District Councillor Spring Update from Neil Buttle

Swifts

Nationally the number of swifts is down more than 50% since the millennium due to loss of habitat. Tideswell has a surviving colony. Working with Derbyshire Swift Conservation and the Lottery we will supply free nest boxes and help with installation. Please look out for the Swift Project leaflet, they need our help.

Tideswell Brook

Following on from the news that the Brook is the second most pharmaceutically polluted stream in the country (as tested) and frequently carries untreated sewage, Severn Trent are required by law to do better by 2030. They promised to bring those works forward to 2028. John Whitby MP raised the pharmaceutical pollution problem in Parliament for us, asking for the stricter EU approach to river pollution to be brought into law.

Second Homes

The Council Tax 100% Premium applied in April 2025 to second homes is having an effect. I don’t have specific numbers for Tideswell but the trends are clear. Across the Dales (Jan24) there were 1000 holiday homes and by the end of 25 we were down to 887. For holiday lets it was, 1237 down to 1178. Second homes are generally smaller houses, and the local estate agents have confirmed that there are more smaller homes for sale.

Bins

The clearing of errant bins from pavements will continue. Our website still needs updating to a one stop page for second homes moving over to holiday cottage business rates and info on commercial bin collection services.

PSPO (Public Space Protection Order)

All going forward okay, BBQs and open fires on accessible land to be banned.