News: Barron changes track on HS2

Sir Kevin Barron, the MP for Rother Valley, has withdrawn his support for the HS2 project, telling a Parliamentary debate that he no longer has confidence in HS2 Ltd or the Government's ability to oversee it.

The long-standing local MP has criticised HS2 and the Government over its use of what he called "wobbly data" and says his constituency will suffer the impact of the proposed route between Birmingham and Leeds but receive none of the benefits of a direct stop.

Superseding a 2013 route with a station at Meadowhall, a 2016 option proposes that HS2 services between London and Sheffield would take a spur off the new north-south high speed line and travel directly to the existing Sheffield Midland station using the existing railway line. These trains will also call at Chesterfield.

The fast route to Leeds through the East of Rotherham would affect Wales, Aston, Ulley, Brampton-en-le–Morthen, Thurcroft, Bramley, Ravenfield and Hooton Roberts. A new housing estate at Mexborough will also have to make way.

The latest bills required for the new railway line are currently going through Parliament.

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Barron spoke on the bill this week. He said: "I supported HS2 for many years. I truly believed that it would help to bridge the divide between the north and London in the south. I even defended the astonishing cost to my constituents, as I thought that it would benefit people in my constituency. However, I now believe that the case has become flaky at best, owing to a number of factors.

"A Public Accounts Committee report raised a number of serious issues. It said there was a "serious risk of fraud, corruption and error" due to a combination of poor financial controls and other systems. It highlighted the fact that HS2 was set up eight years ago with substantial Government backing yet still shows a lack of organisational maturity. Given the huge budget that HS2 has been provided with, this is truly concerning.

"The Government currently say HS2 will cost £55.7 billion to build. The costs originally started at £32.7 billion in 2010 and were last updated in 2015. Yet the National Audit Office stated in 2016 that HS2 was running £7 billion over-budget, which is not contested by HS2. This should put the official cost at £63 billion. I believe we can do so much more with this money, in particular on the electrification [of the Midland Mainline] that this Government scrapped."

Regional body, Transport for the North, recently published its thirty year plan, the first of its kind, which outlines how transport connections across the North of England need to be transformed by 2050 to drive growth and close the economic gap between the North and the rest of England.

The plan outlined its emerging vision for Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR), a rapid, reliable and resilient rail network between the North's six biggest cities and other economic centres.

Barron added: "Most business leaders believe that if the north is to thrive the links between northern cities need to be improved, not just by having another route to London."

The MP also discussed reports of unauthorised payments and his belief that the relationship between the Department for Transport and HS2 is an unhealthy one.

Barron concluded: "I no longer believe that HS2 is likely to fulfil the aims it was designed to achieve. I will therefore vote for the amendment declining to give the Bill a Second Reading. I no longer have confidence in HS2 Ltd or the Government's ability to oversee it."

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News: Barron criticises HS2 over "wobbly" data

Sir Kevin Barron, the MP for Rother Valley, has continued to criticise HS2 Ltd and the Government over changes made to the high speed route through South Yorkshire, stating that the decisions were made based on data that is "wobbly at best."

The MP, who says his constituency will suffer the impact of the proposed route between Birmingham and Leeds but receive none of the benefits of a direct stop, told a parliamentary debate that it was obvious that the decision has not been based on any consensus.

During the recent HS2 consultation, 271 respondents pledged support for the new M18 route, whilst 4,157 were against it. The Government is justifying its decision based on demand; the needs of Sheffield and the wider region; connectivity with the existing rail network and the wider transport network; topography, urban density and the environment; and cost.

In a Westminster debate on the HS2 route, Barron explained: "Last year, when I first questioned HS2 at the consultation meetings here in Parliament, Sir David Higgins [executive chairman of HS2] said the development would not go ahead at Sheffield Meadowhall because there was a lack of consensus, so I asked him politely, "If there is no consensus on the new line on the eastern M18 route, which goes through my constituency, ​will that not go ahead?" He would not answer me.

"I said to him, "You don't want to answer that question, do you?", and he just shook his head and nodded up and down. Of course he did not want to answer that question. There has been very little consensus throughout the HS2 process."

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The MP discussed the data used in comparing the two routes - Meadowhall and the M18 - and the figures used, especially regarding the impact on property. He said: "I believe that the decision is being based on data that, to put it kindly, are wobbly at best."

HS2 Ltd compared an unpublished refined route through Meadowhall with the new route on the M18 / Eastern alignment. Examples from areas like Bramley and Mexborough have been used to highlight that many more properties will be affected on the new route.

Barron added that he "had a battle over issues of property impact — that is a nice way of saying it" with Higgins and HS2 and was told that "The number of properties affected does not form part of the route decision-making process."

The MP concluded: "How can the fact that 600 properties in one village will be affected by HS2 not play a role in the location of the track?

"I have been very positive in this House about HS2, but I have to say that I am now a little tempted to change my mind. Last year I was at the Broadlands estate in Bramley with three HS2 engineers. We stood next to the M18 and they tried to convince me that HS2 could get within 30 metres of the motorway and the houses. HS2 has implications for hundreds of houses on that estate. Like my constituent, I would just get out now."

In HS2 Ltd's advice to Government published in July it stated regarding the Broadlands Estate: "Based on the current stage of design, it should be noted that HS2 Ltd do not expect to have to demolish any property on this estate.

"We will be undertaking further work during the EIA [Environmental Impact Assessment] process to establish the impacts of construction and operation of HS2 on those living in this and other areas. The potential for demolitions is based on the known earthworks for the proposed alignment at this early stage of the process.

"Following a route decision, this is likely to change with ongoing design development, construction planning and environmental assessment. For example, demolitions resulting from ancillary works, mitigation and realignment of existing infrastructure (such as roads and railways) are not included at this stage."

HS2 are hosting a number of events in South Yorkshire to share the latest details about its plans for building and running Phase 2b. Attendees will be able to find out how the design for the route will be developed and the environmental impacts assessed.

Events are being held:

- Tuesday September 12 at Dearne Valley Leisure Centre, Mexborough, 2pm to 8pm
- Wednesday September 13 at Best Western Consort Hotel, Thurcroft, 2pm to 8pm
- Thursday September 14 at Best Western Aston Hall Hotel, Aston, 2pm to 8pm

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News: Council gives green light for Green Group's Green Belt plans

The exact same plans that were recommended for refusal are heading back before Rotherham's planning board having since been approved.

Rothbiz reported last month that expansion plans from Rotherham logistics firm, The Green Group, that could create hundreds of jobs on a former brickworks, were being recommended for refusal due to the site being in the Green Belt.

A planning application was submitted to replace the buildings on the current Maltby site - part of the Ibstock brickworks - with a new build, 100,000 sq ft bonded warehouse with offices.

Members of the planning board went against the officer's recommendation, voting nine to three, not to refuse the plans, despite planners stating that the development and jobs could be located in more preferable locations designated for employment use and not in the Green Belt.

Members considered that the proposed development will be beneficial for the local economy, generating significant additional jobs, on a site that is already occupied by the applicant, and that these amount to the very special circumstances to justify the inappropriate development in the Green Belt.

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Planners however previously said that: "It is not considered that any of the submitted information put forward represent a very special circumstance to justify the inappropriate development proposed. No other very special circumstances have been put forward to overcome the inappropriate nature of the development and the harm by way of its impact on the openness of the Green Belt in this location."

Permission was previously approved for clay extraction but the Green Belt site was due to be reclaimed and the land re-graded by 2025. The site is set to keep its Green Belt status in the borough's Local Plan. An existing warehouse building is unauthorised.

Local MP, Sir Kevin Barron, is backing the plans due to the proposed additional jobs, potentially over 150, that would be created in the local area.

The application will go back before the board again this week, after the planning officer, in consultation with the Chairman and the Vice-Chairman of the Planning Board, agreed on reasons for granting planning permission, subject to a number of conditions.

The plans will then be referred to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government as a departure from the Development Plan. The Government could then "call in" the plans for further scrutiny and has the power to refuse plans for development in the Green Belt.

Formed in 2008, The Green Group started its fleet with just five MAN trucks in 2010 while based at Hellaby Hall Industrial Estate. Moving to a nearby 14-acre site at Maltby in 2012 allowed the firm to build a small transit shed and expand the transport offices. Within two years, the business increased to 90 trucks and 137 trailers, and staff grew by 100 to include new drivers, administrators, engineers, and customer service and warehouse staff.

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News: Rotherham MPs add to HS2 objections

Rotherham MPs Sir Kevin Barron and John Healey have made a full submission to the Secretary of State for Transport asking for the HS2 route through South Yorkshire to return to the previously chosen Meadowhall route.

The Government is minded to approve a new proposed route between Birmingham and Leeds that proposes that HS2 services between London and Sheffield would take a spur off the new north-south high speed line and travel directly to the existing Sheffield Midland station using the existing railway line. The HS2 line to Leeds that would travel east of Rotherham following the M1 and M18 before heading through the Dearne Valley.

South Yorkshire MPs whose constituencies are affected by the changes have made it clear that they believe that the M18 route is not in the best interests of the region.

The arguments against the new route in the submission follow on from those raised during a debate in the House of Commons that put forward that it is worse than the Meadowhall route for equity, connectivity, capacity and journey times.

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A joint statement from the MPs said: "It is clear that by every test the new M18 spur route is not in the best interests of the South Yorkshire region.

"The new route will result in slower journey times, fewer, smaller trains and will not provide the economic benefits to the wider region in comparison to the previous Meadowhall option."

Strong objections have also been submitted to the official consultations from local authorities, including Rotherham Council.

The submission from the MPs concludes: "As supporters of the HS2 project, who believe in the necessity of improving our national infrastructure, we are disappointed by a route recommendation that has limited ambitions for the whole of the South Yorkshire region and which will not realise the benefits that HS2 could provide or do early enough to help tackle the inequalities we face.

"We must not miss the opportunity that HS2 could bring to invigorate the South Yorkshire region, to grow our economies, to better connect us and allow the region to share in the prosperity that the project can bring."

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News: "Don't sell South Yorkshire down the river on HS2"

South Yorkshire MPs are continuing to get their message across to the Government that the recommended changes to the HS2 route do not make sense - for the region or the country.

The Government is minded to approve a new proposed route between Birmingham and Leeds, switching from a route into a new station at Sheffield Meadowhall with a new option that proposes that HS2 services between London and Sheffield would take a spur off the new north-south high speed line and travel directly to the existing Sheffield Midland station using the existing railway line.

The HS2 line to Leeds would travel east of Rotherham following the M1 and M18 before heading through the Dearne Valley.

Consultation is taking place before a final decision is made later this year and Ed Miliband, MP for Doncaster North secured a debate in the House of Commons to question the Department for Transport on what changed for a new route to be announced "out of the blue," and to put forward the arguments against the new route.

The debate, which did not begin until after midnight, was supported by South Yorkshire MPs, including Rotherham MPs - John Healey, Kevin Barron and Sarah Champion who are backing previous plans for an HS2 station at Meadowhall.

Miliband focused on the case that HS2 is putting forward for the M18 route that the Government is minded to accept, arguing that it is worse than the Meadowhall route for equity, connectivity, capacity and journey times.

With trains on the spur to Sheffield set to be half the length of HS2 trains and only two per hour rather than five at Meadowhall, the MP stated that the new option offers only one fifth of the capacity of the ​original Meadowhall proposal. The Meadowhall route would mean a journey time into Sheffield Midland from London of 79 minutes, even with a change of trains. The time on the new route is somewhere between 85 and 87 minutes.

HS2 Ltd state that the M18 route is some £900m cheaper but Miliband argues that this was "illusory" as it does not include a northern loop from Sheffield Midland to Leeds (around £300m), the cost of a parkway station, (anything from £200m to £300m), electrification of existing routes, and any re-engineering of Sheffield Midland station. He added that the Government's own figures have estimated that operating costs on the M18 route could be some £1.7 billion higher than those of the Meadowhall route.

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Miliband also discussed the lack of consensus in South Yorkshire which led to HS2 Ltd looking again at routes. He also revealed that Transport for the North (TfN), the body which brings together representatives from across the North and wants to see improved links between Northern cities, had not expressed a view about which option was better and said that it was disingenuous to claim that TfN had driven the change of routes.

Ed Miliband, MP for Doncaster North, said: "Whatever the reasons for this bad recommendation, I want the Minister to listen to what he is hearing - the facts and the evidence - and not sell South Yorkshire down the river.

"I want HS2 to work for South Yorkshire, but the M18 route does not work. The answer, in my view, should be to return to the original Meadowhall route, by all means with better connections to the centre of Sheffield.

"If reason and rationality matter, the M18 route cannot go ahead; if making our country more equal matters, the M18 route should not go ahead; and ​if the views of the people of South Yorkshire matter, it cannot go ahead. I hope and trust that the Minister and his Secretary of State will listen and act when the time comes."

Tansport minister, Andrew Jones said that there were "issues to resolve in South Yorkshire." He said: "HS2 is going ahead. The programme is moving at pace. The question is how to minimise the disruption during the build and, most importantly, maximise the benefits when HS2 arrives. I want people to be thinking about that, including in South Yorkshire.

"I have met colleagues from South Yorkshire, and I will meet them again — I think that dates are already in the diary; I am happy to receive all representations. I think that we can take this debate as part of the consultation exercise, and I hope that we can achieve a consensus around the proposal in South Yorkshire."

The consultation on the proposed changes to the route ends on March 9. HS2 Ltd is holding a number of information events for local residents this week.

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News: National steel strategy would support Rotherham economy

It may not employ the numbers it once did but Rotherham is still reliant on the steel industry and its value to the local economy should not be underestimated.

This week sees the All Party Parliamentary Group of Steel and Metal Related Industries publish its industrial strategy for steel - "Steel 2020: Forging a future for the British steel industry." The report lays out a blueprint industrial strategy for the UK steel industry that will enable it not only to survive, but to thrive.

Rotherham Council believes that Government support on technology development and clarity on future policy would help the world-class steel-making operations in the Sheffield city region.

The APPG includes the three Rotherham MPs and its inquiry took evidence from across the steel industry and its supply chain, and from the shop floor to the boardroom.

Steel 2020 contains 43 tangible policy recommendations to create a level playing field with an investment friendly environment created by the Government. The recommendations focus on much-debated issues such as energy prices, exports, procurement, business rates, supply chains, skills, R&D and union relations.

Stephen Kinnock, MP for Aberavon and Chair of the Steel 2020 sub-committee, said: "The UK steel industry has been hamstrung by government policies that place our steel industry at a significant disadvantage, by comparison to global competitors. It is a testament to the professionalism, skill and dedication of the workforce that the industry has been able to keep pace and continue to innovate, but without radical and urgent policy action the industry, and the communities represented by the APPG, could be facing a future of perpetual crisis and decline.

"If we continue along the current path, characterised by a government whose attitude can best be described as a toxic combination of incompetence and indifference, we will see the further decline of the industry and our communities.

"However, as this report shows, another path is possible and achievable. With strategic action from government and the industry we can build a better future for the British steel industry, we can trigger a modern manufacturing renaissance, we can re-balance the British economy, and we can forge a new, more resilient, kind of growth."

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Rotherham Council provided written evidence for the report. The authority's response stated that national strategy for manufacturing and steel would support the local economy.

The Council said: "Rotherham is reliant on the steel industry and its value to the local economy should not be underestimated. However, whilst the industry has been hit hard over the past decades, in Rotherham, a restructuring of the steel industry into higher-value products and diversification has meant for example, until late, an upturn in the speciality arm of Tata.

"With further support on technology development and clarity on future policy, this trend could continue, developing a world-class steel industry, supplying high value manufacturing and boosting the UK's position as a technology-led economy.

"Locally, this opportunity to grow the sector and develop it further could stem the decline and impacts upon the local economy and in time offer growth for the industry, jobs for local people and increased spend in the local economy. Successful and profitable industry in turn links to the sense of place and pride in the borough that has been developed over so many years."

The report highlights the national importance of the Speciality Steels sites in South Yorkshire which produce aerospace steels for one in three aeroplanes in the world.

Rotherham Council's evidence also highlights the 420 companies in the Sheffield city region that are in Tata Steel's local supply chain, employing thousands of workers - from taxi firms to industrial services providers. It adds that the steel industry in the borough has a combined business rates bill of over £4m, with Tata Steel's multiple sites responsible for £3.1m per annum, of which 49% is currently retained by the Council.

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News: HS2 Ltd's Rotherham information events

HS2 Ltd has arranged a number of events for residents to find out more about the high speed rail project and how it will affect the Rotherham area.

As the Government is minded to approve a new proposed route between Birmingham and Leeds, consultation is taking place before a final decision is made later this year.

The information events are scheduled for:

- Aston on February 8, 12pm - 8pm at the Best Western Plus Aston Hall Hotel
- Bramley on February 9, 12pm - 8pm at the Best Western Consort Hotel
- Mexborough on February 10, 12pm - 8pm at the Best Western Plus Pastures Hotel

The 2016 route of the HS2 line East of Rotherham would enter the borough at Woodhall Services as it follows the line of the M1. It would then switch to follow the route of the M18 motorway before heading out of the borough on a curve through the Dearne Valley. In Rotherham, it would affect Wales, Aston, Ulley, Brampton-en-le–Morthen, Thurcroft, Bramley, Ravenfield and Hooton Roberts.

The events will enable residents to talk to the HS2 project team about the proposed property schemes and the changes.

The consultation closes on March 9.

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Rothbiz reported in November on the environmental impact of HS2 in Rotherham.

The use of high embankments and viaducts as trains between London and Leeds travel at over 223 mph, are set to cause issues for areas such as Aston, Brampton-en-le–Morthen and Thurcroft.

As the route diverges from the M1 near Aston it will fragment "attractive rolling countryside, with three high viaducts in particular cutting across the topography and causing loss of distinctive valley side woodland. The landscape character and designed landscape features around Aston would be affected as would the views of some of its residents."

A 430m long, 27m high viaduct is proposed over a tributary of Pigeon Brook and the A57 Aston bypass. The A57 would be realigned to pass under the viaduct as would the B6067 (Worksop Road).

A series of long, high embankments and viaducts will also be used to take the route over the M1/M18 junction.

MPs John Healey and Kevin Barron have written to HS2 chairman Sir David Higgins, demanding a location in Bramley for an information event, rather than Thurcroft. They have suggested the event should take place at the Bill Chafer youth centre on Flash Lane.

John said: "Holding a consultation event for Bramley in Thurcroft – three miles away – is totally unacceptable.

"This adds to the impression that HS2 will run roughshod over people's real concerns about what will happen to the villages they live in and care deeply about."

Kevin, added: "It shows HS2's lack of knowledge and up-to-date information about the local area. This is why we asked HS2 to work with our local councils to examine the detail of the proposed route."

The MPs tell the HS2 chairman in their letter: "It is vital that residents feel they have had the chance to ask questions and have their say.

"The consultation events must be local and must be easily accessible, including for people who don't drive or have mobility problems."

HS2 Ltd website

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News: Economic analysis needed on HS2 route change

An economic assessment has yet to be done on the new proposed route of the HS2 line through Rotherham, recommended changes to which came "out of the blue" earlier this month.

Construction on HS2, the high speed North to South rail link that aims to provide extra capacity to handle increasing demand, will begin during this Parliament and has been given a funding envelope of £55.7 billion in 2015 prices. It should reach Birmingham in 2026 and Manchester and Leeds by 2033.

The new option proposes that HS2 services between London and Sheffield would take a spur off the new north-south high speed line and travel directly to the existing Sheffield Midland station using the existing railway line. Instead of travelling into a new station at Meadowhall, the HS2 line to Leeds would travel east of Rotherham following the M1 and M18 before heading through the Dearne Valley.

The new recommendations would cut journey times on services heading to Leeds, York and Newcastle, and would also reduce the cost of the project by around £1billion.

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Kevin Barron MP, whose constituency includes affected areas of Wales, Aston, Ulley, Thurcroft, Bramley and Hellaby, believes the plan has been poorly thought through and is worried that an economic assessment has not been done for the route before publication.

Writing to the new Transport secretary, Mr Barron said: "I have been a long time supporter of HS2 as I believed that it would bring business and investment to areas that desperately need it, however it now appears that the areas that will receive the most will be the big cities.

"We are now left with a situation where we will have my constituency and others in South Yorkshire taking all the disruption but receiving none of the benefits. This cannot be right, I would urge you to ask HS2 to re-look at the plans and reinstate Meadowhall station which is much better for South Yorkshire as a whole."

A report by KPMG in 2013 estimated that HS2 at Meadowhall could add between £0.5 billion and £0.9 billion each year to the economic output of South Yorkshire and increase output in Rotherham by as much as £272m each year. The figures represented an increase of between 2.3% and 4.8% of Rotherham's GDP (the market value of all final goods and services produced) - the eleventh highest percentage increase of all 235 UK areas in the analysis.

One key statistic from the report is that the number of people who can reasonably access employment in South Yorkshire would increase by nearly 32% as a result of investment in an HS2 station at Meadowhall.

John Healey MP, whose constituency includes affected areas of Bramley and Ravenfield, said that the HS2 decision came out of the blue. Writing to concerned residents, he added: "I was dismayed to see the surprise new proposals to drop Meadowhall as South Yorkshire's HS2 stop. Instead, HS2 favours a loop into Sheffield using existing track, with the main track running through South Yorkshire, close to the M18 and up through the Dearne. The number one purpose of this change is clearly to cut costs and I fear the so-called spur line to Sheffield is simply a sop to the city.

"Clearly we now risk seeing the new high speed line to Leeds running right through South Yorkshire but not stopping in South Yorkshire or bringing any of the potential benefits to our area."

Healey is set to meet with David Higgins, the chairman of HS2 who published the recommended changes, next week.

The areas of Rotherham expected to be affected by the new route are discussed here. An information event is planned for Aston today.

The Secretary of State for Transport is considering David Higgins' report in detail and will make an announcement on the full HS2 Phase 2 route later this year.

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News: Still no details on closure of BIS office

The Government has still not revealed how much it stands to save by closing a Department for Business, Innovation & Skills (BIS) office in Sheffield despite repeated calls to do so at a Parliamentary debate secured by Rother Valley MP, Sir Kevin Barron.

Plans were announced last month to close the office in the prime St Paul's Place location by 2018 as the department creates a combined central HQ and policy centre in London. The closure could result in job losses among the 247 staff in the office.

Members from across the Sheffield city region attended the debate and pressed Minister for Universities and Science, Joseph Johnson, on exact reasons why the decision to close the Sheffield office was made and described how it was at odds with the Northern Powerhouse idea of rebalancing the economy.

Kevin Barron said in the debate: "BIS sites such as the Sheffield site ought to be in the vanguard of helping the Government to rebalance the economy and supporting such rebalancing in the sectors that are most prevalent in their respective regions. It seems particularly strange that BIS, with its supposed ambition to create more geographically balanced growth, should take this decision, when other Departments, such as the Department for Education, plan to remain in Sheffield.

"This move is all about, I believe, accommodating large reductions in headcount and nothing to do with the Department's core function of boosting business."

The MP also discussed previous plans to move vast numbers of civil servants out of Whitehall and London and the shelved plans for a government office campus at Waverley in Rotherham.

Rotherham MP Sarah Champion added: "We have 247 staff now facing redundancy, having been informed that their jobs would be moving to London. The Government have described this as a transfer, yet they offer no guarantee that those affected will be allowed to transfer if they so wish, only that they "may be able to." For those facing such uncertain futures, that is small comfort.

"Moving the office responsible for the so called Northern Powerhouse down to London is bad enough; but giving dedicated civil servants false hope is something else entirely.

"This decision shows a complete lack of common-sense, along with everything else. The Government have still not released a detailed study. Indeed, as the permanent secretary suggested under questioning from Sheffield Central MP Paul Blomfield, such a report may not even exist."

A report which influenced the decision called "BIS2020" set out the vision for the department responsible for economic growth. Kevin Barron asked for the report to be made public, saying: "That report was created by public money and we have the right to see the business case for the change. And I will tell you who has the right to see it more than anyone else: the 247 people who have this cloud hanging over them. I urge the Government to publish the facts, so that we can properly review the decision."

When asked how much money is saved specifically by moving 247 policy jobs from Sheffield to London, the Government has so far said that "it is difficult to disaggregate a specific item in an overall programme change."

Joseph Johnson explained that: "The overall BIS 2020 programme is a holistic system change of working for the Department that will deliver savings of 30% to 40%, worth £350m, overall. It involves bringing down the number of locations from which we operate from about 80 to approximately seven centres of excellence, supported by a regional footprint for work at a local level."

As part of the initiative, the UK Commission for Employment and Skills (UKCES) office in Manvers, Rotherham is under threat as Whitehall departments will be withdrawing their funding for the commission during the 2016-17 financial year.

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News: Rotherham Magistrates' Court to close

Rotherham Magistrates' Court, County Court and Family Court in Rotherham town centre are set to be closed by the end of the year, the Ministry of Justice has confirmed.

The Government has been consulting on modernisation plans which aim to reduce the £500m annual cost of the courts estate as the justice system moves towards one "that must be accessible through online services as well as traditional court buildings."

Opened in 1994, the building by the canal and Police Station on Main Street, has now been dubbed "poor quality." It has ten courtrooms, two county court district judge chambers, 11 cells with secure access to eight courtrooms and interview rooms available for private consultation.

The closure has now been confirmed with proposals for criminal work to be transferred to Sheffield Magistrates' Court and the county court work transferred to Sheffield County Court.

The move would create a "improved and more efficient service" that "would enable the workload to be moved to larger court centres and will allow the court to be responsive and flexible with the throughput and listing of cases meeting customer and workflow demands more effectively."

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18 members of staff are based at the Rotherham buildings, where operating costs were £640,000 for the 2014/15 financial year and utilisation at the court was approximately 32% of its capacity.

The Law Society disagreed with the proposals to close the Rotherham site listing the impact on organisations that have rooms there such as the National Probation Service and the Citizens Advice Bureau. The increase in travel times and costs for court users was also raised in consultation.

86 of the original 91 courts identified last year will close. Shailesh Vara, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice, Minister for the Courts and Legal Aid, said: "Court closures are difficult decisions; local communities have strong allegiances to their local courts and I understand their concerns. But changes to the estate are vital if we are to modernise a system which everybody accepts is unwieldy, inefficient, slow, expensive to maintain and unduly bureaucratic.

"Closing these courts in poor quality buildings will raise £40m to re-invest in the justice system, and save hard-working taxpayers £27m per year."

Rotherham's three MPs, John Healey, Kevin Barron and Sarah Champion, wrote to the Justice Secretary objecting to plans.

Commenting yesterday, they said: "We managed to fight off similar plans four years ago, so it was frustrating and disappointing to see the proposals come back last year.

"The government have been determined to press ahead with their plans, ignoring strong concerns raised by us and local magistrates.

"Closing the Rotherham court is deeply wrong and a huge blow to the delivery of justice locally.

"The court is one of the most visible symbols of justice in our town and removing it could further undermine confidence in the justice system, which has already been badly shaken in recent years."

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council urged the Government to think again during the consultation. He said: "This is an important building within our town centre - the regeneration of which has been praised by Mary Portas - and the prospect of it standing empty for any length of time is a concern in and of itself. However, the loss of the service and the principle of local justice goes way beyond this.

"We would lose the principle of magistrates with detailed local knowledge that has always underpinned the magistrates' service in England."

Rotherham's court is expected to close between October and December this year. Consultation with the departmental trade unions on staffing impacts will take place over the coming months.

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News: New £4m production facility for JELD-WEN

JELD-WEN, the leading manufacturing company has invested almost £4m in its Woodhouse Mill production facilities to meet increased product demand.

JELD-WEN is one of the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of quality timber windows, external and internal doors, patio doors and stairs. The Retford Road site, which is one of the biggest employers in the area with over 400 members of staff, operates as the UK head office and also houses a door manufacturing site - producing almost two million doors per year for UK distribution.

Sir Kevin Barron, the MP for the Rother Valley, was on hand to officially open the new facility as the factory sits within in his constituency, and in the Rotherham borough.

The MP was given a tour of the factory by managing director, Mike Ward and Richard Dolben, general manager for the site, meeting members of the workforce, visiting the new welfare facilities and enjoying a demonstration of the equipment that is vital to producing the business' premium timber doors.

The manufacturer has enjoyed sales growth during 2014 and has met the increased product demand by investing almost £4m in its production facilities. A new veneer line has been installed in addition to state-of-the-art packaging equipment and a £3m hot-press line to give a competitive advantage with cutting-edge manufacturing processes.

JELD-WEN has also invested heavily in the welfare of its workforce by upgrading its canteen and changing rooms. While health and safety for workers remains a priority, JELD-WEN is also keen to develop its staff, bringing in continuous improvement managers to support workers and a "lean" manufacturing philosophy to maximise productivity and minimise waste.

Mike Ward, managing director at JELD-WEN (pictured, centre), said: "We're proud to be one of the biggest employers in Sheffield and are keen to invest in our people to help our business to thrive. The last few years of the recession have taken their toll on the construction industry but we have enjoyed a strong 2014 and the industry forecast for 2015 looks positive.

"The investments in our people and production facility mark a new chapter as we look to meet demand and cement our position as a leading and innovative manufacturer of premium doors."

JELD-WEN has its global headquarters in Oregan, USA and has approximately 20,000 employees across more than 100 locations in the Americas, Europe, Asia and Australia, with an estimated $3.5 billion in revenues. In the UK, JELD-WEN has approximately 1,200 staff across five sites that produce and distribute doors, windows, patio doors and stairs.

JELD-WEN website

Images: JELD-WEN

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News: MPs urge Government to back steel making in Rotherham

The three Rotherham MPs are urging the Government to look closely at its proposed changes to the Climate Change Levy (CCL) and the impact it could have on steel making in South Yorkshire.

There are concerns amongst steel makers that the Government may alter the current rules on the Climate Change Levy which could end up penalising steel made by electric arc furnaces (EAF) which require large amount of electrical power delivered to work effectively.

The Rotherham MPs, Denis MacShane, John Healey and Kevin Barron, are urging that the Treasury add to their plans and include measures that would mean that steel manufacturers and "metallurgical processes" be exempt from the CCL.

In a letter to the Economic Secretary, they stated that: "We believe that the cost of restoring the full CCL relief to EAF companies would be of great assistance to steel making in Rotherham and Sheffield."

Rotherham MP, Denis MacShane, added: "We all want a greener economy but that should be achieved by focusing on insulation of homes and other promoting non C02 emitting transport. The productive steel exporters should not be unfairly penalised."

Investment in 2005 saw the Rotherham site of Tata Steel (formerly Corus) at Aldwarke become the focus for steel making, casting and rolling of specialist steels. The steel is manufactured at the Rotherham site before undergoing further refining at the Stocksbridge plant or the Thrybergh Bar Mill to improve the quality.

A recent £6.5m investment in aerospace steel production has boosted output of these steels by 30% and has led to the creation of eight new jobs. The scheme included two new vacuum arc remelting (VAR) furnaces and specialist testing equipment, as well as a new ultrasonic immersion testing facility.

The steel, predominantly stainless and low alloy grades, is used in landing gear and aircraft engines including the landing gear of the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

Recommended reading: Digital and Sustainable: How Local Businesses are Embracing a Greener Future

Tata Steel Europe employs around 2,000 steelworkers in South Yorkshire.

Following this year's budget, Karl-Ulrich Köhler, MD & CEO of Tata Steel's European operations called on more to be done to support energy-intensive industrial companies in the UK.

Earlier this month the government began consultation on its proposed £250m Energy Intensive Industries Package (EIIP) which aims to reduce the impact of energy and climate change policies on the cost of electricity for energy intensive industries.

Business Secretary Vince Cable said: "Many energy intensive businesses are located in areas that have been hit hard by the economic downturn, which is why it's important that we get this right and present the best support package available."

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News: MP visits SteelPhalt in Rotherham

Road surface specialist, SteelPhalt, has welcomed local MP, Kevin Barron to their Rotherham facility to see how they are making the region's roads greener and safer.

The MP for Rother Valley was given a tour of the Templeborough site where SteelPhalt has been developing and manufacturing high performance asphalt products for the UK road making industry since the 1960's.

Dean Raynor, commercial manager at SteelPhalt, said: "We were delighted that Mr Barron, as our MP, made time to visit our plant to learn out more about the process that goes into the creation of the full range SteelPhalt products."

Because of its location at the heart of South Yorkshire's steel industry, the company has always been ideally located to source slag cost-effectively from the surrounding steel industry - a sustainable way of making asphalt since at least 95 per cent of the product is recycled.

With a reputation for first class products matched by a commitment to innovation and sustainability, the company works in partnership with councils, local authorities and contractors nationwide to deliver durable roads for a sustainable world.

SteelPhalt surfaces, which are used across the region, have a high skid resistance and are also a key tool in increasing road safety in busy areas like the roads around schools and other high traffic volume sites.

Part of the Harsco Metals Group, SteelPhalt's steel slag products extends the life of roads and lengthens road maintenance intervals for resurfacing.

SteelPhalt website

Images: SteelPhalt

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News: Rotherham's regeneration highlighted in Parliament

The regeneration of former coalfield areas in Rotherham has been highlighted in Parliament.

Rother Valley MP took the opportunity to update the House of Commons on transformed areas of the borough during a high-profile debate on the Budget last week.

Mr Barron highlighted the success of the investment at the site of the former Dinnington colliery and described how the public and private sectors had worked to attract companies such as Johnston Press who invested £62 million in a state-of-the-art print facility.

He also highlighted the site's diverse economy and the hundreds of jobs created, some very high-tech. He also mentioned that Dinnington is home to a Formula One team, Virgin Racing, created when Rotherham's Manor Grand Prix teamed up with Sir Richard Branson's Virgin brand.

Mr Barron went on to discuss the Advanced Manufacturing Park, built on the Orgreave colliery site in Rotherham that "has been changed dramatically into something that really shows the way forward." He outlined the park as the UK's recognised centre of excellence for advanced manufacturing and highlighted some of the world-leading research and development taking place at the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing.

Mr Barron also took the opportunity to put forward the proposed government campus at the Waverley site as an ideal site to meet the intentions set out in the Budget to relocate 15,000 civil servants outside London.

Housing Minister and Wentworth MP John Healey recently launched a wide-ranging Coalfield Regeneration Review into the regeneration of former coal mining areas.

Kevin Barron website
Rotherham


Images: kevinbarronmp.com

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News: Rotherham MPs on the AMP

Two Rotherham MPs took part in a roundtable discussion with businesses based at the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) Technology Centre in Rotherham last week.

Rotherham MP Denis MacShane and Rother Valley MP Kevin Barron sat down with representatives from some of Yorkshire's most innovative advanced manufacturing companies to find out how they think the Government can help them continue to grow and deliver jobs and prosperity for the region.

Creative Space Management (CSM), which manages the AMP Technology Centre for owners Yorkshire Forward, has organised the roundtable discussion and tour of the AMP.

"This is a great opportunity for local businesses to meet with their MPs to talk about the current challenges and opportunities they are facing and suggest ways in which the Government can help," said CSM Director Paul Taylor.

Organisations meeting the MPs include: Fripp Design and Research, a product design, research and business consultancy which aims to more than double its workforce on the park in 2010; HBM UK, a global market leader in test and measurement, and weighing technologies; cleantech company ITI Energy; the UK branch of the Materialise Group, best known for its activities in the field of rapid prototyping; and Creative Sheffield, whose investment managers are instrumental in attracting investors to move to the AMP.

At the AMP, world-leading materials and structures R&D organisations are partnering industry innovators and international brands to create a centre of advanced manufacturing excellence with a global reputation. Based at the hub of the Park, the Technology Centre provides small and start-up high-tech companies with a support infrastructure designed to help them turn innovative ideas into commercial reality in an environment which accelerates growth.

Kevin Barron MP said: "The past and future investment on this site is leading the way in 21st century manufacturing technology, all those who are involved should be very proud."

AMP website
Rotherham

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News: MPs talk business at Chamber forum

Members of the Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber have met with local MPs Kevin Barron, Mick Clapham, Eric Illsley and Denis MacShane to discuss current issues facing business in the locality and to seek the views of MP's in the run up to the forthcoming election.

One of the main issues covered at the forum was finance and Chamber members urged their MPs to ask the government to further challenge the banks regarding loans to fund working capital and further growth.

Chamber members also expressed concern at the lack of leadership from Yorkshire Forward, the regional development agency, and at the parochial views of Sheffield City Council over the Waverley Development.

The lack of investment in transport infrastructure in the North of England and the issue of existing legislation on the use of pre-pack administrations were also discussed.

Andrew Denniff, the Chamber's policy and communications manager, said: "This was an excellent opportunity for a number of our members to deal face-to-face with our local MPs on a variety of business-related issues.

"As we enter the election campaign in a few weeks’ time, I am sure we will develop the forum into a focused discussion with representatives of all the main parties."

Chamber website

Rotherham

Images: brchamber.co.uk

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News: Seeds of growth at Waverley

Kevin Barron, MP for Rother Valley, has made a special visit to the site of UK Coal's £100m Waverley community in Rotherham, to take part in a symbolic tree planting ceremony with school children and young people from Sheffield and Rotherham.

The event marked another step in the regeneration of the 300 hectare site where 34,000 trees in total are being planted. Each tree has been named after the child who planted it, making them a permanent part of the re-birth of Waverley and giving them the chance to see their tree grow for years to come along with the new community surrounding it.

Joined by 20 children from Sheffield City School and youngsters from Orgreave and Aston youth community groups, Mr Barron planted his own tree - the millionth to be planted by UK Coal on Yorkshire soil - before being given a tour of the impressive Waverley site, which covers an area bigger than Sheffield City Centre.

Mr Barron, who spent 23 years working in the coal industry himself said: "What is taking shape at Waverley is extraordinary. This development is a fantastic asset not just in terms of the AMP but in terms of the opportunities it will bring to South Yorkshire. By generating thousands of new jobs and homes Waverley is creating a 21st century South Yorkshire and paving the way for the future."

Sue Anderson, director of management operations for Harworth Estates, the property arm of UK Coal, added: "UK Coal is committed to involving the local community in the redevelopment of Waverley creating a sense of community spirit and giving everyone the opportunity to be part of the area and its bright future."

Waverley Community website
Rotherham

Images: waverleycommunity.org.uk

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