Environment Secretary Visits University's Buxton Campus
28 July 2009
(l to r) Business Development Manager Angela Crawford helps show Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Hilary Benn and Tom Levitt, Labour MP for High Peak, around the University of Derby Buxton's Dome
We were delighted to welcome Hilary Benn to the campus and show him something of the work we have been doing, since the site was refurbished and re-opened in 2005
”Dr Peter Dewhurst
Hilary Benn MP - Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs - visited the University of Derby's Buxton Campus to hear about its efforts to boost the local economy.
The Environment Secretary was in the Buxton area to visit the Peak District National Park, as part of the 60th anniversary celebrations of the 1949 legislation which set up the National Parks.
He took the opportunity during his visit on Friday (July 24) to tour the University of Derby Buxton site, with its attractive Grade II listed Devonshire Dome.
Mr Benn was already familiar with the area as Tom Levitt, Labour MP for High Peak, is his former Parliamentary Private Secretary. Mr Levitt and his wife Teresa accompanied the Secretary of State on his visit.
He was given a tour of the campus by its Dean, Dr Peter Dewhurst; John Nutt, Head of Further Education, and Business Development Manager Angela Crawford, including of the Devonshire Spa, and restaurant and kitchens.
Mr Benn heard how vocational higher and further education courses at the campus are providing skilled workers for the local area and beyond.
He said: "I have passed the Dome a number of times but I had never actually been in and when I finally did enter the building my first words were 'wow'.
"I was very impressed with what I saw at the Buxton Campus and the way in which University and town are working together to support the local economy."
Dr Dewhurst added: "We were delighted to welcome Hilary Benn to the campus and show him something of the work we have been doing, since the site was refurbished and re-opened in 2005.
"Four years later we feel that there are very strong links between 'town and gown', and that these have helped rejuvenate Buxton and the wider area. The commendation from Mr Benn only adds to this."
For further media information please contact Press and PR Officer Sean Kirby on 01332 591891 or 07876 476103, email s.kirby@derby.ac.uk.
