Last chance to speak out as national spotlight falls on uplands

Some of the Peak District’s high hill and moorland communities rank among the most disadvantaged in the country and now the Government’s Rural Advocate wants to hear from them directly.

But they have just days left to air their concerns.

Dr. Stuart Burgess, Chairman of the Commission for Rural Communities, is spearheading a national inquiry into uplands life. His findings will shape a new report to government recommending ways to help generate new prosperity for upland communities.

In March he headed a two-day panel meeting at Buxton where he heard evidence directly from hill farmers, businesses and community representatives. Poor broadband access, lack of public transport and lack of opportunities for young people were cited as some of the most commonly faced problems.

But he wants to hear from more people and is urging people who live and work in the high hills and moorlands to act now to beat the April 30 deadline for submitting evidence.

The final report, to the Prime Minister, will draw on direct evidence, seminar findings, data analysis by the CRC and commissioned research. Evidence will be reviewed this summer, after which the final report and draft recommendations are expected to be published.

Dr Burgess said: "High hills and moorland occupy a little under a fifth of England, but they and their communities are vital to the health, economic prosperity and quality of life of millions of people across the country as a whole."