English Partnerships - Coalfield Communities Look Forward To A New Chapter

Date: 03 Aug 1998

Representatives from coalfield communities throughout England met in Wakefield today (29th July 1998) and welcomed the progress made by English Partnerships, the regeneration agency, over the last 12 months in revitalising their areas and the positive response to a proposal that their activities in coalfield areas should be increased.

Delegates at the Coalfields Communities Campaign (CCC) conference were updated on progress carried out by English Partnerships, which has assumed responsibility for 56 of the most difficult colliery and coking works sites formerly owned by British Coal.

The conference comes just two weeks after the Coalfields Task Force reported to the Govermnent on the measures required to attract new investment and jobs to the areas affected by pit closures.

Graham Howe, Head of Coalfield Regeneration at English Partnerships said: "English Partnerships is committed to implementing a 10-year £350 million reclamation programmed on the existing 56 sites. One year into the programme, English Partnerships has begun work on 18 sites. Particularly pleasing are the job opportunities being secured, such as Mercury's recent announcement to develop a 60,000 sq ft Call Centre in the Dearne Valley due to be completed in December 1998 which will create up to 600 new jobs and Solway Foods decision to develop a 70,000 sq ft factory at Manton Wood, Worksop, which will create up to 400 new jobs."

The Coalfields Task Force has identified a further 29 former coalfield sites, totalling 3400 acres, where development has not progressed due to land ownership or funding issues and has invited English Partnerships to undertake an appraisal of their development potential. An interim report has been presented to the CCC conference.

David Shelton, English Partnerships Project Director said "In line with the Task Force recommendation, we will ensure that the momentum of the programme is maintained by ring-fencing the funds within English Partnerships and contracting the delivery of regeneration on site to the proposed RDAs when they are established. We look forward to working with the RDAs on delivering this important programme for the coalfields."

Chairman of the Coalfields Communities Campaign, Councillor Bill Flanagan commented "English Partnerships has made a solid start on the 10 year investment programme to regenerate 56 former colliery sites. CCC welcomes the progress that has been made and looks forward to a continuing partnership to ensure that job creation expectations are realised."

"Our attention is now focused on delivering the recommendation of the Coalfields Task Force to add a further 29 sites to the programme. Securing the commitment and extra resources needed is a top priority and, to paraphrase the title of the Task Force Report, 'will really make a difference' to coalfield communities."

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