Mayor of Matlock, Cllr Steve Wain, was pleased to unveil some new interpretation panels in the town on Friday 25 June. Matlock Town Council, working with other local organisations including Matlock Civic Association, Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership and Derbyshire Dales District Council, has developed five new panels, featuring an illustrated map of the town centre and information about local area, to replace some of the aged ones that had been in place for several years and add some new ones too.

There are two panels in Hall Leys Park, one in the sensory gardens by the footbridge into the park from Dale Road, and two near Matlock Railway station. It is hoped they will help guide visitors around Matlock and encourage them to fully explore the town. The panels feature a link to the Council’s website where people can learn more about the town’s history and amenities.

Matlock Town Council would like to express its thanks to all those who have contributed funds to the project: Community Rail Network, Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership, Matlock Civic Association and other private contributors. It would also like to thank all those from the local community who have contributed photographs and content to the panels.

Cllr Trevor Ainsworth, chair of the Derwent Valley Line Community Rail Partnership said: “The Community Rail Partnership is delighted to have supported this project along with funding we received from Community Rail Network. The new interpretation panels will provide a great welcome to passengers arriving into Matlock, providing them with really useful information to enjoy their visit to Matlock”

Paul Webster, Community Rail Network’s community rail supportmanager said: “Community Rail Network is delighted to support this fantastic project, which will both provide benefit visitors to the town and local residents too. The railway is an important part of every community, providing vital links, sustainable transport alternatives and a gateway for tourism. These maps and information boards will provide a valuable additional link and information as passengers and tourists return to explore the attractions of Matlock and the surrounding areas.”

Cllr Helen Legood, lead councillor for the project said: “This has been a real team effort both in time, information and money. Thank you to all those involved, a special thank you to Jo Hill (now working for Derbyshire Dales District Council) who has steered the vast majority of this project with calm efficiency and the team at Matlock Town Council.
I hope the residents of Matlock and our visitors to this lovely town will find the boards informative and helpful.”