13 February and cost 30p per child. 
• Ashbourne Library - Chatterbooks Reading Group for children, Friday 6 February 5.30pm-6.45pm. 

For more information call Sophie Beardmore on 01629 582480 or Eileen Holloway on 01335 342702 

DERBYSHIRE DALES AREA 

• Bakewell Library - February 3, 10, 17 and 24 - storytime for under 5s at 2.30pm. Contact Sophie Beardmore on 01629 582480 or Mandy Redfern on 01629 812267 Wednesday 11 February Book Chat Readers` Group at 7.30pm. Contact Carole Newbould on 01629 812267 
• Wirksworth Library - Drop in session for toddlers and their carers. Friday 6 February 11am to 12. Refreshments, advice about services, new books etc. Contact Sophie Beardmore on 01629 582480 or Sue Kirk on 01629 823173. 

AMBER VALLEY AREA 

• Alfreton Library - During the month there will be exhibitions on Grange Street nursery classroom, Sure Start children`s library and Jaunts and Jollies - a record office display. Storytime on Monday 16 February between 11.30am and noon. Pension advice on Friday 20 February between 10am and noon. Book Sale on Friday 13 and Wednesday 18 February. 
• Ripley Library - Exhibition of Tulley Crook - Acrylic prints. Ripley Poetry Group meeting on Thursday 12 and Thursday 26 February between 2pm and 4pm. Learn Direct courses run on Thursdays between 1.30pm and 4pm. Pension advice on Friday 13 and Friday 27 February between 10am and noon. 
• Belper Library - Exhibition of Greetings cards. 
• Somercotes Library - Storytime on Friday 20 February in the morning. 

For more information call Julie Potton on 01773 833199

EREWASH AREA 

• Long Eaton Library - Reader group on Wednesday 18 February between 7.15pm and 9.15pm. Storytime on Thursdays at 10.30am. Pensions advice on Mondays between 10am and 11am. 
• Ilkeston Library - Free computer taster sessions on Mondays and Wednesdays between 10am and noon. Pensions advice on Thursdays between 9.30am and 11am. Reader group on Thursday 19 February between 1pm and 3pm. Storytime for under fives on Wednesdays at 11.15am. On 18 February is storytime drop-in for 5 to 10 year olds between 9.45am and 11am. Regular storytime for under 5`s at 11.15am. Celebrate Dr. Seuss`s 100th birthday on 28 February between 1pm and 3pm. There will be stories, games and lots of fun for all ages.
• Sandiacre Library - Free computer taster sessions on Tuesdays between 10am and noon. Storytime held on Mondays at 1030am during term time. 
• Borrowash Library - Free computer taster sessions on Wednesdays between 12.45pm and 2.45pm. Storytime held on Wednesdays between 2.30pm and 3pm. Please note there will be no computer sessions during the week commencing 16 February. 

For more information call Jan Colombo on 0115 9301104

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "Derbyshire residents have an excellent resource on their doorstep and we hope to encourage even more people to use it. 

"If you haven`t visited your local library for a while why not pop in and see what it has to offer?" Joining your local library is free all you need to take along are two pieces of identification. Library users over 12 can take out 16 items on loan at any one time - under 12s can have eight items on loan. 

Books can be renewed beyond the three week loan period, provided no other library user has reserved them, by ringing Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058. 

Alternatively, readers can consult the catalogue, reserve and renew items, and check borrower records online by clicking here (opens in a new window). 

Whether it`s hot off the press, yesterday`s news - or even last century`s news - you can read all about it in any Derbyshire library thanks to a new electronic information system. 

Derbyshire County Council is installing two new software packages on computers in all its 45 libraries allowing users to access current news and search back issues at the touch of a button instead of having to search through piles of old copies. 

The Times "InfoTrac" system will allow users to read articles in a wide range of national daily newspapers archived back to the 1990s and updated every day. 

When visitors log on they will be able to look at the page on screen, which is shown in traditional newspaper format, and search for items by typing in a date, name or keyword. 

Meanwhile, The Times Digital Archive, will allow users to search through back copies of The Times from its first issue printed in 1785 to current editions updated every day. 

Like Internet access in all its libraries the council`s new service will be free to all users. 

County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "Newspapers have traditionally been and still remain a popular source of information for many of our users as a way of keeping up with current affairs and also as a valuable research resource. 

"But until now it`s been impossible to carry out a specific search for material in newspapers without a time-consuming trawl through numerous back issues or microfilms. The great thing about these new databases is that they bring together every reference to a person, event or date from all the major newspapers. 

"We want to make it as easy as possible for people to access information in our libraries and this new software does it all for you. Another bonus is that even just looking at the adverts and how newspaper pages were laid out in old editions can be fascinating. 

"We hope the applications of this software will be endless for users of all ages and for a whole range of purposes." 

The council anticipates the new system will have many benefits for users, particularly for people carrying out social or historical research, students compiling school or college projects or anyone investigating important historical events and dates or a particular year.

Descendants of Derbyshire war heroes can now find out more about their brave ancestors after a hand painted Roll of Honour has been donated to the record office. 

The impressive 3ft by 2ft 6in document recording the contribution made by Derbyshire men serving their country during the Boer War in South Africa in 1900 and 1901 has recently been given to the County Council-run Derbyshire Record Office in New Street, Matlock. 

The Roll of Honour records the names and brief addresses of everybody in the contingent, as well as photos of all seven officers, a group photo and the names of those killed in action, taken prisoner, wounded or dying of disease. Many local families are represented. It also includes a map showing the area of the conflict in South Africa. 

104 years ago, on 20 January 1900, 128 soldiers and seven officers of the Derbyshire contingent of the 4th Battalion of the 8th Company Imperial Yeomanry set off from Derby to South Africa. On 9 June 1901 the survivors arrived back having fought in no less than 73 battles in Africa. To commemorate this record, the battalion commissioned a Roll of Honour, which was hand painted by a Mr A Roberts of Otter Street, Derby. A lady in Harpenden, Hertfordshire, offered to donate the Roll of Honour as a gift to the record office and so it has come back to its county of origin. 

Councillor Bob Janes, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "I am sure there will be a great deal of interest in the Roll of Honour amongst local people, history enthusiasts and those with a special interest in historical battles. 

"It will provide an insight into the lives of ancestors for older generations and bring history alive for younger people." 

This Roll of Honour complements many other documents at the record office relating to the Boer War including diaries and letters of individual soldiers and, once conservation has been completed, it will be available for researchers to consult. 

For further information, please contact Derbyshire Record Office: 016239 580000 ext. 35202 or email: record.office@derbyshire.gov.uk.  

Three new shelters will be installed in Chesterfield to protect bus passengers from the elements. 

Derbyshire County Council has agreed to replace existing shelters at Littlemoor opposite the Goldminers Arms and at Newbold Road in Chesterfield. 

While a brand new shelter will be built at the bus stop at the junction of Newbold Moor and Kendal Road. 

The work to create hard standings and install the illuminated, enclosed shelters will cost £18,410. 

The county council will stump up half the cost with the other 50 per cent paid for by Chesterfield Borough Council, which will maintain and clean the shelters when they are installed. 

Councillor Walter Burrows, the county council`s cabinet member for public protection and transport, said: "The authority is committed to encouraging people to use the bus more often and persuade new users to climb aboard. 

"We hope that providing modern shelters, which are enclosed to keep out the wind and rain, will encourage more people to leave their cars behind and make use of Derbyshire`s extensive public transport network. 

"And there is also the safety aspect as these new shelters are also clear-sided and lit up at night." 

It is hoped the new shelters will be installed by the end of next month. 

Derbyshire County Council has made a commitment to increase the number of passenger journeys made in Derbyshire from 41.1m in 2000 to 43.37m by March 31 2004.

An exhibition of cultural artefacts and artwork featuring work by pupils at four local schools is currently running at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery. 

Getting to Grips with Objects is a project led by Buxton Museum and Art Gallery to investigate how objects from various cultures could be used to inspire learning in schools. 

During the autumn school term of 2003, cultural objects and support materials from Derbyshire`s School Library Service (Derbyshire County Council and Derby City Council) were loaned to four Buxton schools - Buxton Infant School, Peak Dale Primary School, St Thomas More Catholic School and Buxton Community School. Each school was also provided with artists or specialists to encourage the pupils to interpret the objects in creative ways. This exhibition features both the artwork created by the schools and the original objects which inspired them. 

Councillor Bob Janes, the county council`s cabinet member for community services, said: "The museum offers an excellent place for the young people to exhibit their fabulous work to a much wider audience. 

"The schools are proud of the work and believe that the arts have a role to play within the local community. 

"We hope that everyone who visits the exhibition enjoys it as much as the students enjoyed producing the work." 

The project has been supported by a Museums and Galleries Education Programme grant awarded by East Midlands Museums Libraries and Archives Council (funded by the Department for Education and Skills). 

The exhibition will run at the gallery on Terrace Road, Buxton until Saturday 27 March. 

Visitors to the gallery can also see This Place, an exhibition of photographs by Kate Bellis, which runs until 6 March. Artwork by local budding artist Nathan Birchenough, inspired by Buxton and the countryside of Derbyshire, is on display until 28 February. 

Entry to all exhibitions at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery is free as part of Derbyshire County Council`s commitment to increase public access to the arts. 

Information about all the exhibitions is available by ringing Ros Westwood or Sue Palmer at the museum and art gallery on 01298 24658.

Planned road closures which were to affect bus services in Bakewell from Monday have now been postponed until next month. 

Derbyshire County Council had made temporary road closure orders for Bridge Street and Bath Street for about eight weeks starting on Monday (February 9) and organised temporary bus stops to allow Severn Trent Water to carry out sewer improvement work. 

But that has now been delayed after engineers found additional work was required to replace stone culverts in Market Street during the first phase of the scheme which started last month. 

The orders will now be in place in Bridge Street and Bath Street from Monday 1 March until Tuesday 16 April. 

Bridge Street will be closed between March 1 and 26 when the one-way system in Bath Street and Anchor Square will be reversed. 

Traffic, including buses, heading for Chesterfield on the A619 will be diverted along the A6 and A6020, at Ashford in the Water, before rejoining the A619. 

Bath Street will be closed between its junction with Bridge Street and New Street between March 22 and April 16. 

The one-way system between New Street and Anchor Square will be suspended and the one-way system on Bath Street between its junction with the A6 and Anchor Square will be reversed to ensure access to nearby buildings. 

To reduce the impact on passengers, some buses travelling along the A619 will use the turnaround at the cross on Station Road so passengers can be dropped off as close as possible to the centre of town. 

The closures will mean that some buses will leave from different stops and some journeys may take longer because of the diversions. 

Bus stop changes include: 

Stand B services 

• Hulleys services 171 and 172 will depart from Stand E, in Matlock Street. 
• Hulleys services 2 and Monday market day Taxico service 446 and Warrington service 449 will depart from a temporary stop opposite the Rutland Arms Hotel, in Rutland Square. 

Stand C services 

• Hulleys service 170 will leave from stand A, Buxton Road. 
• Hulleys Services 177 and 178 will also depart from the temporary stop opposite the Rutland Arms Hotel. 

Stand D services 

• Hulleys services 175 and First service 181 will leave from Stand A, Buxton Road. 
• Hulleys service 179 will leave from Stand E, Matlock Street and travel via Rowsley to Chatsworth. 
• First service 240 will leave from a temporary stop on the other side of Bakewell Bridge, in Coombs Road, except on schooldays when the 08.55am and 4.20pm will leave from Stand A, in Buxton Road. 
• First service X18 to Sheffield will be provided by a minibus shuttle from Stand A, Buxton Road to connect with the X18 in Ashford. Shuttlebus services will leave Bakewell Monday - Saturday, 08.35am, 10.35am, 12.35pm, 15.05pm and 5.55pm and on Sundays 08.54am, 10.54am, 12.24pm, 2.24pm and 5.24pm. 
• Services from Bakewell travelling along Baslow Road will be disrupted and passengers are advised to look out for notices displayed locally for details of alternative travel arrangements. 

Services which use stands A and E are not affected and services from Baslow Road travelling towards Bakewell remain the same. 

County council cabinet member for public protection and transport Councillor Walter Burrows said: "We have altered the temporary orders to adapt to the new dates but want to make sure passengers are aware of the new schedule which will affect their bus services. 

"We appreciate the work may cause inconvenience to some passengers and motorists but urge them bear with us while we help Severn Trent Water carry out this essential work." 

For more information members of the public can call the Severn Trent Water information line on 0800 783 4444. 

Passengers can check bus times by calling traveline 0870 608 2 608 (7am to 9pm everyday).

Stanton Vale School in Long Eaton has officially opened its new-look site following a £1.2m refurbishment by Derbyshire County Council. 

The special school was relocated from Ilkeston to the former Westbrook School site on Thoresby Road, Long Eaton, in September 2002. A complete modernisation programme was carried out to improve facilities at the school including the hydrotherapy pool which was given a £115,000 revamp. 

Derbyshire County Council decided to move the school on to the site to offer a wider range of facilities for children with disabilities and special needs pupils. 

Following the refurbishment, the school has been recognised as a regional centre of excellence by MOVE Europe - a teaching programme which combines education and therapy for children with disabilities. The accreditation recognises good practice in the school and the success of its pupils using the programme. 

Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for education, said: "The process of moving Stanton Vale School from Ilkeston to the former Westbrook School building at Long Eaton was very difficult for all concerned, especially the pupils and their parents. I am pleased to see the major refurbishment work and the pupils having the first class facilities that they deserve. 

"Great credit should go to Jan Wells, the headteacher and all of her staff, including the governing body, for the top quality education that Stanton Vale offers its students. 

"We have now utilised the premises to increase the number of places available and we are able to offer a wider range of facilities to meet the different needs of pupils."

Fancy getting out and about in the Derbyshire countryside this year? A host of activities from bird watching to woodland crafts and bike rides to circular walks are listed in Derbyshire County Council`s latest events booklet. 

Countryside Service Events in Derbyshire 2004 contains a month-by-month list of activities being run by the authority`s countryside service over the year. 

The free 32-page colour booklet also contains location maps and information about countryside centres, details of nature clubs, cycle hire, disabled access, how to become a volunteer, the Walking the Way to Health initiative and public transport in the countryside. 

Activities cater for all age groups, with many events aimed at children, and are intended to get people out and about in the Derbyshire countryside. 

Last year`s booklet was so popular that all 30,000 copies were snapped up immediately so this year 50,000 have been printed to meet demand. 

County council cabinet member for community services Councillor Bob Janes said: "We hope this booklet will give people from all over the county and visitors lots of ideas to get out and about in our beautiful countryside over the coming year. 

"We`re keen to promote our countryside service and the facilities and activities we have on offer and we hope there`s something for everyone in here." 

The free booklet is available from libraries, tourist information centres, heritage centres, the council`s visitor and countryside centres and schools and can also be seen on the countryside service section of this website by clicking here (opens in a new window).

Copies are also available by contacting Call Derbyshire on 08 456 058 058. 

Grit bins could be provided at more locations across Derbyshire after the county council agreed to extend the scheme. 

Parish, borough and district councils can apply to the authority for their own grit bin and the county council will now cover all of the costs of providing the bin and filling it up with salt. 

Previously the authority met only half the cost of providing the bins - which cost in the region of £175, including an initial fill with salt. Future maintenance and refilling is paid for by the parish, borough or district council. 

Up to £10,000 has been set aside in the county council`s winter maintenance budget to pay for new grit bins - double the previous amount available. 

Around 114 grit bins are looked after by parish councils with another 429 looked after by district and borough councils. 

Councillor Brian Lucas, the county council`s cabinet member for environment and highways, said: "Derbyshire County Council takes all reasonable and practical measures to deal with ice and snow on the highways but, as last week`s cold snap proved, it is a huge task. 

"Although we grit 47 per cent of Derbyshire`s roads, which is more than many other authorities, any help we get from local communities during the winter period can only be a good thing. 

"Over the last few years we have had increasing numbers of requests from parish councils for salt bins and, by providing all the start-up costs, we hope it will encourage even more to apply." 

Requests for new bins will be prioritised against criteria laid down by the county council depending on available finance. Unsuccessful requests will be included in the following year`s priority list.

Eleven Derbyshire schools have been picked out for special praise by the Government`s chief education inspector in his annual report. 

David Bell, chief inspector at the Office of Standards in Education, has chosen the schools using the findings of inspections carried out across the country in 2002/03. 

Every year the report selects schools that have received "an outstanding inspection report and continued to perform very well in tests and examinations given the circumstances of the schools." 

The Derbyshire schools picked out for special praise are: 

• Gamesley Early Excellence Centre in Glossop 
• Brassington Primary School 
• Crich Carr Church of England Primary School 
• Dronfield Infant School 
• Dronfield Junior School 
• Duke of Norfolk Church of England Primary School in Glossop 
• Melbourne Infant School 
• Padfield Community Primary School 
• Somerlea Park Junior School in Alfreton 
• South Darley Church of England Primary School in Matlock 
• Weston-on-Trent Church of England Primary School 

Two other schools - Temple Normanton and New Mills primary schools - were also commended by Mr Bell for coming out of special measures. 

Councillor Alan Charles, Derbyshire County Council`s cabinet member for education, has welcomed the news. He said: "We are extremely proud and delighted that so many Derbyshire schools have made this `outstanding` list and that the improvements at Temple Normanton and New Mills have been recognised. 

"It reflects well on the endeavour and hard work shown by staff and pupils because the schools that are selected have all shown improvements in standards since their previous inspection. 

"There are many other Derbyshire schools that have had excellent reports who must have been close to making this list and also deserve our congratulations." 

Only schools that had Ofsted reports published in 2002/03 are covered by the annual report. 

A live music festival with a line up including top names like Jools Holland is hoped to attract visitors to the county. 

The Four Four Time 2004 Buxton Opera House Festival of Live Music will feature jazz, rock, pop, folk roots and blues acts. 

Boosted by sponsorship from Derbyshire County Council to the tune of £5,000, the event began yesterday (February 2) and will run until Tuesday (February 10). 

The event is being organised by Buxton Opera House but also includes a number of fringe events in other areas of the town. 

And the event has already struck a chord with the paying public - with tickets for Jools Holland and The Levellers concerts having sold out. 

Councillor Geoff Carlile, the county council`s cabinet member for regeneration, said: "I am delighted we are able to back the music festival as it will provide wonderful entertainment for Derbyshire music-lovers and help attract tourists into our beautiful county. 

"By continuing to support exciting and diverse projects the authority is helping the county to maintain its well-earned reputation for hosting superb events. 

"When you combine this with Derbyshire`s breath-taking scenery, places of interest, historic houses and first-class shopping opportunities it makes the area unbeatable." 

The festival is being backed from the council`s tourism budget as it is hoped the event will help generate out-of-season tourism and boost the local economy by drawing visitors into the town and surrounding areas. 

Buxton Opera House chief executive Andrew Aughton said: "Everyone at the theatre thanks Derbyshire County Council for supporting the live music festival for the second year. 

"We have a brilliant line up this year and it couldn`t happen without the county council." 

Listings for the event are as follows: 

Tues 3 Feb, 7.30pm, Opera House 

• JOOLS HOLLAND & HIS RHYTHM & BLUES ORCHESTRA Tickets: £22.50, £27.50 - No concessions 

Tues 3 Feb, 8.30pm, Pavilion Gardens Lounge 

• MARTIN SIMPSON Tickets: £10, After The Show: £3 - Concessions available  

Wed 4 Feb, 7.30pm, Opera House 

• THE KATE RUSBY TRIO Tickets: £14, £16 - Concessions available

Wed 4 Feb, 8.30pm, Pavilion Gardens Lounge 

• TOMMY SMITH & BRIAN KELLOCK Tickets: £10, After the show: £3 - Concessions available  

Thurs 5 Feb, 7.30pm, Opera House 

• THE BLUES BAND Tickets: £12, £14 - Concessions available 

Thurs 5 Feb, 8.30pm, Pavilion Gardens Lounge 

• JACQUI DANKWORTH & HER QUARTET Tickets: £10, After The Show: £3 - Concessions available  

Fri 6 Feb, 7.30pm, Opera House 

• DOUBLE BILL: ANDY SHEPPARD & JOHN PARICELLI and... THE ESBJORN SVENSSON TRIO Tickets: £12.50, £14.50 - Concessions available 

Fri 6 Feb, 7.30pm, Pavilion Gardens Lounge 

• BLA-BLA-BLA (BUXTON LOCAL ARTISTS IN CONCERT) Tickets: £7.50, After The Show: £3 - Concessions available 

Fri 6 Feb, 8.30pm, Pavilion Gardens Octagon 

• KING PLEASURE & THE BISCUIT BOYS Tickets: £10, After the show: £3 - Concessions available  

Sat 7 Feb, 7.30pm, Opera House 

• THE LEVELLERS - LIVE & ACOUSTIC Tickets: £18, £20 - Concessions available 

Sat 7 Feb, 8.30pm, Pavilion Gardens Lounge 

• MICHAEL MESSER & THE SECOND MIND BLUES BAND Tickets: £10, After The Show: £3 - Concessions available  

Sun 8 Feb, 7.30pm, Opera House 

• THE HOTHOUSE FLOWERS Tickets: £16.50, £19 - Concessions available 

Mon 9 Feb, 7.30pm, Opera House 

• FAIRPORT CONVENTION Tickets: £13, £15 - Concessions available 

Mon 9 Feb, 8.30pm, Pavilion Gardens Lounge 

• GILAD ATZMON & THE ORIENT HOUSE ENSEMBLE Tickets: £10, After The Show: £3 - Concessions available  

Tues 10 Feb, 7.30pm, Opera House 

• THE NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ ORCHESTRA Tickets: £11, £13 - Concessions available 

For further details/ticket availability please contact Liz Holland, Buxton Opera House press and marketing officer on 01298 72050 or email press@buxtonopera.co.uk or visit www.buxton-opera.co.uk (opens in a new window). 

Communities in north east Derbyshire are set to benefit from a million pound project to help support and fund local regeneration projects. 

Derbyshire County Council is putting £248,685 into a two-year community economic development (CED) initiative for the Chesterfield and Bolsover areas. 

The £1,117,736 project will see development workers from the county council`s north east Derbyshire community economic development team continue to work with community groups to create action plans and projects to meet local needs until December 2005. 

Areas that will receive help include Bolsover, Langwith, Shirebrook, Elmton with Creswell, Holmewood and Heath, Markham, Middlecroft, Rother, St Helen`s, Dunston, North Wingfield and the Moor Ward in Chesterfield. 

The CED team will work closely with the District of Bolsover, North East Derbyshire District Council and Chesterfield Borough Council to support new projects and help police, local authorities and health providers tailor services to best benefit communities. 

Funding of £485,723 has been given to the project by the Alliance Sub-Regional Strategic Partnership and £383,328 has come from the European Regional Development Fund.