Councillor Rachael Hatchett

13/10/2026

Calling voluntary or community groups who want to create or enhance warm and welcoming spaces for local residents this winter.

The Warm and Welcoming Spaces Grant Programme for 2026/27 is open and offers grants of between £1000 and £5000 to help voluntary and community groups run free, friendly spaces where people can meet, socialise and get support.

HURRY - applications close on 19th October 2026.

Warm and Welcoming Spaces Grant 2026/27 Helping Derbyshire communities stay warm, connected and supported this winter.Derbyshire Voluntary Action is delighted to reopen the Warm and Welcoming Spaces Grant Programme for winter 2026/27, funded by Derbyshire County Council.Grants of £1,000 to £5,000 ...

02/10/2026

Here's a shout-out for your local library. I dropped in at Duffield library today to hear about how they offer so much more than books, including warm spaces in the winter and a place to sit and chat if you'd like to. Why not check out yours soon?
If you're already a customer, please complete the customer satisfaction survey - it's quick and simple to fill in and is open until 25th October.
https://libraries.derbyshire.gov.uk/

01/10/2026

So, the Reform UK administration at County Hall has taken a dislike to one Local Democracy journalist and is no longer speaking to him! We have seen this type of behaviour before in Nottinghamshire, but the real model for it is across the Atlantic. Absolutely not what we want here.

27/09/2026

Attention drivers who use the A5012 Via Gellia!
Three new average speed safety cameras will be switched on along the A5012 Via Gellia on Monday 28 September 2026.

The cameras are:
- north of Cromford
- next to Old Mill Cottage
- next to Colourworks Cottage.

The speed limits are not changing. A 40mph limit remains in place from Cromford to west of Old Mill Cottage, while a 50mph limit applies between Colourworks Cottage and Grangemill.

The cameras calculate the average speed of vehicles as they travel through each speed zone. They are clearly visible in bright yellow casings, and reminder signs have been installed along the route.

Derbyshire County Council and Derbyshire Police have worked together to introduce the new cameras and make the Via Gellia safer for everyone who uses it.

21/09/2026

I know many residents in Hazelwood, Alderwasley and Belper have been worried by recent proposals to claim Lumb Lane and Longwalls Lane as Byways Open to All Traffic.
Lumb Lane is currently a bridleway, one of the few lanes in the area where horses and riders are safe from traffic. In my opinion, it should remain as such and not be opened up as a through road for motorbikes and 4 x 4s.
As for Longwalls Lane, there is already a permanent traffic order in place which restricts access to motor vehicles, and I don't think this should change. The lane is only fit for use as a footpath and people who use the lane for hiking and walking their dogs would be in great danger if it was opened up to all traffic.
The claims have kicked off a legal process which will take some time to conclude but I am hopeful that the council will listen to the community and ensure that these lanes are protected now and in the future.

13/09/2026

Please spread the word:
Environmental groups and charities can apply for up to £500 for an environmental or sustainability project.
Derbyshire County Council and waste contractor Associated Waste Management are offering financial support to encourage waste reduction, recycling and sustainability.
Deadline for applications: 30th September 2026

Grants of up to £500 to benefit local communities and the environment are up for grabs through a partnership with our waste contractor Associated Waste Management (AWM).

04/09/2026

I was privileged to join a small 'hard hat' visit to All Saints Church in Mackworth, to see how the rebuilding work is going. A huge amount has been done but there's still a very long way to go.
Once finished, the church will provide a lovely venue for a wide range of community events, as well as religious services.
I congratulate the team of volunteers whose hard work and dedication has brought the project this far and I'm impressed by the expert work of Croft Building & Conservation who are repairing this historic building. Many thanks to all for hosting today's visit.

12/08/2026

Very pleased today to see that work has started to install dropped kerbs on Broadway, Duffield. The aim is to make it easier for pedestrians to cross this road at a point where it is complicated by the junctions with Cumberhills Road and Wirksworth Road.

I've first asked Derbyshire County Council to do this work last autumn so it's great to see it underway.

22/07/2026