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Community Spirit

Thursday 2nd December 2010

What's believed to be the heaviest snowfall in years has battered Chesterfield with as much as 28 inches falling in some parts. Every school in Chesterfield was closed due to the worsening conditions and many services were disrupted with no buses running in the town yesterday.

The Chesterfield Post set out to discover the real impact in local communities of the dumping, spending parts of the day on the streets of New Whittington, finding out how residents and businesses there were coping with the suspension of normal life.

Stranded Lorry in New WhittingtonThe first visible sign of problems (apart from the snow coming over my riding boots) was a large lorry (pictured left), which had been stranded on Tuesday night en route to making a delivery at the local Industrial Estate.

The Macedonian driver had become stuck on Staveley Road, and after two hours of fruitless manoeuvering and police help had simply parked up and retired to his cab for the night.

Unable to move this morning he is still there tonight (Wednesday). Locals have been providing warm drinks and food; he says he has enough supplies for a couple more days - he had expected to be home by now.

Pharmacy ClosedMany of the shops on the High Street had opened as normal, though some were later than usual as owners battled to get in.

Two hardy souls from the Pharmacy had walked from Brimington but told me they were unsure how they would fare as the pharmacist was unable to travel from Nottingham so no prescription medicine could be administered.

A little while later a notice had been placed on the security blinds (pictured left).

The nearest chemist now open was Whittington Moor.

Local shops were busy - running out of bread and milk by 9.30 am. No newspapers were on sale as deliveries had been unable to get through. The bakers were doing a roaring trade in bacon butties to shoppers and early dog walkers. The Post Office had opened though no post was able to get through and no deliveries were made in the village today.

New Whittington High Street becomes a single lane pavementThe High Street (left), normally a busy route through to town, was silent, and had now become one large pavement, full of sledges and children enjoying the extra day off school.

Only two cars slithered and slipped along the road whilst I was out though. Throughout the village there were residents digging out stranded vans and vehicles which had struggled to negotiate the streets.

Two nurses from a surgery in Chesterfield Town centre were doing emergency home visits, courtesy of a dutiful husband with a 4x4. "It would have been impossible" I was told "to have even thought about services to vulnerable residents without it."

One of the calls on the list was a diabetic with no food - a reminder of how vital services like this are - particularly on days like today.

What struck me most as I ventured about was the camaraderie amongst everyone, the banter and the inevitable chat about the weather, but also a real spirit - everyone mucking in, in good humour, to make sure the village carried on.

So, looking at the weather forecast tonight I have only one message for the good people of New Whittington …."Same time, same place tomorrow?"

OTHER STORIES

TRUE GRIT II -
DCC's gritters will be out and about in the next couple of days as temperatures plunge and the wintry conditions return. More...

MINING DISASTER TRIBUTE UNVEILED -
In 1861, 23 men died when Clay Cross No 2 pit was flooded by water from another mine. Nearly 150 years later the town to the miners who lost their lives there has unveiled a tribute. More...

NEW COUNCIL PROPERTIES TO COME TO CHESTERFIELD -
Chesterfield Borough Council has today (Tuesday) given it's approval for five community rooms to be converted into six new bungalows. More...

COMMUNITY PRAISED FOR SPIRE APPEAL SUCCESS -
Church members in Ashover are celebrating after the community raised enough money to carry out essential repairs to the tower and steeple at All Saints. More...

GOING DOWN WELL -
Whilst taking part in the Darmstadt Xmas market last week, Brampton Brewery's products proved so popular that they sold completely out. More...

A BIT OF A WEEK! -
One week ago the white stuff had just arrived. As we woke up to Tuesday, we had no idea that it was to be the worst dumping of snow for years. More...

TRUE GRIT! -
Derbyshire County Council - "The help we get from voluntary groups and residents is invaluable and we'd like to say a huge thank you." More...

PRICE HIKE ENDS ASHOVER TREE LIGHTS CEREMONY -
Ashover's traditional Christmas tree lights official switch-on ceremony has fallen victim to the economic downturn. More...

THE WORK
CONTINUES -

The heavy snowfall has meant a long day for Council workers in the town who have worked to keep things moving across Chesterfield. More...

OPEN FOR BUSINESS -
Chesterfield's much talked about and eagerly awaited new four star Casa Hotel has opened it’s doors to the public for the first time on schedule. More...

LOCAL COUNCIL NOMINATED FOR PRESTIGIOUS AWARD -
It's the 2nd time in the past 3 years that North east Derbyshire District Council has been shortlisted as 'Most Improved Council' at the annual Local Government Chronicle awards. More...

CHESTERFIELD'S GREENPRINT LAUNCHED -
A new 'Greenprint' for Chesterfield that sets out plans to protect and save the plants and animals that exist throughout the Borough has been launched. More...

CHESTERFIELD WWII AIRMAN'S FAMILY FOUND -
The Chesterfield Post asked you some time ago for any information regarding relatives of a World War Two Airman, Sgt Dennis Heeley, shot down in Germany in 1945. More...

MORE NEW RETAIL JOBS FOR CHESTERFIELD -
Forty new jobs have been created in town, with the arrival of a new Poundland store this weekend. More...

FOUR FOUND GUILTY OF FRAUD -
Chesterfield Borough Council has successfully prosecuted 4 individuals for a variety of benefit frauds at the North East Derbyshire and Dales Magistrates' Court. More...

A TOWN REMEMBERS -
Hundreds today lined the streets of Chesterfield in support of the town's Remembrance Day Service and March. More...

AND THEN THERE WAS LIGHT -
Over 12,000 guests packed into the Meadowhall Shopping centre to see the first ever 'Christmas light switch on concert' with stars including Olly Murs, Alesha Dixon and Eliza Doolittle. More...

NEW GAMES AREA OPENS -
A new sports facility for youngsters in Chesterfield has now been officially opened at Highfield Park in Newbold. More...

NEW PLANNING TRACKING SYSTEM LAUNCHED -
A new on-line facility has been launched today enabling local people to search for, track and comment on planning applications in North East Derbyshire. More...

LOOK OUT - THERE'S BIKES ABOUT! -
Watch out for bikes - that's the message Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership is sending to drivers in it's latest publicity campaign. More...

COUNCIL SEEKS TO REASSURE RESIDENTS
AS PHONE PROBLEMS CONTINUE -

Hundreds of Chesterfield residents are still without phone or internet access as engineers battle to repair 400m of underground cables More...

SPIREITES ADD SPARKLE TO BONFIRE NIGHT -
As Bonfire Night approaches, Chesterfield Football Club has announced it will be opening its car park at the B2net Stadium More...

100 NEW JOBS FOR TOWN AS NEW STORE OPENS -
There was a huge jobs boost for Chesterfield when Matalan opened it's doors to the public for the first time on Saturday morning. More...

PARADE LIGHTS UP CHESTERFIELD -
Samba dancers, The Mayor and Mayoress, Panto Dame and villain along with many home made lanterns all gathered in front of a illuminated Crooked Spire. More...

AN EVENING WITH SHAPPI -
Many people wouldn't describe a performance in front of a packed out theatre as 'intimate' ... More...

JONTY HEARNDEN IMPRESSED BY LOCAL MARKET -
We spoke to Jonty after he had completed the Mayor and Mayoress's 'Bargain Hunt' in Chesterfield Market on Thursday More...

YOUR COUNCIL
NEEDS YOU! -

The way that Chesterfield Borough Council is run could be about to change. The Council is currently undergoing a review of it's decision-making structure More...

GIANT FIRE BIRD TO ILLUMINATE THE GARDEN OF LIGHT -
A giant Fire Bird Sculpture, created by local students will set Queen's Park alight this weekend. More...

TOP COMEDIAN CELEBRATES MARKET FESTIVAL WITH HIT SHOW -
Ahead of her visit to Chesterfield to take part in the festival, we had a chat with comedian Shappi Korsandi who will be performing her hit show 'Moon on a stick' at the Pomegranate Theatre on the 28th. More...

7 ARRESTS AT CHESTERFIELD V SHREWSBURY GAME -
Trouble, which flared at the B2Net after the Spireites victory over Shrewsbury, resulted in seven arrests Derbyshire police have confirmed. More...

FULL STEAM AHEAD FOR RESTORED STEAM ENGINE -
There was a treat in store for steam buffs when a recently restored engine made it's mainline comeback in Chesterfield on Saturday. More...

8 PROJECTS SECURE FUNDING TO REDUCE UNEMPLOYMENT -
Chesterfield Borough Council has announced it is to fund eight projects aiming to get people back into work through it's Working Neighbourhoods Fund More...

BOROUGH COUNCIL LEADER RESPONDS TO CUTS -
Cllr Ray Russell told the people of Chesterfield that the Council are doing everything they can to protect services to residents. More...

"THANKS" TO THE INCINERATOR CAMPAIGNERS FROM THE COUNCIL -
CBC issued us with a short statement in which they expressed their delight and the decision and praised the team behind what was described as a "well run and exemplary campaign". More...

THE SPENDING REVIEW: HOW WILL IT IMPACT OUR TOWN -
After today's spending review by George Osborne, with £81bn to be cut from public spending in all, how will that affect people In Chesterfield and their services? More...

AFTER THE INCINERATOR DECISION -
As the impact of the decision began to sink in, the Chesterfield Post got immediate reaction from several key players. More...

INCINERATOR TRIUMPH EXTRA: QUOTES -
Several people spoke at the meeting to air their concerns about the site ahead of the final decision. More...

PEOPLE POWER TRIUMPHS IN INCINERATOR
BATTLE -

After a mammoth FIVE-hour session in the Derbyshire County Council Chamber, Planning Councillors overwhelmingly rejected planning for the incinerator. More...

COUNCIL BEGINS DRIVE TO SAVE £4m OVER THE NEXT DECADE -
Chesterfield Borough Council will today begin a Public/Private Partnership arrangement which will help to save up to £4million over the next 10 years More...

INCINERATOR: CAMPAIGNERS LAUNCH 11th HOUR CHALLENGE -
Campaigners believe that one important factor in the decision has been overlooked and are asking for an archaelogical assessment More...

REPORT INTO INCINERATOR RECOMMENDS APPROVAL -
Ahead of the Planning meeting at Derbyshire County Hall on Tuesday, the Strategic Director's report will recommend to the Committee that planning permission for the site is approved. More...

LOCAL LIBRARIES HELP RESIDENTS TO RECHARGE THEIR BATTERIES -
Chesterfield residents are being encouraged to recharge their batteries quite literally as they visit libraries this month. More...

MOTHER'S PRIDE -
Liam Pitchford, local Table Tennis star, is celebrating after bringing home two medals from The Commonwealth Games in Delhi. More...

PROTESTERS WELCOME FOR THE DEPUTY PM -
As Nick Clegg arrived in Chesterfield this morning, a group gathered by the school entrance, waving placards and protesting about the Coalition cuts. More...

REACTION TO NICK CLEGG'S SPEECH -
After Mr Clegg had spoken at Spire junior School, we caught up with members of the audience who told us what they thought of the speech. More...

ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN
WORDS -

Deputy prime Minister Nick Clegg speaks about funding plans for Education to an invited audience at the Spire Junior School in Chesterfield More...

LOCAL SPORTING HEROES HONOURED -
Unsung sporting heroes from across the area have been honoured for their achievements. More...

KEEP WARM THIS WINTER -
Residents across North Derbyshire are being encouraged to find out more about keeping warm this winter at a series of drop-in events. More...

RECOGNITION GIVEN TO CHESTERFIELD'S GARDENERS -
The 2010 Chesterfield in Bloom awards took place at the Ringwood Hall Hotel with several entrants competing for the competition’s highly regarded titles.More...

296 JOBS FOR CHRISTMAS AT CLAY CROSS STORE -
Candidates preparing to work at Tesco's new Clay Cross town centre store have been taking part in community projects to help develop their team building skills. More...

GIVEN THE RUNAROUND BY WILKINSONS -
Nina Bradwell, 51, from North Wingfield near Chesterfield was handed the keys to her brand new family car after winning the Wilkinsons' prize draw competition. More...

CASA HOTEL ENTERS FINAL STAGES OF DEVELOPMENT -
Excitement is growing as Chesterfield's new £20 million four-star hotel prepares to open. More...

IT STARTED AS A NORMAL DAY IN THE OFFICE -
7/7 2005 saw Matlock GP Dr Peter Holden at his offices at the BMA in Tavistock Square where he spends two days a week. More...

NEDDC LIFEGUARDS ARE THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY -
Lifeguards working for North East Derbyshire District Council have been recognized as being the best in the UK after coming top in a competition. More...

TORNADO HITS BARROW HILL! -
Don't worry, not a freak weather incident, but around 1,000 people flocked to Barrow Hill Roundhouse Railway to ride behind the famous A1 steam locomotive 'Tornado' More...

REPORT FROM THE FRONTLINE - THE INCINERATOR MARCH -
Chesterfield Post Editor Karen Johnson spoke with Campaign Leader Julie Harrington and local MP's Toby Perkins and Natascha Engel for their thoughts on the Campaign and march. More...

OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF THE CHESTERFIELD POST -
The Chesterfield Post was officially launched today at a lunchtime ceremony at the Winding Wheel Ballroom in Chesterfield Town Centre. More...

NEW LOOK FOR AN OLD FAVOURITE 2 -
Shoppers shared in the fun and watched The Mayor and Mayoress of Chesterfield cut the ceremonial ribbon to officially open the revamped Wilkinson's store, More...

MARCH AGAINST THE INCINERATOR -
On Saturday 9th October members of the public march to protest against the planning application for a hazardous waste incinerator on Dunston Road. More...

MORE ABOUT 'DESTINATION CHESTERFIELD' -
The Chesterfield Post brought you news of an exciting new project, run by business leaders and councillors in the town and launched earlier this week. We now can tell you more... More...

MULTI-MILLION POUND CASH BOOST FOR CHESTERFIELD -
Over 600 million pounds of significant development potential is around Chesterfield waiting to be accessed over the next few years. More...

NEW LOOK FOR AN OLD FAVOURITE -
Wilkinsons on Vicar Lane is set for a makeover this month as part of the company's nationwide initiative to invest in local towns. More...

UK OLDER PEOPLE"S DAY 2010 -
'Getting and Staying active in later life' - that's the theme for this
Year's Older People’s Day 2010. More...

HAVE YOUR SAY ON CHESTERFIELD'S TAXIS -
Chesterfield residents, taxi drivers and operators are being asked for their views on a new taxi licensing policy. More...

DON'T MESS AROUND -
Chesterfield Borough Council has launched a new campaign aimed at tackling dog owners who don't clean up their dog mess. More...

EVERY VOLUNTEER HELPS -
Despite the murky weather, hundreds of people visited Tesco's Community Fair. More...

WELL DRESSED CHESTERFIELD -
Reviving a tradition
dating back to 1864, Chesterfield this week celebrates Well Dressing. More...

HOTEL BUILD BRINGS CASH TO CHESTERFIELD - As Chesterfield continues to battle these recession-hit times, one new Hotel complex that's under construction is already bringing a much needed jobs and cash boost to the town. More...

HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE OF STAVELEY - Residents of Staveley are being asked by Chesterfield Borough Council to make comments and give their views of a draft appraisal on the Staveley Conservation Area. More...

MEADOWHALL CELEBRATES 7,000 OPENINGS -
Thousands of well-wishers crowded into Meadowhall shopping centre on Saturday to celebrate it's 20th birthday. More...

JOBS AND TOURISM BOOST - Work has begun today on a new multi million pound hotel development that will bring investment and
jobs to NE Derbyshire. More...

CHESTERFIELD WOMAN ROBBED IN HER OWN HOME - Police are appealing for information after a robbery at a house on Vincent Crescent, Chesterfield on Saturday August 28. More...

FROM THE U.S.A. TO US - A new face has just been appointed to a key position within the 20 million pound Casa Hotel Development in Chesterfield. More...

DAVID MILIBAND VISITS CHESTERFIELD - Part 2. Questions from the Market Hall Meeting with Labour supporters and Members. More...

DAVID MILIBAND VISITS CHESTERFIELD David Miliband, MP, has spent today (Monday 23rd August) visiting Chesterfield to talk to Labour and Trade Union Members at a meeting in Market Hall during his campaign for the Labour Party Leadership... More...

CHESTFEST
Despite the mixed weather hundreds of young people gathered in Chesterfield's Queen's Park at the weekend for Chestfest.
The music and arts event... More...

CAN YOU HELP A FUTURE STAR TO SHINE? A brave Chesterfield schoolgirl, born with a life threatening heart defect requiring  surgery, is now seen as one of the most promising football talents in the UK... More...

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