The Society has reached a successful conclusion in its s56 action in the Kirklees Magistrates’ Court against local highway authority, Kirklees Council. At a hearing on 27 March 2024 the case was settled by means of a court order which both parties consented to. Kirklees accepted that Ramsden Road is a public highway which it is liable to maintain and that it is out of repair. Under the order Kirklees have agreed to a phased repair of Ramsden Road starting in August 2024 and costing some £300,000 over a 3 year period. The Council also agreed to pay £3,500 of the Societies legal costs in bringing the action.

Courts & Inquiries Officer for Kirklees, Andy Leader said “This case has been a long slog! Peak and Northern have served 2 previous s56 notices on Kirklees but these were set aside when Kirklees agreed to carry out repair works. As nothing materialised we served a third notice which led to us making a complaint to the Magistrates and today’s successful outcome. I’m delighted with the result and the planned repairs to Ramsden Road which will benefit public access to this lovely corner of the Peak District National Park”