High Peak MP, Robert Largan, and Chapel West Councillor, Kath Sizeland, visited Chapel Market Cross this week.

Concerns about the condition of the Market Cross, which is situated in Chapel town centre and is an iconic part of the town’s heritage, have been raised by constituents following the appearance of cracks on the medieval structure. This has led to High Peak Borough Council fencing the area off.

Cllr. Kath Sizeland has led a campaign to get the cross repaired and safeguarded for the future. Together with Robert Largan MP, she raised the issue with the Duchy of Lancaster, who own the land.

The Duchy of Lancaster’s on-site team have, this week, carried out a thermal infra-red survey of the cross. They have also organised for a further survey over the weekend of April 6th and 7th using ground penetrating radar.

The Duchy will be looking to arrange for the Market Cross to be properly repaired following the second survey.

Commenting, Robert Largan, MP for High Peak, said:

The medieval market cross is an iconic part of Chapel’s heritage and I firmly believe we have a duty to conserve it for future generations.

Councillor Sizeland has been leading the charge to safeguard the cross. I will keep working closely with her to push for these vital repairs.

I will continue to fly the flag for the preservation of our shared local history.

Commenting, Kath Sizeland, Councillor for Chapel West, said:

I’ve looked into getting the Chapel Market Cross fixed for a long time.

I’m pleased that Robert has helped me bring this to the attention of the Duchy of Lancaster and that action is finally being taken to get repairs underway.