Homing in on a boost for local business

29 June 2009

Around £500,000 is being pumped back into the local economy as the construction of 58 flats takes shape on the former gasworks site in Matlock’s Bakewell Road.
 
Local bricklayers and other construction workers are employed at the development, together with local businesses selected to supply walling, aggregates, mortar, pre-cast concrete drainage, plant and other building supplies.
 
Derbyshire Dales District Council Leader, Councillor Lewis Rose OBE said: “This latest housing development in Matlock is vital in more than one respect.  Not only does it mean more affordable homes, which we know is a priority for local people, it enables the District Council to help local businesses make the best of the current economic situation.
 
“As part of our commitment to local people during the recession we have been urging businesses to take the opportunity to tender for council services and also to check whether they qualify for rate relief.  We are delighted that local construction workers and at least eight local businesses are benefiting from the Matlock project.“
 
Derbyshire Dales District Council’s budget for 2009/10 has affordable housing as a top priority and the £1.6 million allocated to it is almost double last year’s amount.  Since 2002 the District Council has enabled the development of 685 new affordable homes.
 
The 58 flats in Matlock follow 91 new homes completed in the Derbyshire Dales last year.  The target figure of 362 in the three-year period to 2011 is higher than any other district authority in the county.
 
Other developments scheduled for completion are at Ashbourne’s Brookside Meadows, Elton, Darley Dale, Baslow and Brailsford.  More affordable homes should be started this year in Middleton by Wirksworth, Ashbourne and Tansley.