Plan to protect and improve Peak District market town

PLANS have been drawn up to protect the centre of a Peak District town and help its local shops and services fight back against competition from national chains.

The Peak District National Park Authority commissioned the Framework for Bakewell in early 2012 to identify basic and more radical improvements.

It was published at the end of last year and has already won praise from the national Landscape Institute, and from groups which represent the town’s residents and businesses.

Sarah Foster, area planning manager for the authority, said: “The aim is to ensure the town’s streets and public spaces remain attractive and vibrant.

“The document identified the current lack of opportunities for people to stop and linger in public spaces in the town centre.

“The document focuses on both long-term suggestions for changes relating to traffic flow and car parking and, equally important, short-term proposals for paving improvements, planting, signage and street furniture.

“One benefit that has already come out of it is the formation of the Bakewell Partnership which will decide, with the help of local consultation, which elements of the plan will be carried forward.”

Led by Bakewell Town Council, the partnership includes the national park authority, Derbyshire Dales Council and Derbyshire County Council.