Public in Peak District given their say on future direction

PEOPLE living in the Peak District are being asked to comment on how the national park should develop over the next five years.

The “Join Our Conversation” consultation, launched by the Peak District National Park Authority, is asking for comments on a draft new National Park Management Plan.

The plan will be the main policy document that guides what will happen in the national park between 2012 and 2017.

In order to produce the draft plan, Peak Park bosses worked with people including farmers, local businesses, charities, community groups, tourism organisations and local councils.

Among the main changes are proposals to promote farming and land management, do more to support the local economy and ensure that climate change issues are incorporated into the work of the national park authority.

Jim Dixon, chief executive of the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “Although a policy document might not sound important, what it will deliver will have an impact on the lives of every resident, business and visitor.

“So it is really important that we check that the ideas of all the groups and individuals who have been involved in writing the plan match the hopes and needs of everyone with an interest in the national park.”

The consultation document can be seen by visiting the Peak District National Park Authority website at www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/npmpconsultation.

The closing date for comments is Friday, July 1.