Clash over music at midnight walk

Two years ago the Ashgate Hospice Midsummer Night Walk around Dronfield caused a controversy, many residents claiming that the all-night music disturbed their sleep.

As a result of the protests, Dronfield Town Council banned music at last year's event, which went on to raise 90,000 for the Chesterfield hospice.

But walk organisers have now decided that music should be played again, between 11.45pm and 12.15am, when next year's walk starts from Cliffe Park in Dronfield in June.

Coun Christine Smith told the latest meeting of Dronfield Town Council that she was not happy with this decision as the music would again disturb people living near the park.

However, Coun Wendy Temple – who took part in this year's event involving 1,100 women – said that music was necessary to provide the start of the walk with some atmosphere.

Coun Richard Bull added that the PA system would face away from the nearby houses and the music would not be too loud.