Assisting the skateboarders

 

 https://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/news/politics/petition-for-chesterfield-skatepark-repairs-reaches-1000-signatures-3664873

Time to stop the concrete

A local councillor has forced Derbyshire County Council to widen it’s consultation on its Minerals extraction plan that will lead to worsening Climate Change.

Councillor Ed Fordham who represents Loundsley Green and Newbold on the County Council, was very critical of the proposed consultation on the new Minerals Local Plan. His objection has forced Derbyshire to arrange an additional consultation in Chesterfield itself.

Ed said “This plan, which is produced by the County Council, licenses mass extraction of minerals for the production of, amongst other things, concrete. Concrete has been described as the most destructive material on earth and is massively used across the UK.  This activity places Derbyshire in the top 10 polluters of local authorities in terms of Climate Change as a result of its own policies. 

“We are already seeing damaging effects of flooding in Matlock and of course at Hornsbridge roundabout - concrete and the effect it has in preventing surface water run off is definitely a cause in these flooding problems. We have to address this directly any look to urgently reduce the mass production of concrete. 

“We have to immediately reduce our reliance on concrete and as a foremost extractor and also producer of concrete I believe that Derbyshire should and could lead the way.

“Accordingly I am calling on Chesterfield Borough Council and Derbyshire County Council to immediately reduce or cease any procurement of concrete in its building maintenance and all procurement contracts. We can do this - and we have to act and not pretend that this isn’t happening. Concrete is the 2nd most consumed substance in the world, second only to water itself and it is ruining the planet.

“I will be objecting to Derbyshire’s proposed Minerals Local Plan and I urge others to do so as well. After my personal intervention the County Council has now agreed to hold a consultation session at Chesterfield Library on Wednesday 20th April 2.30pm-6.30pm.

“If you care about the planet, care about Climate Change and believe that we can be more sufficient using wood and producing less concrete then please lodge your objection to the proposed Minerals Local Plan Derbyshire County Council.”

Attached: the Council’s flier now finally confirming that there will now be a Consultation session in Chesterfield on 20th April.