The cooperative approach of the local authorities of Rotherham and Barnsley is highlighted in a new report on the regeneration of the English coalfields. The Audit Comission report, "A Mine of Opportunities," uses the case study of the successful Dearne Valley Partnership to show how cooperation and cross-border partnership had a massive impact on the regeneration of the area. Through partnership work and securing significant funding, the former coalfields were reclaimed, as part of the UK's largest Enterprise Zone. The area is now a significant employment site, home to companies such as HeroTSC, Ikea, Martek Marine and Virginia KMP, and a number of successful start up enterprises. Since the Dearne Valley was designated as an Enterprise Zone in 1995 it is estimated that around 10,000 jobs had been created in the area by 2002. The report highlights the cooperation: "Most of the employment land is located in Rotherham, but this was not a concern for Barnsley council which instead secured funding for the Dearne Valley Parkway road which links its communities in the Dearne with the new employment sites in Rotherham." The report adds that a more insular approach would have lessened the impact of the regeneration and that "the decision to form this cross-border partnership, an unusual process at the time not just locally but nationally, allowed for a stronger message to be sent to government and for greater resource to be directed locally." Also referenced is the fact that Rotherham has begun to focus on developing a higher skilled economy, and that these activities need to become more widespread. The Chairman of the Audit Commission Michael O'Higgins said: "Substantial improvements have occurred in the coalfields through a combination of national and local actions - regeneration works. But there is still more to do and local councils and their partners need to prepare for a new phase of regeneration."
The cooperative approach of the local authorities of Rotherham and Barnsley is highlighted in a new report on the regeneration of the English coalfields. The Audit Comission report, "A Mine of Opportunities," uses the case study of the successful Dearne Valley Partnership to show how cooperation and cross-border partnership had a massive impact on the regeneration of the area. Through partnership work and securing significant funding, the former coalfields were reclaimed, as part of the UK's largest Enterprise Zone. The area is now a significant employment site, home to companies such as HeroTSC, Ikea, Martek Marine and Virginia KMP, and a number of successful start up enterprises. Since the Dearne Valley was designated as an Enterprise Zone in 1995 it is estimated that around 10,000 jobs had been created in the area by 2002. The report highlights the cooperation: "Most of the employment land is located in Rotherham, but this was not a concern for Barnsley council which instead secured funding for the Dearne Valley Parkway road which links its communities in the Dearne with the new employment sites in Rotherham." The report adds that a more insular approach would have lessened the impact of the regeneration and that "the decision to form this cross-border partnership, an unusual process at the time not just locally but nationally, allowed for a stronger message to be sent to government and for greater resource to be directed locally." Also referenced is the fact that Rotherham has begun to focus on developing a higher skilled economy, and that these activities need to become more widespread. The Chairman of the Audit Commission Michael O'Higgins said: "Substantial improvements have occurred in the coalfields through a combination of national and local actions - regeneration works. But there is still more to do and local councils and their partners need to prepare for a new phase of regeneration."
Rotherham
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