Priorities drawn up for Rotherham's decade of investment
A SET of six priorities have been identified as Rotherham prepares to sink a £20m investment package into some of the town’s most deprived areas.
The money will come over the next decade, to be spent in an area drawn up by the Government, which includes the bulk of the town’s seven most deprived council ‘wards’, or communities.
Stipulations for getting the cash have been set down by Whitehall and a new Neighbourhoods Board has already been set up to oversee the work - though its membership is still evolving it includes Rotherham MP Sarah Champion, councillors and those from voluntary and public sectors, as well as the communities involved.
A spending plan for the first four years is also needed, to satisfy the Government the money will to towards meeting their objectives.
The town centre is included in the boundary of the project, called Pride in Place, and one objective there will be tackling the number of vacancies in properties, with an overall objective of “creating vibrant streets and more inviting public spaces”.
Elsewhere, local centres, parks and community facilities are expected to get investment to help “future proof” the facilities.
Work with young people is also expected, with “a long term commitment to nurturing home-grown talent and fostering community pride”, which is expected to include art and performance.
Safety and security is also on the agenda, with work expected to design-out crime from public spaces, alongside management and investment.
New community-based learning is planned, to help address low levels of educational achievement, with outreach work forming part of that work.
Cohesion within communities has been highlighted as a priority - but the aim is to help those involved find funding for projects which promote a sense of belonging and civic pride.
Investment in health services and promoting sport and activity will form part of the package, to address Rotherham’s life expectancy, which is almost four years below the regional average for men.
“The right facilities in the right locations will also boost footfall and support places to thrive,” says a report on progress with Pride in Place.
Work issues will also be another cornerstone of the project, with investment expected in developments to close skills gaps and help businesses to thrive.
Details of the first phase of the plan are being recommended for submission to the Government by Rotherham Council’s ruling Cabinet, alongside the Neighbourhood Board.
Communities which fall within the PiP area include Canklow, Broom Valley, parts of Clifton, Moorgate and Templeborough, with East Herringthorpe, Eastwood, East Dene, Clifton and Herringthorpe, Ferham, Holmes, Masborough, Thronhill, Henley, Bradgate, Blackburn, Richmond Park and some of Kimberworth also on the list.
Part of Scholes, Kimberworth Park, Greasbrough, Wingfield and Aldwarke are also included.
The area included does not follow strict council ‘ward’ boundaries, but was chosen by the Government as Rotherham’s ‘built up area’.
The report states: “At the heart of Rotherham’s BUA is the town centre and it is surrounded by a concentration of the most deprived areas in the borough.”
It also warns: “While £20m is a significant sum, the funding is spread over a large geography with a population of 71,627 and a long period of time; it is essential there fore that its allocation is carefully considered and concentrated to ensure it has impact.”