Looking after

How we work to look after the National Park, conservation, ranger services, biodiversity and policies.

Lesley Roberts

Councillor Lesley Roberts

I am vice chair of Leekfrith parish council in the Staffordshire Moorlands.

I am the Peak District National Park Authority’s member representative for people and communities issues.

Contact me

If you want to contact me about the work of the Peak District National Park Authority you can do so in the following ways:

Telephone: 01538 300003

Email:  lesley.roberts@peakdistrict.gov.uk

Address: Field House, Upper Hulme, Leek, Staffs, ST13 8TZ

About Me

I am a retired maths and English tutor. Living in the National Park, many of my friends are farmers, who don’t hesitate to appraise me of any issues which are currently pertinent to them.  I have a “little bit” of land and have been keen to learn from them how to manage it, as it borders a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

I was a Macclesfield Borough Councillor from 1998 to 2007. I am a Leekfrith parish councillor and was elected in 2007 by the parish councils of the Staffordshire Moorlands to become a member of the Authority.

The Peak District was the first National Park, formed in 1951. I am keenly aware of my part in safeguarding this wonderful and unique place.

What the national park means to me

I have always had a great interest in planning and enforcement matters as they affect local people and local communities. My experience as a councillor, both at borough and parish level, has given me the knowledge and understanding to carry out this role.  

When I became a Peak District National Park Authority member I set out to learn all I could about the planning issues from the point of view of the Authority and Planning Service and how the handling of these issues affects the residents of the Park. I am aware of views of the authority from local people. The Authority recognises it needs to be more responsive to local communities. It’s beginning to happen and with will on both sides we will crack this issue.

The importance of thriving local communities cannot be underestimated, and I am sure that the various programmes operating in the National Park will help to ensure that the communities do survive, and thrive.  I am actively involved with the authority’s Live and Work Rural programme and having run my own business for over 15 years have plenty of insight into the strategies required to succeed.

We live in an area of wonderful natural beauty; but it is an area where the landscape has been moulded over the centuries by those who live here. Conservation and Climate Change will affect us all, and we must adapt and change as it does, whilst remembering to cherish the special nature of the National Park.

As a member of the Destination Management Partnership for Staffordshire, I endeavour to keep the National Park on their radar to ensure that tourism to and in the Park is part of their remit.

I am a Governor at Churney View Middle School in Leek, so promoting the understanding of the National Park to the next generation – and beyond – is very important to me.  Visits to the Park organised by both the school and the Peak District National Park Authority’s rangers and learning and discovery team are an important part of the curriculum in both the Primary and Secondary sectors of our local schools.

Living near the Roaches I am also constantly aware of the numbers of climbers and walkers who use and cherish this beautiful place. They can be seen “scrambling” on and near the rocks at every opportunity.

Membership of outside bodies

I represent the Peak District National Park Authority on:

  • Destination Management Partnership for Staffordshire

In my role as a parish councillor I am

  • Member of the management committee of the Peak Park Parishes Forum
  • Member of the Moorlands Partnership
  • Vice chair of Leekfrith Parish Council

In a private capacity I am a member of the following:

  • Member of the Patients Involvement group for North Staffs
  • Governor at Churney View Middle School in Leek