'Stop tinkering with pleasantries like Peak District walking and cycling routes’

A REFORM councillor has urged a Derbyshire council to stop “tinkering around with pleasantries” like walking and cycling and invest in railways.

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Cllr David Harvey, who represents the Hardwick division on Derbyshire County Council and is chairman of its healthy scrutiny committee, made the statements in a meeting this week.

Councillors had been discussing funding and responsibilities for public transport in the county, including the powers moving up to the East Midlands Combined County Authority.

Members had discussed potential investment in railways, but were told by officers that the provision of rail services would remain a Department for Transport responsibility - resting with central government - and would not fall into the capabilities of the county council or combined authority.