News: Millions for Rotherham transport schemes at Parkgate, AMP and Templeborough

£46m is set to be spent on transport projects to reduce journey times, cut congestion, improve punctuality and reliability, and bring about a wide range of benefits associated with active travel in Rotherham.

Congested locations such as Parkgate and key economic growth areas such as the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) are in line for millions.

Last year, the Sheffield City Region (SCR) put forward a substantial bid to the Government's Transforming Cities Fund to back its new transport strategy. The Budget in March showed that the SCR will receive £166m. Now meeting papers show how much cash has been earmarked for the approved projects.

The Rotherham projects:

A6178 Sheffield Road On-road, fully segregated cycle lane; around 2.2km as segregated from Blackburn Meadows Way to Ickles then around 1km segregated from Ickles to the Rotherham town centre £5.57m

A631 Rotherham to Maltby Bus Corridor Around 1.2km bus lane along A631 Rotherham Road, Maltby towards M18 J1 with bus priority pre-signals £2.25m

Waverley / Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) to the town centre A fully segregated cycle route along the A631 Bawtry Road between Brinsworth and Tinsley / Meadowhall (includes Wood Lane) £1.5m

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Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District to Sheffield Three schemes: Development of core active travel route connecting city centre to AMP corridor, including spur to Olympic Legacy Park (£10.25m); Development of core active travel route linking Meadowhall with Rotherham Council's proposals on Sheffield Road (£2.8m); Bus priority measures through Attercliffe, Darnall and around Meadowhall (£3.7m) £16.75m

Magna Tram Train Stop A new stop on the Tram-Train line at Magna with associated [150 space] park and ride facility £5.4m

Manvers Way Provision of safe, direct attractive walking and cycling route, including crossings between Manvers Way and Wath town centre £0.4m

Parkgate Three schemes: a new access into the Parkgate Shopping Centre from Aldwarke Lane (£5.13m); widening the southern entry and exit to the five arm Taylors Lane roundabout to improve capacity (£3.0925m); A 300 space Park and Ride facility for the Tram Train stop at Parkgate (£3.33m) £11.55m

Doncaster Road, Dalton Extending the two traffic lanes exiting the roundabout on the A630 Doncaster Road towards Dalton by around 250m £1.2m

Rotherham town centre Two projects: Contribution to the replacement of the existing footbridge between the Forge Island development and Corporation Street (£1m); Cycle infrastructure improvements along Fredrick Street to provide a bi-directional cross town-centre link (£0.4m) £1.4m

In addition to these projects funded via the Transforming Cities Fund, a £42m project is planned to widen the Parkway in Rotherham and millions of pounds worth of transport improvements are being devised to support the large housing development proposed for Bassingthorpe Farm. Work is also ongoing to find further was to address connectivity issues around the AMP and Waverley development.

Images: Google Maps / SYPTE

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News: AESSEAL achieves International Standard for industrial cybersecurity

AESSEAL has achieved certification for Information Security Management System (ISMS) ISO 27001, one of the most widely recognised international standards for industrial supply chain security.

The Rotherham-based manufacturer of mechanical seals and support systems completed the ISMS accreditation process despite the challenges presented by the Covid-19 lockdown, which meant all external auditing had to be completed remotely. ISO 27001 will help AESSEAL colleagues to ensure the secure management of the information, business processes, information systems and facilities that support its products and services.

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AESSEAL IT Director, Stuart Welsh, said: "As a business which is committed to evidencing best practice, continuous improvement and outstanding customer service, achieving ISO 27001 certification is an important accomplishment.

"It sends a clear message to our customers around the globe that we take ensuring the security of their data extremely seriously.

"We are extremely grateful for the professionalism of our colleagues who helped us to complete the external audit successfully despite the challenges of operating remotely."

AESSEAL website

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News: Gulliver’s Valley Theme Park in Rotherham announces opening date

The new multimillion-pound Gulliver's Valley Theme Park in Rotherham is set to open its doors to the public for the first time, on Saturday July 11.

The park, built on former coalfield land alongside Rother Valley Country park, was forced to postpone its planned opening earlier this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A number of additional safety measures have since been made to the park in response to the pandemic, including temperature checks on arrival, mandatory advanced booking, contactless entry, social distancing measures and a food pre-ordering system.

The park will also be operating on a limited capacity, with pre-booked slots only, to adhere to the government's social distancing guidelines.

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Julie Dalton, managing director of the family-run Gulliver's Theme Park Resorts, said: "We are so excited to be finally opening Gulliver's Valley to the public.

"The last few months have been tough to say the least - when we started work on the park, we didn't ever expect to be faced with a global pandemic, but I am proud to say our team has risen to the challenge and worked hard to enable us to open, just one month later than we initially planned.

"Of course, the health and wellbeing of our visitors and our employees really is top priority and so we have made a number of changes to the park to reflect this, so that everyone feels comfortable and reassured whilst enjoying a fun and enjoyable day out."

Aimed at children between the ages of two and 13-years-old, the new Gulliver's Valley houses a host of rides and attractions, including an Apache Falls ride, full-size diggers, the Ghostly Galleon pirate ship and a Lost Jurassic World area.

Accommodation options are also available, including Unicorn and Princess Suites alongside Western Cabins and Lost World Lodges, with sleepover adventures on offer.

Due to the ongoing pandemic and social distancing requirements, some parts of the park, including the indoor soft play area, will open at a later date.

Julie added: "Despite the difficult period we're all living in, we're thrilled with how Gulliver's Valley has come together so far.

"We have had to adapt accordingly to this new state of normal and that has meant a few areas of the park will need to open later than we'd hoped while we await further Government guidance, but we truly believe the magic of Gulliver's is needed now more than ever and we can’t wait to welcome our first customers in very soon."

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, added: "The site at Pit House West for too long stood vacant, so it is brilliant to see the fabulous Gulliver's Valley project realised in bricks and mortar, jobs and opportunities. It is an exciting development which will attract many thousands of visitors to our borough and is an exemplar of the kind of business that we would want our area to be known for.

"The park will also be a catalyst for economic growth and I particularly welcome Julie Dalton's commitment to use local suppliers and staff. It’s a great example of the kind of local economic project, maximising social value for our area, that we want to see more of.

"A number of local suppliers have been used by Gulliver's to help transform the former pit site and more than 1000 Yorkshire trees have been planted there. Of course, this is only the first stage of the long-term plan to build an attraction of truly national significance.

"Local families, and those from further afield, will be able to visit a first-class attraction and we can't wait to see the doors open and the first visitors take in the new surroundings and have some fun."

Gulliver's purchased 250 acres from Rotherham Council and has an outline masterplan approved for a £37m theme park. Opening next month is just the first phase.

The Gulliver's story began back in 1978, when Ray and Hilary Phillips created a model village on the hillside of Matlock Bath for young children to enjoy and, in turn, unwittingly went on to create some of the UK’s most successful theme park resorts. Parks are also operated in Warrington and Milton Keynes.

The company remains in the same family to this day with Julie Dalton, Ray and Hilary's daughter, now managing director of Gulliver's and her brother Nick, development director, who is also heavily involved in the day to day running of the business.

Gulliver's are enforcing that tickets must be purchased in advance and that walk ins will not be granted entry to the park.

Gulliver's Valley website

Images: Gulliver's

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News: Landmark devolution deal unlocks new funding and powers for South Yorkshire's economic renewal

New powers and millions of pounds in new funding are coming to South Yorkshire this summer, as the region's landmark devolution deal is agreed.

The order for the Deal will be laid in Parliament today, after letters of agreement were submitted by Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis, and council leaders in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

A lack of consensus from the leaders has previously denied the Sheffield city region (SCR) the chance to conclude a devolution deal with the Government.

The 2015 deal included a mayor with responsibility over the region's transport budget, strategic planning and skills funding. It also promised £30m a year for 30 years to invest in local strategic priorities.

The latest deal will bring benefits including control of a new, flexible single pot of funding for economic growth, which incorporates the additional £30m annual allocation over the next 30 years.

The Deal will be approved in Parliament in the coming weeks with a statutory instrument being used to pass this into law. Following this, millions of pounds of funding will come to South Yorkshire.

The Deal marks a significant breakthrough for the region, equipping local leaders with the tools and resources to build back better from the coronavirus pandemic.

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Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: "This is a landmark moment for our region. We are seeing powers transferred from Westminster – it means more decisions about South Yorkshire will be made in South Yorkshire.

"The journey to reach this point has been long and difficult. I firmly believe it is worthwhile, as it provides leaders in South Yorkshire the opportunity to transform our region. I am confident we will seize this moment to build back better, creating a stronger, fairer, greener economy and society.

"The Deal comes at a crucial time, as we look to overcome the coronavirus pandemic. I am working alongside the leaders of our local authorities, and in partnership with our businesses, universities, colleges and central government, to secure new investment and put us on the road to a stronger, fairer future for South Yorkshire. Devolution does not stop at city region level. This is the start of our devolution journey, and working together across the wider region is going to be even more important than ever before.

"Collectively, we stand ready to unlock economic renewal for the region, the north and the nation, and devolution of powers from Westminster will help enable us to do this. We have new tools in our hands today. Together, we must put them to good use."

Cllr. Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, added: "Although it has taken us too long to get the South Yorkshire devolution deal over the line, the important thing now is that more resources and powers will begin to be made available to the region.

"Because of the difficulties worldwide in the face of the Coronavirus crisis, economic recovery is of paramount importance.

"There is a particularly acute need for us all to support the South Yorkshire economy, and this deal will help us to do that."

SCR website

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News: Financial support extended for Gulliver's Valley following postponed opening

With the opening of a new theme park in Rotherham postponed, the Sheffield City Region (SCR) Combined Authority has extended the payment terms for a £1.1m loan to Gulliver's.

The family firm has been on a rollercoaster ride of its own in the last few months. As the transformational image shows, the £7.5m first phase of Gulliver's Valley was almost complete and ready to open in the Spring but the Coronavirus outbreak meant that the opening of the year round destination aimed at 2 - 13 year olds on land next to Rother Valley Country Park was postponed.

With the changes to Government regulations, Gulliver's Valley is now expected to open in July.

When construction began in 2018, the Combined Authority agreed a £1.5m financial package to support Gulliver's in their investment which is creating hundreds of jobs.

This month it was confirmed that three businesses had had their loans extended having been hit by the COVID-19 pandemic - Doncaster Sheffield Airport, Yorkshire Wildlife Park and Gulliver’s Valley.

A £400,000 grant from the Sheffield City Region Infrastructure Fund (SCRIF), and a £1.1m loan was approved for Gulliver's Valley. Meeting minutes show that "There have been no changes to the amount of debt to be repaid or the outcomes to be delivered by these companies as a result of these decisions. It is merely a deferral of the repayment dates."

This would mean that, having been unable to open and generate income, Gulliver's will be given more time to repay the loan.

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Following on from theme parks in Warrington, Matlock Bath and Milton Keynes, Gulliver's Valley will be home to more than 50 rides and attractions including an indoor climbing centre, an indoor play area, and a Lost Jurassic World area. In addition, a variety of accommodation will be available, including unicorn and princess suites, alongside Western Cabins and Lost World Lodges.

Proposals have also been approved to introduce more accommodation options from day one of opening. On land to the rear of the Castle Hotel, which is shown in the approved masterplan to be used for two additional wings of the Castle Hotel and as car park, the proposal is for the temporary provision of 31 caravan units and eight glamping units.

An update from Gulliver's said: "At each of our resorts we are working behind the scenes to make sure new social distancing measures are fully implemented. Over the next few weeks, we'll be able to provide you with more information on how our theme parks, accommodation and attractions will be adapted. The safety and well-being of our guests and team members will always remain our top priority. Although areas of our resorts may look slightly different when we reopen, our dedication to providing incredible family experiences has not changed. We know that days out and short breaks will be more meaningful than ever and we are determined to make them happen.

"2020 was always destined to be a special year for Gulliver's with the opening of our brand-new theme park resort in South Yorkshire. We're incredibly proud of the work our team have done over the past few years, taking fantastic ideas and bringing them to life.

"We're looking forward to opening the doors for the very first time at Gulliver's Valley and reopening our resorts at Warrington, Milton Keynes and Matlock Bath."

Gulliver's World Warrington and Gulliver's Land Milton Keynes will reopen on Saturday July 4. The company has also introduced "T-Rex Treks" - social distanced one hour Jurassic family experiences.

Bookings will soon be available online for Gulliver's Valley. The company is also extending its annual passes for a further six months.

Gulliver's Valley website

Images: Gulliver's / Facebook

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News: Wentworth Woodhouse to open its gardens

Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham is throwing open its gardens to welcome visitors from July 4.

The mansion and its grounds has been closed since Covid-19 lockdown began on March 23 and income has ground to a halt.

But now that government advice allows people to enjoy the outdoors together again, Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust (WWPT) has worked on ways of welcoming outdoor visitors back safely.

Families and garden-lovers alike can enjoy a day in the gardens, and discover many hidden delights, from Thursday to Sunday for 11 weeks from July 4.

Admission tickets are available to book online which allow people to enter the gardens in 30-minute time-slots to avoid queues and maintain safe social distancing.

Visitors can roam freely and picnic and relax on the lawns, or follow a visitor's route which begins with a mini trip through the Stables and takes in the Ice House and the Mulberry Garden, where a piano awaits.

From there, it's on through the gardens to the South Terrace to see the Ionic Temple, the Camellia House and the stunning vista stretching from Thorpe Hesley to Keppel's Column.

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There is an arty theme too, with sculptures by renowned artists to discover and art workshops where people can take part in The Flock, a spectacular autumn art installation.

The Flock will see 10,000 hand-painted wooden birds take over the East Front lawns in a moving communal artwork recording participants’ feelings on the global pandemic and messages about Wentworth Woodhouse.

Anyone who can make a donation to decorate their bird will be contributing to the Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust’s regeneration task.

A pop-up outdoor gift shop, refreshment kiosk and toilets with hand washing facilities will be open in the gardens.

Sarah McLeod, CEO of WWPT, said: "We are really excited to welcome people back to Wentworth Woodhouse. It is going to take longer for us to open the house again, but we are giving supporters endless reasons to head to our gardens with lots of fun, family outdoor events planned right through until the end of summer.”

Gardens will open at 10am and close at 6pm, with last entry at 5pm, Thursday to Sunday.

Ticket prices: Under 5s free; 5-16s £2.50, adults £5. Family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) £10. Summer Sunshine family passes lasting for 11 weeks: £50.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: Bluebell Wood "overwhelmed" by support of local businesses through lockdown

Rotherham-based Bluebell Wood is sending out a heartfelt thank you to businesses for their "overwhelming" support throughout the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Anston charity works closely with many local and national businesses, as well as having a dedicated "365 Business Club" scheme with additional benefits for firms who choose to join.

Throughout the pandemic the hospice has been inundated with offers of help and support, despite many firms facing unprecedented challenges.

Rachael Dawes, corporate fundraising manager at Bluebell Wood Children's Hospice, said: "We know that it's an incredibly challenging and uncertain time for so many businesses, which makes the support we’ve had over the past few months all the more overwhelming.

"The businesses we work with genuinely care about the communities we serve; and they continue to help us make a real difference to families whose time together is sadly just too short. I really can't put into words how much this means to those in our care, many of whom are going through an incredibly difficult time at the moment.

"We also understand that supporting charities like Bluebell Wood might not be at the top of the list of priorities for every firm right now. We know that it’s tough out there and none of us have a crystal ball to see what’s coming next.

"So for those firms who are not able to support us as they normally would  – we'd like to say a big thank you for all you've done, and we'd be delighted to work with you again when the time is right."

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The charity -  which cares for children with life-threatening and life-shortening conditions across South Yorkshire, North Derbyshire, North Nottinghamshire and parts of North Lincolnshire - has played an important role in supporting local communities and the NHS through the crisis.

"For all the hardship and pain we've witnessed in recent months, we’ve also seen a tremendous community spirit come to the fore that's been nothing short of inspirational,” Rachael continued.

"So many businesses of all shapes and sizes have played a significant role in serving their communities, going above and beyond to make sure they're a part of the solution.

"That's exactly what’s been so humbling for us. Despite the numerous challenges the firms who support us are having to navigate, they’ve still found the time to offer their support, however they're able.

"For those firms who are in a fortunate enough position to be looking to strengthen their relationships with their chosen charities, we would love to welcome you to our 365 Business Club with all its enhanced benefits.

“Working with our partners in the business world is very much a two-way street for us, so however you’re able to support Bluebell Wood, we'll ensure it's reciprocated.

"Thank you all once again to all our wonderful supporters – we simply couldn’t do what we do without you."

Bluebell Wood website

Images: Bluebell Wood

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News: New Rotherham restaurant on the way

The recent Government announcement could not have come at a better time as recruitment begins for a new restaurant in Rotherham.

Rothbiz revealed at the end of last year that a lease had been signed that would see a large empty retail unit converted into a restaurant and bar at Stag Roundabout.

Rancheros Brazilian Rodizio Restaurant is set to bring Brazilian and Latin cuisines to the area.

Rodízio is an all-you-can-eat style of restaurant service in Brazilian restaurants. Meat waiters, called passadors, offer up a selection of cooked meats, often on the skewer. In some restaurants, diners use a green and red card to indicate whether they want more food.

Signs are that the new Rotherham restaurant is from Doncaster-based restaurant entrepreneur, Masud Rana, owner of La Boca and La Rustica in Doncaster town centre, and the La Fiesta tapas restaurant in Armthorpe.

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This month, the new venture began recruitment, starting with a head chef.

The job advert explains: "We are a brand new, soon to be opened, 140 seater Brazilian Rodizio Restaurant by the Stag Roundabout, Wickersley Road, Rotherham. The restaurant bar and reception area can hold up to 30 guests waiting to be seated.

"The restaurant kitchen is built on approximately an area of 1,000 sq m.

"Our guests will be served many different cuts of beef, lamb, duck, pork and chicken - all grilled on a churrasco grill which is then sliced and served at their table as many times as they request. There will be a large salad bar which guests will be encouraged to help themselves from, this can hold between 20 and 30 cold and hot dishes.

"Although we are a predominantly meat based restaurant we would like to offer an extensive Vegetarian and Vegan menu to appeal to a broader range of guests. We also want to consider our guests which may have medical dietary requirements and ensure that we cater with diversity and clarity.

"Our rodizio and salad menus will be offered at a transparent fixed price."

An opening date has not yet been confirmed.

Images: Google Maps

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News: AMRC engineers' time to shine

A watch-style bracelet made from "space glass" that has a custom, uncut diamond in its crown could be the centrepiece of a new luxury lifestyle brand, thanks to design and machining experts at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

The sophisticated piece of jewellery is the brainchild of entrepreneur and open-banking specialist Steffan van Molendorff, who has taken his passion for motorcycles, engineering and diamonds and used them as inspirational fuel for his adventure lifestyle brand, 6ixt9 (pronounced sixty-nine).

The 50-year-old South African has big ambitions for the brand and one of the concepts he is currently developing is a bracelet which looks just like a regular watch except in the place of a clock face sits a raw, uncut diamond.

The idea was little more than a pencil drawing on a scrap of paper when AMRC machine tool partner Starrag put Steffan in touch with engineers at the AMRC in Rotherham, which is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult network of world-leading research centres.

It is there that machining research engineer Emma Parkin, together with design and prototyping engineer Valdis Krumins, began work on turning the rough sketch into a reality.

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Steffan (pictured), said: "I knew from early on that one of the products I wanted to do was something really unique and different and aimed at a very niche, sophisticated market. That's how I came up with the idea of taking a rough diamond and putting it inside a watch casing.

“I came to the AMRC and met Emma and Valdis, sharing with them an idea and a simple paper drawing. About two weeks later the first CAD designs came through from Valdis and they were amazing. At that stage I knew we were on to something special and unique.

“Emma spoke so enthusiastically about the machining process and the different materials we could make the watch-case from - that's when she told me about Zerodur, a type of glass-ceramic that can be machined and is used a lot in space applications. I loved the idea of having "space glass" as the material for the watch casing.

“The whole process has been fantastic. Emma and Valdis have been so supportive and creative in coming up with ideas. They have been wonderful to work with. The designs which Valdis completed have now been registered for design protection in the UK and EU and I’m very excited to work with the AMRC team on this project and look forward to an interesting future."

The machining work for the prototype is on hold due to coronavirus restrictions but the extra time has allowed Emma to carry out further investigation into UK suppliers of the material, which is manufactured by international technology group Schott. She is also exploring suitable cutting tools and machining strategies. Three to five prototypes will be made which Steffan can use to market his jewellery idea.

Emma said: "Part of the project will also involve documenting everything we do so we can create a knowledge transfer pack that can be shared with Steffan so he can take that information away with him and know what machines need to be used, which cutting tools, and have a detailed method of manufacture for his product."

With a price tag of between £10k-£12k, and even up to £100k depending on the level of customisation, Steffan's jewellery does not come cheap.

The project, paid for by the AMRC using funds from the High Value Manufacturing (HMV) Catapult, is part of the AMRC’s commitment to supporting smaller and medium sized businesses.

AMRC website

Images: AMRC

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News: South Yorkshire bus review findings announced

Insufficient funding, lack of leadership and a lack of accountability are the three root causes in the decline in bus passenger numbers in South Yorkshire, the Independent Bus Commission has found.

The commission, chaired by Clive Betts MP, shared their findings and recommendations with Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, who commissioned the review last year.

The Bus Review Report, which was concluded before the Coronavirus pandemic, took into consideration the experiences and feedback from 5,900 members of the public, bus users, community groups, businesses and interest groups, of the impact poor and unreliable bus services have had on their lives. This evidence, as well as evidence from bus operators, local authorities, the South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive (SYPTE) and others, has contributed towards the findings and a number of recommendations aimed at providing passengers with a bus service that meets their needs.

Rotherham had the highest percentage of survey respondents that were very dissatisfied with bus reliability (35%). Poor connectivity to the key asset of the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham is also highlighted.

On funding, evidence from Campaign for Better Transport estimated that funding for bus services in England has fallen by more than £162m (43%) since 2009/10. These figures are similar in South Yorkshire, where SYPTE's budget has declined by 40% over the last decade.

The report found a lack of leadership by bus operators, SYPTE, local authorities and the Sheffield City Region Executive team. The review found that there were too many layers of leadership without the leverage and power to be able to deliver real change, and the opportunity for single leadership in the Mayor had been impeded by the lack of a devolution deal agreed with Government.

Regarding accountability, the review found that having an arms-length organisation, such as SYPTE, has not allowed local authorities the opportunity to make decisions about bus services – but has allowed them to shy away from responsibility.

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The review recommended that a simpler ticketing system and the exploration of innovative fare structures were investigated. The review highlighted concerns about SYPTE's leadership of the bus partnership and their approach to holding operators to account.

Over the last decade this has all resulted in poor frequency, poor reliability and poor quality and accessibility of services across South Yorkshire.

The review also found that there was poor connectivity between bus services and other modes of transport. One example, which was presented to the commission, meant that a four-mile journey required three changes, and the hourly bus service arrived after the hourly train service had departed.

Commissioners heard from passengers and representative groups about how bus service changes had impacted their lives, in some cases experiencing life-changing consequences. User groups highlighted the distress and confusion that service changes cause passengers, particularly disabled passengers.

Evidence also showed that passengers were having to endure bus service changes on a more regular basis than the timescales detailed in the bus partnership. Examples were also cited of bus routes being discontinued or re-routed without sufficient communication and lack of meaningful consultation.

Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: "Our bus system is vitally important for our economy and environment, and for too long it has been neglected. Passengers have suffered. Following the findings of the review and its recommendations, we owe it to them to provide a first-class bus service and one they can rely on.

"In difficult circumstances, with yearly cuts to budgets, we have lost sight of what a good bus service looks like and it's time that we regain this perspective. This is not going to be an easy task, especially in the current climate of a health and economic crisis. But we do now have a golden opportunity to build back better – providing a bus system that properly serves passengers, the economy and the environment."

SCR website

Images: SYPTE

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News: Liberty Steel to boost production at Rotherham

Liberty Steel has announced that it is investing further in its Rotherham site to boost production to over one million tonnes per annum.

Liberty Steel Group UK (LSUK) is reaffirming its commitment to the UK as it sets out the next phase of its GREENSTEEL strategy with investment programmes focussed on an evolving market demand and gaps in the domestic supply chain.

LSUK has made substantial investments in the Rotherham steel operations it acquired three years ago from Tata Steel, when the business was producing just 225,000 tonnes per annum. In 2018, HRH Prince Charles switched on the second Electric Arc Furnace, the "N Furnace" at Aldwarke. Various upgrades to the plant has enabled the business to more than double production at Rotherham to over 500,000 tonnes per annum.

LSUK today announces that it will further boost production at Rotherham to over 1mtpa through investments to expand its product mix and making more productive use of its rolling mills to target attractive market segments.

Sanjeev Gupta, group executive chairman at Liberty Steel, said: "It has been three years since we acquired the business from Tata Steel and expanded steelmaking at Rotherham under our GREENSTEEL vision for the UK. Since then we’ve made vital upgrades to the plant, doubling production, and returned the business to profitability before it was affected by a Brexit impacted weak steel market in 2019 which has been followed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"As we make plans for a post-pandemic economy, we have challenged ourselves to think differently across our product mix, assets and cost base to improve competitiveness and prepare for a new future. With the new developments at Thrybergh Bar Mill the business is well prepared to win a greater share of the construction market in the UK with a competitive GREENSTEEL rebar offering for projects such as HS2 which will lead to a significant boost in production at Rotherham."

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Roy Rickhuss CBE, general secretary of Community union, added: "At a challenging time for our steel industry LIBERTY reaffirming their commitment to the UK, while setting out an ambitious plan for the future, is extremely welcome. There is no doubt that steel will be vital to rebuilding and rebooting our economy and steel companies must be ready for the opportunities that will come. It is hugely encouraging that LIBERTY are investing so they can contribute to essential infrastructure projects like HS2 that will drive the recovery and create jobs. Community firmly believes LIBERTY’s strategy to displace steel imports is the right one, but we need government to support this by using procurement policy to ensure our domestic infrastructure is built with our own steel."

LSUK is extending the product range of its Thrybergh Bar Mill at Rotherham to include the production of construction rebar from September 2020. There are also plans to add capability to produce wire rod to feed both engineering and construction markets.

Under plans announced across GFG Alliance (which owns Liberty) to achieve 20-30% efficiency gains, LSUK is continuing with its turnaround plans at its Stocksbridge site which produces high value steels for demanding applications such as the aerospace industry.

As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, demand from steel consuming sectors in certain regions has dropped by between 20% and 40%. Liberty has been looking at "efficiency gains" including redundancies.

Liberty Steel website

Images: Liberty Steel

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News: JCT600 close Rotherham showroom

JCT600 has closed its Volkswagen Rotherham site following a decision made at the end of last year, before the car industry was hit by the Coronavius pandemic.

The Bradford-based franchise motor firm took on the Volkswagen dealership in Wickersley, Rotherham when it acquired Sheffield-based Gilder Group in 2013.

Volkswagen Newark has also closed.

Business at both Volkswagen dealerships will transfer to the next closest JCT600 sites. For new vehicle sales, customers at both Volkswagen Newark and Volkswagen Rotherham will be transferred to JCT600 Volkswagen Sheffield.

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For servicing, customers with upcoming appointments at both Volkswagen Newark and Volkswagen Rotherham will be contacted directly, and offered a choice of venues with which to rebook.

A statement from JCT600 said: "We would like to assure customers of Volkswagen Newark and Volkswagen Rotherham that we will continue to honour any vehicle warranty or outstanding offers.

"Whilst the closure is, of course, regrettable, we are hopeful to retain many of our colleagues within the broader business."

JCT600 website

Images: JCT600

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News: Businesses step up to PPE challenge

Businesses across South Yorkshire have stepped forward to switch production to make Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) for the NHS and care sector, supporting the region’s efforts to overcome the coronavirus pandemic.

In April, Mayor Dan Jarvis, the Sheffield City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) and South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw Integrated Care System (ICS) issued a call to arms, asking firms to help make gowns, masks, gloves and hand sanitiser.

Dozens of offers from South Yorkshire businesses have been received and are being worked through by the ICS and supported by the LEP and the region's four local authorities. Five suppliers are already manufacturing gowns, two providing hand sanitiser and aprons for NHS staff and care workers.

Many of the offers have been directed to the NHS England procurement scheme, where companies who can produce at scale contribute to the national effort to supply PPE to the rest of the country. The NHS has procured 1.3m items of PPE since the call out, with another 250,000 pieces being actively pursued.

The LEP and its Growth Hub business advisors have been supporting companies, including small and  medium sized firms, to switch production – providing guidance to ensure PPE is made to the required standards and their production efforts can be directed to meet local demand, working closely with the ICS and local authorities.

The LEP has offered new support as part of its Skills Bank service, to provide dedicated advice and training for businesses directly helping with the government's coronavirus response, such as producing PPE or sanitisers. Skills Bank can support employers to source and fund training to ensure changes to the business are put in place quickly and safely.

While the peak of the virus has passed, PPE is still required to protect patients, doctors, nurses and all health and care staff, and help ensure the region's health and care facilities have equipment to save lives and keep people safe from the virus. The ICS is working through the responses to ensure offers can be taken forward. Some will not meet requirements and have been politely declined.

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Dan Jarvis, Mayor of the Sheffield City Region, said: "Our companies have made an enormous contribution to efforts to overcome the coronavirus, and they have shown South Yorkshire’s strengths and resilience. Our makers and creators power our economy, and now they have switched production to save lives. Businesses, NHS and care colleagues and key workers are pulling together to help us get through this challenge. I’m proud that PPE is being made in South Yorkshire and worn by heroes. I would like to thank everyone who has stepped forward – your contributions have played a vital role in saving lives and will continue to make a difference as we emerge from this challenge."

James Muir, Chair of the SCR Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), said: "South Yorkshire's businesses have stepped forward during this challenging time, innovating and adapting to support the production of PPE. I’m proud of the contribution they have made and that the LEP has supported this crucial effort, brokering contacts for the NHS and supporting firms to switch production. The LEP is supporting jobs and businesses during the pandemic, and we must build on our workers’ and businesses’ skills and strengths to create a prosperous future for South Yorkshire."

Sir Andrew Cash, Chief Executive of South Yorkshire and Bassetlaw ICS, said: "Thank you very much to all the businesses which came forward to offer support in our efforts to source Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Obviously, this is a time of great need in the health and care sector and we are very grateful to those which responded so quickly to the call. In the last couple of weeks, we have carefully worked through the offers and are delighted that so many local businesses are now working with us to produce much needed equipment."

Images: SCR LEP

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News: Rotherham cinema given 2021 start time

Having secured the approval of the planning board, developers are anticipating that construction will begin in autumn 2021 for the multimillion pound Forge Island regeneration scheme.

The planning board at Rotherham Council met virtually this week and approved unanimously the plans submitted by development partner, Muse.

The proposals detail that the site of the former Rotherham Forge & Rolling Mills is set to be home to an eight screen cinema, a 69 bed hotel, four restaurants and car parking.

The Council-owned site of the former Tesco store will include the first phase on a podium above taking them higher than the 1 in 100 flood risk level. Adjacent Council-owned sites are set to feature a new café on the site of the current Riverside precinct with land by the river and on the former courts building earmarked for future residential phases.

Dan Needham, development director at Muse Developments, said: "It's testament to the hard work of all partners that we've now received unanimous approval from the council to deliver Forge Island. It's the next stage on our journey to deliver this truly special scheme, which will be completed safely and in line with government guidance.

"At Muse, we're working closely with our public-sector partners to support them in the delivery of place-changing regeneration schemes that will drive economic and social prosperity when it's needed most. Forge Island represents what can be achieved when the best of the public and private sector come together with the same vision, drive and goal in mind."

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Historic England raised concerns over the demolition of buildings on Corporation Street and the potential impacts of later residential blocks on the town's conservation area and views to the Minster and Chapel on the Bridge. Traffic issues were also discussed.

Cllr. Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy at Rotherham Council, added: "It's fantastic to see the plans for Forge Island approved by the planning board which is particularly important as the town centre begins to find its feet again as lockdown eases a little. We know residents are keen to see the area develop and this is an important milestone towards delivering a scheme which is a catalyst for the wider regeneration of the rest of the town centre.

"A lot of hard work has gone into putting these plans together and we're determined to see Rotherham town centre thrive, not just survive."

Eric Wright Civil Engineering Ltd has already started work on the multi million pound "Phase One" works on Forge Island, including flood defence and enabling work on the site which includes retaining walls, terrace seating and high-quality public spaces. The enabling works are necessary to deliver the full Forge Island scheme including a new pedestrian bridge connecting to the wider town centre.

Negotiations continue on the commercial units available for food and drink outlets. Muse said that, following consent and exchange of agreements with the main anchor occupiers, it is anticipated that construction will begin in autumn 2021.

Images: Muse / RMBC / FaulknerBrowns

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News: Grimm & Co making a leap to the future

For people, businesses and charities the Coronovirus outbreak just wasn't in the script. And it is still unclear how it will end so Rotherham literacy charity, Grimm & Co is rewriting its own story and aiming to move into new larger premises months earlier than originally planned.

Currently based in a former pub in the town centre the Apothecary to the Magical sells wild schemes, evil plots, charms, curses and kitchenware. Above the shop, the charity runs innovative workshops for children in the local area, to unleash their imaginations and build confidence, self-respect and communication skills.

Last year saw the charity's proposals approved that would enable an expansion into the former Talbot Lane Methodist Church. The plans have been backed by almost half a million pounds from the Arts Council.

The aim was to have a grand opening in October 2020 but with the premises still closed for workshops due to COVID-19, the plan is now to move out of the current building and into the new premises during July and August 2020.

An update from Grimm & Co, said: "Moving now will allow us to make an immediate start on our plans for developing new and exciting writing programmes and other interactive experiences, and it will also give us a much larger space to work in. This is essential as our staff and volunteers look at how to return safely to face-to-face working, as the government restrictions put in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19 begin to ease.

"The apothecary may be invisible to the human world for a little while, but when it reappears it will be bigger and better than ever, and we can’t wait to share it with you."

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The update also confirms that the physical shop on Doncaster Gate will not be reopening before the move. The unique retail offering supports the work of the charity and the online shop is now fulfilling orders again, so you can head there to stock up on essential potion supplies, novel tea boxes and more.

The much larger space will eventually enable three new classrooms to be created that will provide the opportunity to reach more schools and children. But for the time being there will be a transitional period where Grimm & Co will undertake a combination of digital delivery, mobile/pop-up workshops, and other occasional one-off sessions.

The charity is also appealing to local businesses who could grant wishes to help the charity take the workshops out and about.

Deborah Bullivant, founder and CEO of Grimm & Co, said: "What we'd really love to do is to take Grimm & Co on the road. We could offer a mobile magical service and we are appealing to businesses to help us to get two vehicles.

"We need a Luton Van (or similar), which will allow us to take our mobile theatre out to school settings and provide our creative storytelling and writing sessions. We also need a quirky vehicle, this could be a horse box or a camper van or a mobile food cart, which would allow us to take our tents into community settings and provide learning, activities and even take our magical apothecary on the road.

"We're not asking for money, we're hoping that a business out there may have a vehicle that they no longer need that they could donate to us and we'd "Grimmify" it before taking it on the road.

"We need to make sure that the vehicle is one that can be driven on a normal driving license as our team members would be the ones driving it to locations across the region.

"We know it's a long shot but with a sprinkle of fairy dust and a touch of magic, we might just get lucky!"

Grimm & Co website

Images: Grimm & Co / Halliday Clark

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News: O2 switches on 5G in Rotherham

O2's next generation 5G network is now live in areas of 60 towns and cities across the UK, including Rotherham.

The mobile operator has beaten its original target as it continues to support mobile Britain during a time of unprecedented reliance on network connectivity.

5G is a term used to describe the fifth generation of mobile communications technologies. It is not yet fully developed but it is set to be a wireless connectivity solution that will enable thousands of users to get online, all at once, and all benefit from ultrafast speeds. It is the closeness of the transmitters, unlike 4G where they are far apart, that will create an "always on" connectivity.

Rival operator, EE, switched on 5G in Rotherham earlier this year.

The next generation 5G network is crucial in developing the national digital infrastructure, helping customers and businesses connect like never before to support the economy as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. O2 customers with 5G-enabled devices will be able enjoy the benefits of fifth generation connectivity.

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O2's 5G network continues to have no premium, and includes its "Limitless" tariff, offering consumers unlimited data browsing, as well as its existing custom plans, which will ensure customers have the flexibility to take advantage of 5G on their terms.

Brendan O’Reilly, chief technology officer at O2 said: "O2 is at the forefront of connectivity which is now one of the UK's most valued services. As the UK faces an uncertain year ahead, it's vital we continue to invest in new innovations and technologies to keep Britain mobile and connected.

"I believe technologies like 5G and LTE-M are going to revolutionise the way people and businesses use mobile connectivity, unlocking huge possibilities for our economy and society."

O2 website

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News: Rotherham town centre back in business

Rotherham town centre is back open for business following an easing of Covid-19 restrictions by the government.

The outdoor market, Tesco and a selection of shops have been open but this is the first time that non-essential shops will be able to welcome back customers since the lockdown was announced in late March.

Social distancing restrictions will be in place with two metre distance signage in place.

Other temporary changes are also being made to the layout of the town centre to support residents to maintain social distancing. These include queuing systems at shops and directional markings for visitors to follow.

Retailers reopening include Things That Boys Like on the High Street and new measures being introducing include screens at the till, staff wearing face coverings, social distancing, limiting the number of people in the shop and providing hand sanitiser.

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Cllr. Denise Lelliott, cabinet member for jobs and the local economy at Rotherham Council, said: "This is the next step in the re-opening and recovery of the town centre following the re-opening of the outdoor covered market at the start of the month.

"It's fantastic news that shop owners can now start to welcome customers back following the lockdown but it's also important that customers and visitors follow the safety measures that are in place. The safety of the public, shop owners and workers remains our number one priority."

Rotherham Council received £235,727 from the Government's £50m fund to support a range of practical safety measures including new signs, street markings and temporary barriers.

Funding via the city region is also being used for a number of new active travel interventions.

The pavement will also be widened outside Wilko on Corporation Street to allow for social distancing.

Anyone visiting the town centre is reminded not to congregate in large numbers and to follow government guidance on social distancing.

Staff will be on hand at information points to help and assist people with the new measures that have been put in place.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Work starts on new Rotherham bar / restaurant

Work has got underway on a new bar / restaurant in the popular Rotherham village of Wickersley.

It comes just as Rotherham Council approve new powers that could limit the number of new or varied alcohol licences being granted in the area.

The latest venue is at the former Village Butcher premises on Bawtry Road.

Rothbiz reported last year that the proposals involve a change of use at 151 and 153 Bawtry Road and Unit 6 on The Courtyard to create a combined unit as a restaurant.

A recent social media post from The Courtyard shows "the next phase of our major development" with the "renovation of our sister restaurant and bar."

When the plans for 151 and 153 Bawtry Road and Unit 6 of The Courtyard were approved, planners concluded that: "There are several existing A3 restaurants and cafes operating in the local area and it is not considered that this change of use would have any additional adverse effect on residential amenity."

Earlier plans for a craft ale bar were refused by the Council.

Using new powers, the local authority is introducing a new statement of licensing policy that includes proposals for a Cumulative Impact Policy which details that an area of Wickersley village is proposed to become a Cumulative Impact Zone.

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This would mean that applicants "must be able to demonstrate to the Council and other responsible authorities that granting a new or varied licence will not add to the cumulative impact already being experienced within the area."

Seasons Restaurant has applied for a Premises Licence with Alcohol for the new property at 151 - 152 Bawtry Road.

The Courtyard Facebook page

Images: Google Maps

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News: MP seeks views from self-employed

John Healey MP has launched an online survey to ask the self-employed about government support during the pandemic and their future prospects.

The coronavirus crisis has had a big impact on the local economy and stopped many self-employed people from working. In Rotherham and Barnsley, 28,000 people are registered as self-employed.

At the end of May, Chancellor Rishi Sunak announced a second taxable grant for self-employed workers would be launched in August, but he confirmed this is the final grant of its kind that will be available on the Self-employed Income Support Scheme.

Healey, the MP for Wentworth and Dearne, is concerned that government support for self-employed workers has been lacking and is ending too early. Most help has gone to bigger firms and those in PAYE employment who can access the furlough scheme.

The survey asks local entrepreneurs how Covid-19 has affected their business, what issues they have faced accessing Government funding and what other support they'd like the Government to provide to help see them through.

The survey will run until the end of June, then John will use the results to write a report for the Chancellor ahead of a possible Budget in July.

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John said: "The Government's help for the self-employed is limited and came late in the day.

"Some small business owners who have contacted me have been concerned the most support has been going to bigger companies and people in employment who could go on furlough.

"Sole traders and small businesses are the backbone of our economy. These are the start-ups, the brickies, the plumbers, designers and beauticians that make up our community and generate so much wealth in our local economy.

"I want to know from them how their income has been affected by the coronavirus crisis, and what more the Government could do to help them keep afloat as they come out of lockdown.

"Their livelihoods are vital to their own families, as well as our country's economic recovery.

"I want to make sure it's not just big business that survives Covid-19."

The survey can be taken here.

Images: Trigglets

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News: Rotherham cinema plans set to be greenlit

Plans for a long-awaited cinema in Rotherham town centre are set to be approved next week as part of the proposals for the multimillion pound Forge Island regeneration scheme.

The planning board at Rotherham Council are due to meet virtually on June 18 and are being recommended to approve the plans submitted by development partner, Muse.

Rothbiz premiered the detailed proposals back in March which set out in detail that the site of the former Rotherham Forge & Rolling Mills is set to be home to an eight screen cinema, a 69 bed hotel, four restaurants and car parking.

The Council-owned site of the former Tesco store will include the first phase on a podium above taking them higher than the 1 in 100 flood risk level. Adjacent Council-owned sites are set to feature a new café on the site of the current Riverside precinct with land by the river and on the former courts building earmarked for future residential phases.

The plans, submitted by WYG consultants, describe the cinema as "a keystone to the masterplan." It the largest building in the scheme at 25,000 sq ft and is positioned at the south of Forge Island. Either side of the cinema's foyer are two restaurant units (2,500 sq and 3,000 sq ft), which have the potential for mezzanine levels. Plans show five screens with between 125 and 143 seats and three smaller screens of between 50 and 83 seats.

The design approach developed by FaulknerBrowns Architects looked to the strong industrial heritage of the site which was historically home to a foundry and an iron works. The cinema design incorporates a saw-tooth roof profile with a metal cap and a robust brick podium base.

The four storey hotel at the north of the site has also been designed with a metal top and brick base in grey giving it a separate identity to the cinema. The top element is also clad in metal. The hotel building includes a foyer which connects through to a 40 cover café/bar area plus a separate 2,500 sq ft restaurant unit.

A separate building adjacent to the hotel is a further 5,400 sq ft restaurant in a prime position close to a new pedestrian bridge to connect Forge Island with the rest of the town centre.

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Historic England has raised concerns over the demolition of buildings on Corporation Street and the potential impacts of later residential blocks on the town's conservation area and views to the Minster and Chapel on the Bridge.

The council's planning officer concludes that the proposals represent that of less than substantial harm which are outweighed by their public benefits, such as supporting economic growth and regeneration in Rotherham town centre, and the regeneration of a previously developed site for a high-quality development.

Traffic issues have also been raised but officers have concluded that, even with a 340 space car park, there would be no net increase in trips during a weekday and some 92 No. additional two way trips are anticipated during Saturdays. This has been marked as acceptable although questions remain over the access to Bridge Street given the roundabout improvements nearby have only recently been completed and no data could be used to assess the impact of the proposals.

The findings are also set to address issues raised by Royal Mail who are concerned about possible delays to their delivery operations at the sorting office at Main Street

The proximity of the site to the rail and bus stations is also set to reduce car journeys from Rotherham to access leisure facilities by providing them in the town centre.  Cannon, the last town centre cinema, closed in 1990.

The report to the planning board concludes: "The regeneration of the Forge Island sites is a key part of the Rotherham Masterplan and development of these sites is of key significance to the regeneration of the town centre and will allow Rotherham to realise its vision for the town centre through diversifying the cultural offer. This will be achieved with the implementation of a high-quality designed development, that takes account of the surrounding historic environment and the history of the site itself, and active public spaces to create a new family friendly destination that is accessible to all."

Board members are being recommended to approve the plans with a number of conditions.

Images: Muse / RMBC / FaulknerBrowns

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News: More financial support for Rotherham's small businesses

Hundreds of local small businesses impacted by the coronavirus, and who were ineligible for previous government grant schemes are set to receive financial support, as part of a £2.4m grant fund.

Small businesses in shared office or flexible workspace, charities, bed and breakfasts, private childcare nurseries and market traders with lease agreements are amongst those set to be eligible for the new grants from Rotherham Council, which range from £1,000 to £25,000.


To qualify, firms must be defined as a small or micro business and:
- have been active and trading on 11 March 2020.
- have fixed costs, not exceeding £51,000 per year.
- be able to show they have suffered a significant loss of income due to the COVID-19 crisis.

Although the Council's Cabinet will discuss the proposals and finalise arrangements in place at its meeting on June 15, businesses are encouraged to find out more and where appropriate make their applications now via the Council's website

Applications can be made up to midnight on July 5 using the online form.

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The nationally prescribed Small Business Grant Fund and the Retail, Leisure and Hospitality Fund, has already provided more than £40m in aid to 3,600 local companies.

Businesses that are eligible for this funding who have not yet claimed it are still encouraged to do so.

Cllr. Saghir Alam, Cabinet Member for Finance and Corporate Services at Rotherham Council, said: "The £40m in support we have paid to Rotherham businesses so far during the coronavirus crisis is a lifeline for livelihoods, jobs and our local economy. And I am pleased that we are now able to go further.

"Many Rotherham businesses have suffered severe hardship over the last few months. The discretionary grant fund has been devised to provide support to many of those businesses impacted by coronavirus but who weren't eligible for the previous financial assistance available.

"We only have a finite amount of money available, so the scheme is designed to be flexible, allowing us to adjust payments, depending on the uptake. I would urge those eligible firms to apply as soon as possible."

RMBC COVID-19 website

Images: RMBC

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News: Julie Kenny to be made Honorary Freewoman of Rotherham

Dame Julie Kenny DBE is to be made a Honorary Freewoman of the Borough - the ultimate accolade that the Rotherham Borough can bestow on one of its citizens.

A motion was resolved at a virtual Full Council meeting last week.

Last year, the self-made Rotherham businesswoman becomes a Dame Commander of the British Empire, the second-highest honour in the land, for her crucial role in securing the future of the Wentworth Woodhouse in Rotherham.

The Mayor of Rotherham, Cllr Jenny Andrews, said: "Dame Julie Kenny is well known and respected throughout the country for her hard work and dedication to numerous roles over the years.

"She has provided an outstanding service as a major employer here in the borough and is an inspirational businesswoman.

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"Dame Julie has also spearheaded the restoration of Wentworth Woodhouse, carried out work with numerous charities across Rotherham and South Yorkshire as well as holding various roles on government bodies.

"I can think of no-one else more deserving than Dame Julie to be put forward for the honour of Freewoman of Rotherham."

The award will be formally made at an Extraordinary Meeting of the Council on a date to be decided.

Leaving her Sheffield home at 18, Julie travelled to the opposite end of the country and found a job as a junior secretary in a Cornish law firm. Ten years of part time study led to the second career as a lawyer.

Returning to South Yorkshire with a belief in a new security system, Julie set up Pyronix with her husband in 1986. Becoming a single mother of three on the break-up of her marriage, she grew Pyronix, which is still based at Hellaby, into an award-winning organisation supplying 65 countries. When she sold the company in 2016 its turnover was £25m. She was awarded a CBE in 2002 for her services to industry in Yorkshire and Humberside.

Previous recipients of the honour include local businessman and chairman of Rotherham United, Tony Stewart, World Cup referee, Howard Webb and community figure Brian Chapple.

Images: Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust

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News: New Rotherham active travel projects

Parking bays are set to be suspended to increase footpath widths and provide additional cycle lane lengths in Rotherham town centre as part of a number of new active travel interventions.

Future schemes for the borough are proposed in a multimillion pound Active Travel plan.

£265,000 of Government funding is set to be diverted to the borough as part of a national emergency active travel fund.

It comes as the Sheffield City Region (SCR) publishes an ambitious plan to create a network of more than 620 miles of accessible walking and cycling routes across South Yorkshire to enable people to leave their cars at home.

£1.437m from the fund has been allocated to the SCR who were already developing a COVID-19 Active Travel response and partner authorities were already drawing up and implementing schemes.

SCR documents show that the Rotherham scheme aims to deliver additional active travel space by rapid deployment of carriageway re-allocation on corridors around the town centre and within principal towns.

This will include:
- suspension of parking bays to increase footpath widths / provide additional cycle lane length;
- crossing improvements and re-timing of signals in higher volume locations;
- implementation of one-way streets to prevent constriction of available space whilst enabling two-way cycling; and
- point closure to provide quiet streets and enable extended use of active travel.

The Government will undertake an assessment of the proposal to confirm the allocation of funding to SCR.

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£166m has previously been secured from the Transforming Cities Fund, with half allocated for active travel, but more investment is required from the Government to make Mayor Jarvis and Active Travel Commissioner Dame Sarah Storey's Active Travel Implementation Plan a reality.

By enabling active travel, it is forecasted that walking and cycling could be increased by 21% and 350% respectively, by 2040. To do this, Mayor Jarvis and Dame Sarah are committed to providing high quality, safe infrastructure which is accessible to all users, including adapted bikes and wheelchairs, and will empower local communities to co-develop ambitious future plans for walking and cycling in their neighbourhood.

A number of Rotherham elements have been included which could be delivered over the next five years. These include:
- Connecting Maltby to the main urban centre of Rotherham with localised enhanced active travel routes within the corridor
- Connecting the housing and employment growth area in the Dearne Valley to the local centre in Wath for active travel modes,
- Providing better active travel routes to enable more walking and/or cycling through Rotherham town centre, including links to Forge Island
- A new high quality segregated cycle route along the A6178 Sheffield Road to help support active travel links between Rotherham, Meadowhall and Sheffield
- Promoting active travel for accessing employment opportunities in Sheffield City Centre, the Lower Don Valley (including AMID) and Rotherham

Mayor Dan Jarvis said: "Active travel has always been at the heart of my transport vision for South Yorkshire. The benefits walking and cycling bring to all aspects of our lives are great and I am proud of how quickly we have developed this plan alongside our local authorities. Active travel is good for our health, good for the planet and good for the economy.

"We are in the midst of one the largest public health crisis in a generation and as we recover from coronavirus, we have an opportunity to change

"No one wants to return to gridlocked roads and polluted town centres, and this landmark strategy sets out how we can build back better. The aim should not be to go back to the status quo, it should be to make this a moment of fundamental change for our region and our country.

"Active travel should be part of an even wider strategy – a green new deal to transform our economy, create millions of new jobs, and counter the economic damage the pandemic has caused.

"I am pleased that the Government is allocating emergency funds to enable us to make space for pedestrians and cyclists in the age of social distancing, but this money must be released promptly.

"In the short term, we need to take the pressure off a stretched public transport system which is running at a fraction of its normal capacity, and prevent the gridlock which will be caused by people turning to their car. In the long term, we need sustained funding for active travel to enable us to deliver a green new deal for South Yorkshire."

Dame Sarah Storey, Active Travel Commissioner, added: "During the first year of my appointment there has been an unwavering commitment to create this plan and I am delighted we can now publish it for all to see.

"Our local authorities have risen to the challenge to create an ambitious plan and are committed to redistributing road space and enabling active travel in a way that hasn’t been seen before. Our plan gives a clear goal – a network of routes linking up low traffic neighbourhoods.

"During the coronavirus pandemic we have seen an even greater demand for safe space for walking and cycling, as social distancing reduces public transport capacity and people look to maintain new exercise habits that were formed at the height of the lockdown.

"Creating space for active travel is creating space for everyone. It means that not having access to a car will no longer be a barrier to getting around. From safe streets for children to get to school, to pavements free from inconsiderately parked vehicles that block the way for people in wheelchairs and parents with pushchairs, walking and cycling provision ensures everyone can enjoy they place they live and travel safely and easily to the places they want to go.

"I was pleased to see the response from Government to the letter written by Mayor Jarvis and I about prioritising active travel in the recovery from the coronavirus pandemic but we need this money now so we can begin to make our roads more pleasant places to be for those on foot or on bikes."

SCR website

Images: SCR

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