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MP's dismay at YHA delay
HIGH PEAK MP Tom Levitt has revealed his disappointment at the lack of progress made in finding a new home for Buxton Youth Hostel.
Almost six years have passed since Sherbrook Lodge – the Victorian building in Harpur Hill which housed the spa town's hostel – was closed down.
At the time, the Youth Hostel Association (YHA) said it was committed to finding a suitable replacement building for its operations in the town, but investigations by the budget accommodation provider have so far proved unsuccessful.
Mr Levitt said: "I am very disappointed. I know the YHA has been looking at a number of premises in the town and they still believe Buxton can play an important strategic point in their youth hostel network.
"But although they have had support from High Peak Borough Council in trying to find the right location they haven't been able to find a suitable site or building, so far."
Mr Levitt, a lifelong YHA member, said he believed it was important for Buxton to cater for all aspects of the tourism scale, both low budget and upmarket.
"By having a rail line and long distance bus connections, Buxton is an obvious place for people to come and start their Peak District holiday," he added.
"I don't want to see people on lower budgets, or who prefer the youth hostel lifestyle, going elsewhere.
"That said, I believe there are more youth hostels in my constituency than any other MP, but with distances and travelling between them not easy, Buxton is still a very important strategic place to have one."
Sites believed to have been considered in the past include the Royal British Legion on Hardwick Square, John Duncan School and Haddon Hall apartments.
Sherbrook Lodge, on Harpur Hill Road, was demolished in 2005, when planning permission was awarded to build new flats on the site.
No-one from the YHA was available for comment as the Advertiser went to press.
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Weather for Buxton
Saturday 04 February 2012
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