The town just nine miles away where people are desperate NOT to join Manchester

Chapel-en-le-Frith: This town has a unique vibe and folks here are pretty set in their ways. They’re not keen on the idea of joining Greater Manchester, even though it’s just a short drive away.

People here really value their identity. There’s even a Facebook group where locals can share their thoughts against the merger. It’s clear they want to keep things as they are.

Chapel-en-le-Frith is part of the High Peak area in Derbyshire, and there’s talk of some big changes coming with local councils merging. But what that means for the community is still unclear.

Right now, the local council system is two-tiered, but there’s a push to simplify things. This could mean smaller councils like High Peak might end up joining larger ones like Greater Manchester.

Jon Pearce, the local MP, thinks it’s a no-brainer to join Greater Manchester. But many residents think that’s a silly idea. They just don’t see the benefits.

When the Manchester Evening News visited Glossop, another town in High Peak, people were all for joining Greater Manchester. But that’s not the case in Chapel-en-le-Frith.

As I strolled through the town, I could feel the chill in the air, but the locals’ feelings about joining the city-region were even colder. No one wanted to see Manchester in their address.

Alan Waterhouse, a lifelong resident, worries that joining Greater Manchester would just make things more crowded. He mentioned how many people commute from here but don’t really contribute to the community.

He reminisced about how Chapel used to be a farming community, and now it’s changed so much. People move here for a quieter life, and he’s not keen on the idea of losing that.

Dawn Goodwin, who was out with her dog, shared her concerns about finances. She thinks joining Greater Manchester would mean higher costs for everyone. She was shocked when the MP brought it up.

Arthur Carrington, a local who’s lived here forever, chimed in too. He feels most people around here don’t even go to Manchester. They’re country folks, and the city just doesn’t fit.

Chris Sizeland, another local, believes that instead of merging, the councils should just work together better. He thinks it’s unnecessary to make such a big change.

He pointed out that it’s a hassle dealing with different councils for things like healthcare and education. It would be much easier if they just coordinated better.

As the conversation continued, it became clear that people here value their unique identity. They don’t want to be swept up in a political move that doesn’t reflect their needs.

Looking ahead, there’s still a lot to figure out regarding the council shake-up. Chapel-en-le-Frith is part of High Peak Borough Council, which is under Derbyshire County Council.

With the government pushing for changes, there’s talk of merging with councils in Greater Manchester. But locals are wary and want to ensure their voices are heard.

High Peak’s MP, Jon Pearce, is open to ideas but has a clear preference for merging with Tameside. However, he’s also considering other options if they make more sense.

The government’s recent proposals aim to streamline local councils, but it’s a complex process. There are many factors to consider, and it’s not just a simple decision.

High Peak Borough Council’s leader mentioned they need time to study the proposals and figure out what’s best for the community. They’re committed to engaging with the process.

Derbyshire County Council’s leader also welcomed the idea of reform, but emphasized the need for careful planning. They want to ensure any changes benefit the local communities.