Following the recent public meeting called by the Chesterfield & District Civic Society to discuss Derbyshire County Council’s plans for an East-West Cycle Route, local MP Toby Perkins has secured meetings with the government’s Minister for Cycling, Chris Heaton-Harris MP, and Councillor Athwal, Cabinet Member for Highways Assets & Transport at Derbyshire County Council.

Toby said, “It was clear from the Government’s response in the Westminster Hall debate I held recently that the County Council’s consultation did not match what the Department for Transport would expect for this type of project and I will be exploring this further with Mr Heaton-Harris. I am also hoping to learn more about any limitations on the government’s funding for cycling with regard to alternative proposed routes. ”

The public meeting held by the Civic Society attracted over 250 people and there were strong feelings from both those in favour of the proposals, and the overwhelming majority in the room who were against. Toby Perkins has called for Derbyshire County Council to pause their plans and implement a new consultation.

Toby added, “I am grateful to Cllr Athwal and senior council officers for agreeing to meet with me later this week, I accept their apology concerning their misleading remarks around my response to their invitation to attend a meeting concerning their consultation and I hope some progress can be made. All I want is for people to be fully-consulted and their views properly considered before any final decision is made.”