Opinion: Let's not squander chance to make Rotherham somewhere we can all be proud of
“Beyond the cash, it is an initiative that gives all of us cause, and motivation, to take ownership of our communities”
Since taking up the role of editor a few weeks ago, I’ve been struck by the sense of community in Rotherham.
People want to see the town thrive, people want to see it be the best it can be.
Too often, the power to materially change and improve where we live is too far removed from citizens, leaving people frustrated and detached from what goes on in their community.
But now, a rare opportunity has come along for some of that power to be given back to communities, through the Proud of Rotherham: Small Grants Scheme.
Funding of £20million from the Government is to be distributed over the course of 10 years, on a rolling basis, for community projects, spaces and local people wanting to make a difference in Rotherham.
Successful applicants, whether that be groups or individuals, will see £1,000 put towards projects that will improve their local area.
This is an incredible chance to spruce up Rotherham, and to inject some much-needed funding back into the spaces that need it the most.
Beyond the cash, it is an initiative that gives all of us cause, and motivation, to take ownership of our communities, to make the changes its residents deserve, and to instill some pride.
It’s also an opportunity to be inventive, innovative and industrious, to find new ways to make those little changes that will affect the everyday.
So let’s not squander it.
There will always be people willing to be negative, to do Rotherham down, to make it nothing but a punchline or sensationalist headline.
But let’s not be among them. Let’s continue to care about our communities, and to work together to do what we can to make Rotherham somewhere we can all be proud of.