Network Rail has recently announced that they will be closing Buxton Road off to traffic and pedestrians in stages between 9th January and 31st March.

The road will be reduced to single-line traffic from 9th to 15th January 2023, with the road being fully closed from 16th January to 31st March 2023.

High Peak MP Robert Largan has contacted Network Rail and demanded a meeting with them to ensure that residents are listened to.

Mr Largan is also urging cooperation between Network Rail and Derbyshire County Council, as other major roadworks will be taking place at the same time on the A6 on Fairfield Common.

There is a risk that disruption will be severe, given that it is a vital alternative route and that a key route in and out of Whaley Bridge will be closed off entirely.

Mr Largan has already raised concerns about how emergency vehicles will navigate the town and how parents will get their children to school.

Two public meetings have been arranged and then cancelled, with no reason given as to why, by Network Rail.

Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, commented:

“It is very disappointing that Network Rail has cancelled their public meetings twice, with no reasons why and with no dialogue.

“The complete lack of consultation with local residents, schools and businesses has been deeply disappointing. Network Rail and Derbyshire County Council also seem to have failed to coordinate properly.

“I urge Network Rail to come to the table, work with me, Derbyshire County Council and local residents to avoid the catastrophic disruption that this has the potential to cause."