Derbyshire Dales

Derbyshire Dales is a local government district in Derbyshire, England. The district was created in 1974 as West Derbyshire; the name was changed to Derbyshire Dales in 1987. The council is based in the town of Matlock, and the district also includes the towns of Ashbourne, Bakewell, Darley Dale and Wirksworth, as well as numerous villages and extensive rural areas. Much of the district is within the Peak District National Park. The neighbouring districts are High Peak, Sheffield, North East Derbyshire, Amber Valley, South Derbyshire, East Staffordshire and Staffordshire Moorlands. History The district was formed on 1 April 1974 under the Local Government Act 1972 as one of nine districts within Derbyshire. The new district covered the area of six former districts, which were all abolished at the same time: Ashbourne Rural District Ashbourne Urban District Bakewell Rural District Bakewell Urban District Matlock Urban District Wirksworth Urban District The new district was initially named "West Derbyshire", reflecting its position within the wider county. The council changed the name to "Derbyshire Dales" with effect from 1 January 1987. Governance