News: Community united at stadium to launch "Rotherham Day"

A new annual celebration designed to showcase the very best of Rotherham is gathering momentum, with businesses, schools, charities and community leaders recently coming together at the AESSEAL New York Stadium to launch the town’s first official Rotherham Day.

Planned for Friday September 18, the initiative aims to bring the town together in a celebration of civic pride while recognising the people, organisations and businesses that help make Rotherham what it is today.

The idea is being spearheaded by local figure John Breckin, widely known as “Mr Rotherham”, alongside local businessman Scott Thorpe, founder of TMG Mortgage Network, and David Walker, Rotherham's School Games Organiser, with added support from a growing coalition of business and community groups and organisations across the borough.

Organisers say the day will focus on celebrating the town’s achievements, inspiring the next generation and strengthening the sense of pride among residents.

Events planned for the day include schools across the borough wearing red to show their support for the town, the continuation of the hugely successful Children’s Capital of Culture baton relay, a run to help support all local charities, which will then look to become a half marathon and full marathon to put the town on the map, and community events highlighting local charities, volunteers and businesses.

There are also plans for creative projects in schools, including a poetry initiative led by Year 9 students celebrating what Rotherham means to them with a book to published.

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Organisers say the ambition is for Rotherham Day to become a long-term tradition that grows year on year.

Scott Thorpe said the goal was simple: “Rotherham has incredible people, successful businesses and a strong community spirit. This day is about bringing that together and putting the town firmly on the map, with blue chip companies now on board, we are convinced we can now put Rotherham Firmly on the map.

“We want people to celebrate where they’re from, recognise the achievements around them and create something that future generations can be proud of.”

John Breckin added: “There’s already fantastic work happening across Rotherham every day. Rotherham Day is about connecting all of that and creating a moment where the whole town comes together.

“If we can inspire young people, celebrate our volunteers and remind everyone what makes this place special, then we’ve achieved something important.”

Organisers hope the initiative will grow into a major annual event for the town, attracting widespread participation from schools, businesses and community groups.

Phil Smith, Non-Executive Director at Rotherham United, was at the launch event and talked about his start in life in Rotherham and his journey to the upper echelons in the global financial sector. He is convinced that the local community working together to talk up the town will encourage investors to take a closer look.

Rotherham Day could be the start, as Thorpe adds: "This isn’t just a celebration, it’s a statement: Rotherham is proud, ambitious and ready to put itself back on the map."

Anyone interested in supporting or getting involved with Rotherham Day can contact the organisers to find out more about upcoming plans and opportunities to take part.

Rotherham Day Linktree

Images: Rotherham Day

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News: Plans approved to convert Rotherham town centre offices

Offices used by a finance firm in Rotherham town centre can be transformed for a new community use, as plans have been approved by Rotherham Council.

Rothbiz reported in October on plans submitted to enable the change of use of the Norton House building from offices (Use Class E) to a place of worship (Use Class F1).

Norton House is a five storey 1960's/70's office building on Mansfield Road home to Norton Finance, a family owned, independent finance company.

The application is from The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Freedom Centre (RCCG FC) which was established in 2006 in Rotherham and has occupied premises in East Dene since 2012.

The plans, drawn up by Baltic Planning and Development, show that the ground floor and first floor would be set out for church services with the second floor and third floor as offices.

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Plans stated: "It can be confirmed that the site will be in use all week round and will be run by both members of staff as well as volunteers. The times of formal worship are anticipated to be attended by an average of 100 adults and 100 children at any one time, with the main worship hall also proposed to be in use at other times for other community/support uses.

"The scheme as applied for represents the viable reuse of an existing office building to a community use in a suitable and sustainable location."

The application was approved without going before the planning committee at Rotherham council and comes with a number of conditions.

The site is allocated for mixed use purposes and council planners concluded that the principle of the change of use is acceptable. With the existing car park provision (34 spaces) and the proximity to the multi-storey car park and public transport facilities, the Council’s Transportation Infrastructure Service have raised no objections.

A Noise Impact Assessment has been submitted in support of the application. Given that the Friday evening evening sermon would include live music, Rotherham Council's Environmental Health team requested conditions to any planning permission, such as restricting operating hours (08:00 until 22:00 Mondays to Sunday), and sound attenuation measures.

RCCG FC website

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News: Plans in to convert Rotherham town centre offices

Offices used by a finance firm in Rotherham town centre could be about to be transformed for a new community use, if plans are approved.

Norton House is a five storey 1960's/70's office building on Mansfield Road home to Norton Finance, a family owned, independent finance company.

With changing working practices and the impact of the COVID pandemic, Norton Finance has required less space in the area. Douglas House, formerly offices for the firm, has already been converted into residential use, and plans to create 21 residential units in Norton House were approved back in 2016, however, the work was never carried out.

Now plans have been submitted that would enable the change of use of the entire Norton House building from offices (Use Class E) to a place of worship (Use Class F1).

The application is from The Redeemed Christian Church of God, Freedom Centre (RCCG FC) which was established in 2006 in Rotherham and has occupied premises in East Dene since 2012.

The plans, drawn up by Baltic Planning and Development, show that the ground floor and first floor would be set out for church services with the second floor and third floor as offices.

The site includes large areas of car parking to the rear for up to 34 cars.

RCCG FC is a congregation with members from all over Rotherham and surrounding communities. It was established in the community with a focus on community cohesion and encouraging family stability and renewal, personal development and spiritual development.

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Plans state: "It can be confirmed that the site will be in use all week round and will be run by both members of staff as well as volunteers. The times of formal worship are anticipated to be attended by an average of 100 adults and 100 children at any one time, with the main worship hall also proposed to be in use at other times for other community/support uses.

"The scheme as applied for represents the viable reuse of an existing office building to a community use in a suitable and sustainable location."

Given that the Friday evening evening sermon would include live music, Rotherham Council's Environmental Health team has requested conditions to any planning permission, such as restricting operating hours (08:00 until 22:00 Mondays to Sunday), and sound attenuation measures.

Agents, Commercial Property Partners, were advertising the freehold of Norton House as a 26,670 sq ft vacant office opportunity at the end of 2024 with a guide price of £975,000 to buy, or for rent at £150,000 per annum.

Norton Finance continues to trade. Norton Home Loans Ltd had a turnover of £12.3m for the 2024/25 financial year, registering a profit before tax of £2m. The company focuses on supporting customers who have historically impaired but improving credit profiles or non standard properties, both of which can be challenging to mortgage in the mainstream market.

Norton Finance website
RCCG FC website

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News: £20m+ government funding to restore pride in Rotherham neighbourhoods

Rotherham is set to benefit from the funding behind the government’s new Pride in Place Strategy, launched this week to help build stronger communities, create thriving places and empower local people.

Maltby has been named as one of the areas that will receive £2m every year for a decade.

And building on the £20m Plan for neighbourhoods, Rotherham will also receive £1.5m to restore pride in place, support community cohesion, and stimulate local economic activity through visible, short-term, community-led improvements.

The Pride in Place programme is described as an unprecedented programme backed by record funding that lets local people call the shots on where and how money is spent in their communities, restoring local pride and helping them reclaim their streets.

Areas were selected as being "doubly disadvantaged" by both the highest deprivation levels and weakest social infrastructure. The additional places focus on smaller geographies, targeting hyper-local pockets of deprivation which have too often fallen through the cracks of national interventions.

Similar to the Neighbourhood boards being established to oversee where funding is spent, boards will need to genuinely engage their communities, so that community groups, local organisations and social clubs have been included in decisions.

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Interventions could include reviving high streets, restoring parks, and breathing new life into pubs, leisure centres and community halls.

Communities will also gain new powers to seize boarded-up shops, block nuisance businesses, and buy beloved local assets before they close – restoring pride and unity to every corner of the country.

The up to £5 billion package includes an additional £3.5 billion to roll out the Plan for neighbourhoods programme to 169 more areas, each receiving up to £20m over ten years. Separately, 95 areas receive a share of £150m capital funding to improve public spaces, parks and high streets.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: "For too long, people have watched their towns and streets decline – powerless to stop boarded-up shops and neglected parks. That ends now.

"We’re investing in the UK’s future, by backing the true patriots that build our communities up in neighbourhoods across every corner of the country. Because it’s people who bring pride, hope and life to our communities.

"This is a huge investment, but what matters most is who decides how it’s spent: the neighbours, volunteers and parents who know their communities best – the people with real skin in the game.

Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, Steve Reed added: “When people step out of their front doors, they know their communities are struggling. They see shuttered pubs, fading high streets and their local areas in decline.

“Yes, communities have been stretched – but they haven’t given up. They’re working hard to make things better, and we’re backing them.

“The Government is putting power into their hands so local people decide how best to restore pride in their neighbourhoods, not us in Westminster.

“That’s what real patriotism looks like: building up our communities and choosing renewal over division.”

Images: Beecroft Estates

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News: Rotherham community hub seeks helping hands

An enterprising Rotherham mum is using her entrepreneurial skills honed as a personal fitness trainer and aerobics instructor to help strengthen a healthy sense of community.

Last year, Jodie Goodall “swooped in” to take over the lease of a long vacant community centre in the Brecks area of Rotherham and bring it back to life as a hub of activity – hosting everything from her own fitness classes to indoor bowls, craft clubs and charity events.

But now the hub on Brecks Crescent needs help if it is to continue to be a base for the local community.

Jodie, a director of the JRG Fitness and The Brecks Community Hub CIC, explained: “I used to hire the space for fitness classes and then the long-term tenant called time on their stewardship of the community centre and as a result of the pandemic the centre remained out of action for a few years.

“I’d always dreamed of owning my own gym and fitness centre so I swooped in and took on the lease of the building. Since then I have worked hard to bring the hub back to life and a centre for the community.

“Now we need extra pairs of hands to keep building on what we have.”

Other uses include baby and toddler sessions, classes for yoga, pilates and karate, and a diabetes support group. It operates as a community interest company – a not-for-profit organisation with the money generated ploughed back into the Brecks Community Hub.

JRG Fitness and Jodie’s Aerobics started eight years ago when Jodie trained in providing group exercise following the birth of her child. It also meant learning about how to start and run a business, in this case, a social enterprise.

The Social Enterprise Exchange has provided support around structuring the business and help with finding funding. The ERDF-funded programme promotes social entrepreneurship and provides support for start-up and established social enterprises through grants, mentoring and specialist advice.

Jodie said: “It’s always been in my nature to help others, whether that’s through helping people with fitness or training, or in previous work helping refugees with their English.

“With the classes and the hub I like the fact that I’m bringing people in, bringing people together, using the space. The more people that use it, you feed off that buzz.”

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Whilst rewarding, Jodie is conscious of the effect that taking on the management of a community centre alongside running her own business has had on her own health. She is looking for more volunteers to help keep the space open and available for the local community.

“Even if it is just opening up, making teas and coffees, a bit of cleaning or playing games,“ Jodie said.

“I don’t want to give the lease back but I have to think about me and burning out.

“A volunteer caretaker would be bloody amazing.”

Volunteers’ Week recently took place at the start of June. This year, as well as thanking people who already volunteer, the focus was on inspiring more people to take up volunteering.

As well as helping others, volunteering can help improve volunteers’ wellbeing too. It can help with learning new skills, gaining experience and boosting confidence.

The Brecks community will be on hand to support new volunteers. Recent activity has seen a large overgrown area of the site cleared by a group of volunteers from Voluntary Action Rotherham – the idea is to create an area for a community of growers and gardeners. A skilled woodworker also volunteered their time to make a new bench for outside the centre.

Jodie concluded: “People really like the space and I always hear comments about how good it is to see it back open. We just need people to keep using it, and more groups to use it. And that means we need more volunteers.”

Brecks Community Hub website
Social Enterprise Exchange website

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News: Three new roles created to launch inclusive garden activity plan at Wentworth Woodhouse

Restoring the historic Camellia House at Rotherham stately home Wentworth Woodhouse is a lengthy challenge - but it has already led to the creation of three new jobs.

The decaying Grade II*-listed building on Historic England’s Buildings at Risk Register houses some of the oldest camellias in the Western world.

It is being transformed into a stunning tea house and events venue by Wentworth Woodhouse Preservation Trust, which took ownership of the Grade I listed mansion and gardens in 2017.

The £5m renovation is due to finish later this year with support from a number of grants, including £4m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

A number of new hospitality jobs will be created. But already the Heritage Fund grant, made possible by the UK’s National Lottery players, has enabled the Trust to employ specialists in outreach, community engagement and education.

They are delivering a two-year-funded Camellia House Activity Plan which will reach out to people across South Yorkshire, particularly those from low income households, disability and ethnic groups.

Community Engagement and Inclusion Officer Becky Downton, Skills Development and Learning Officer Jen Wall and Assistant Gardener Helen Kelly are onboard and the project will be managed by longstanding Trust employee Keeley Stephenson.

“The Camellia House Activity Plan is so important to our aim of making Wentworth Woodhouse a place where all are welcome,” Keeley, of Thorpe Hesley.

“Since we opened the gardens in 2020, we have seen the role we can play in supporting people’s health and wellbeing and we want to do more of this, especially by making the gardens more accessible for people with disabilities.

“The Activity Plan is packed with exciting events and experiences - from artwork people can help to create, a new natural play area in our Forest of Bewilderment, sculpture and activity trails to sensory garden experiences designed for people with sight and hearing issues, autism and dementia and activities which boost mental and physical health,” said Keeley.

“Our woodland trails and activity stations will be wheelchair-accessible and we are creating a Changing Places room and toilets next to the Camellia House.”

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Keeley, the Trust’s Office Manager, previously worked for South Yorkshire Police and developed skills in the leisure, travel and tourism sectors. She has led Girlguiding in Thorpe Hesley for 15 years and has been a Scouts leader for two years.

Gardener Helen Kelly is already hands-on, developing woodland area the Forest of Bewilderment in time for Easter with natural play and activity areas - from plank walks and tunnels to children’s potting sheds, wormery workshops and mud play huts - and an educational Forest Trail which will lead to the Camellia House.

The job brought Helen back to South Yorkshire from Northern Ireland, her home of 12 years.

“I am originally from Hoyland, so I knew about Wentworth Woodhouse and this was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss,” she said.

Helen has previously developed and delivered a BTEC Horticulture course for Penistone Grammar School and delivered educational programmes and landscape conservation workshops for the National Trust and National Lottery Heritage Fund project Sperrin’s Gateway Landscape Partnership.

She most recently helped develop a Northern Ireland plant nursery specialising in bee and butterfly-friendly perennials.

Becky Downton, Community Engagement and Inclusion Officer, lives in Kimberworth Park. She studied Youth and Community Work at Sheffield Hallam and has been involved in Girlguiding leadership for 12 years and Cub leadership since 2019.

“We listened to the needs and ideas of local communities when we were creating the Camellia House Activity Plan. It will move the Trust closer to its aspiration to be the UK’s most accessible heritage attraction,” she said.

“It will bring many more community groups to the house and give them a new outlook on how accessible and inclusive it is.

“It is so rewarding when people who think stately homes aren’t for them come and see all the wonders of this house and its gardens and leave thinking: that is a place for me,”

Education specialist Jen Wall will be engaging Wentworth Woodhouse with local schools and university students.

A teacher at Wath Academy for 10 years, Jen taught English to refugees and asylum seekers in Rotherham before moving into educational research.

“My desire to put my research into practice and enrich mainstream education through live learning experiences led me to the house,” said Jen, who lives in Aston.

“I love being able to help young people from primary school level upwards to develop their skills and passions in such a beautiful place - and help them see the opportunities there for them in Rotherham.”

Helen Featherstone, Director of England, North at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “We’re delighted that thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, we can support the creation of these new roles. It’s wonderful to see the restoration of this historic building not only bringing an amazing venue to life but also providing opportunities for employment and an engagement programme that will connect communities with the heritage of Camellia House while increasing people’s health and wellbeing.”

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: WWPT

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News: Controversial Rotherham land made asset of community value

A plot of greenbelt land where developers were turned down planning permission for housing is back on Rotherham Council's register of Assets of Community Value.

During the long-running planning battle, the authority reversed a decision to list The Pitches site.

Newett Homes proposed a high-quality residential development comprising 124 dwellings on the land close to The Stag. Revised down to 116 dwellings, the council's planning board voted to refuse the plans - going against a recommendation by its officers.

Following a subsequent appeal, a planning inspector ruled that the site provides a "visual amenity role for the local community and area" and houses should not be built there.

With an application imminent, Friends of The Pitches originally secured the site as an Asset of Community Value in 2019 but following an internal review at the request of the site owners, council officers overturned the original successful listing decision.

An executive decision was made in February 2023 to put the site back on the list.

The register of assets of community value enables town and parish councils, local voluntary and community organisations the opportunity to nominate local land or buildings if they consider them to be of community value.

The tool is often used to give groups the opportunity to step in to save an asset if it comes up for sale. Successful applications to Rotherham's register include pubs, youth centres, greenspace and former council buildings.

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The planning application for the site at Stag was being recommended for approval, so long as developers provided over £1m as part of a legal deal.

The nine acre site on Wickersley Road has previously been used for football, cricket, hockey, tennis and bowls but it has been vacant for over five years.

Ruling on the appeal, planning inspector, Andrew McCormack, concluded last year that: "The potential and desire of the local community is sufficiently evident to support the case for the site to remain as protected Green Space. The amenity benefits to the local community and its people, as I have heard and seen them, are location specific and cannot be replicated or reproduced elsewhere. As such, this overall amenity value provided through the site as I have set out is considered to be irreplaceable."

During discussions over the plans, a figure of £912,000 was accepted by Sport England, due to go towards a replacement cricket pitch and field, replacement football facilities, a new bowling facility, tennis provision and to enable the Council to commission a new Playing Pitch Strategy. The inquiry showed that the total sum offered in the final Section 106 document was less than what it would cost to reinstate The Pitches site.

Concern and doubt was raised about the deliverability, nature and location of the sports mitigation package.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Steel firm meets with unions following fears over future funding

Liberty Steel has met with unions this week following reports in the national media that lender Greensill Capital filing for administration could have serious knock on effects for the steelmaker and its significant operations in Rotherham.

The firm has made substantial investments in the Rotherham steel operations it acquired for £100m from Tata Steel in 2917. In 2018, HRH Prince Charles switched on the second Electric Arc Furnace, the "N Furnace" at Aldwarke, and various upgrades to the plant has enabled the business to more than double production at Rotherham to over 500,000 tonnes per annum.

Redundancies were announced at the start of 2020 but the production of its new rebar products started in Rotherham recently. Only last December Liberty committed £60m to boost production to over one million tonnes per annum.

Reports have linked Liberty's owning group, GFG Alliance, to Greensill, a specialist in invoice financing that operates with less regulation than the traditional banks.

Chris Laverty, Trevor O’Sullivan and Will Stagg of Grant Thornton UK LLP were appointed as joint administrators of Greensill Capital (UK) Limited and Greensill Capital Management Company (UK) Limited on March 8.

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Steel unions – Community, Unite and GMB – met with Sanjeev Gupta, the executive chairman of GFG Alliance, to seek assurances on behalf of members, and to request full transparency on the challenges facing Liberty Steel.

The unions said that the meeting was "positive and constructive," and that the group intends to secure a refinancing of the debt to provide the business with the necessary liquidity going forward.

A joint statement from the unions said: "The unions have told Mr Gupta our priority is to secure the future of all Liberty Steel’s UK assets, and to this end all options should be considered. Liberty Steel is a strategic business for the UK, producing high-quality steels for sectors of the economy including defence, energy, aerospace and engineering. Liberty Steel is also a low-carbon steelmaker, and the assets must be central to any strategy to decarbonise our steel industry.

"Last week the Business Secretary, Kwasi Kwarteng, convened a meeting of the Steel Council to bring new focus on supporting our sector to decarbonise. We have been encouraged by government’s commitment to taking on this challenge, and the growing consensus that to build back better and greener we need a strong and sustainable steel industry. No other UK company can produce the specialist steels made by Liberty’s UK operations, and so a future must be found to prevent us having to rely on high-carbon imports from countries that don’t play by the same rules.

"Given the strategic importance of Liberty’s steel operations, and their fundamental importance to delivering the UK’s climate objectives, we believe government must take an active role to facilitate a comprehensive solution that safeguards the future and protect jobs."

It added: "We recognise Mr Gupta’s desire to see Liberty Steel succeed, and recognise also his personal contribution in giving distressed UK steel assets a new lease of life."

The BBC caught sight of Sanjeev Gupta’s letter to staff this week which said GFG had adequate funding for its current needs but parts of the UK business face challenges.

Higher energy costs and a business rates system that restricts investment have been joined by a downturn in the global aviation industry caused by the Coronavirus pandemic. Speciality steel made in South Yorkshire supplies many of the leading aerospace manufacturers.

Sarah Champion MP, Member of Parliament for Rotherham, said: "Liberty has pointed to weakness in the aerospace sector as a factor in the performance of its UK operations. I raised this issue in Parliament on Monday and have been calling for broader Government support for the aerospace sector throughout the pandemic. It is particularly disappointing to see issues about which the Government has been repeatedly warned being cited as contributing to the uncertainty facing Rotherham’s steel workers.

"Since becoming an MP eight years ago I have been urging the Government to address the underlying barriers that have affected Britain’s steel industry. The Government must commit to resolve issues with business rates, high energy costs and government procurement to enable British steel not only to survive but to thrive.

"I continue to do all that I can to protect jobs in Rotherham. Steel is a vital strategic industry, a major local employer, and a fundamental part of our town's identity. The Government must actively engage with these issues and work to secure a strong, profitable future for steel in Rotherham."

Liberty Steel website

Images: Liberty Steel

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News: "Stute" site scheduled to sell at auction

A former Miners Welfare and caretakers bungalow is set to go under the hammer next month, creating more uncertainty in Maltby.

Mining charity, CISWO (Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation), has courted controversy recently over lease arrangements at the Muglet Lane ground of Maltby Main FC and it now looks to be disposing of the site opposite, much to the dismay of a local action group set up to "Save the Stute."

The property, which is in a state of disrepair, is described by auctioneers, Auction Estates, as a "freehold former Miners Welfare premises with full vacant possession measuring a total of circa 14,632 sq ft on a total site area of approximately 1.15 acres in a busy residential housing estate."

It is advertised as ideal for owner occupiers, investors and developers and has been given a guide price of £85,000 for the auction on October 8.

The site has attracted anti-social behaviour, been broken into and fly-tipping.

In correspondence with the Maltby Miners Welfare & Recreation Protection Group, CISWO said: "We are at a point where we need to progress. The site is not delivering any charitable output and is costing the charity a significant amount of money and resource to deal with the ongoing issues, funds which would be better utilised in the delivery of services for individuals and the community. We have therefore unfortunately felt the need to take the decision to progress with the sale of the site."

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This week, local MP, Alexander Stafford, tabled a parliamentary motion  calling on CISWO to stop the sale of the Maltby Miners Welfare Institute and to save the Stute for future generations.

The motion formally asks CISWO to work with the Maltby Miners Welfare & Recreation Protection Group and other similar organisations to protect the Stute and calls for this community asset to be opened for use by everybody in the area.

Miners have paid for the Stute over the years out of their wages to safeguard their mining heritage.

Stafford tabled the motion having met with the Maltby Miners Welfare & Recreation Protection Group, CISWO, and chair of Maltby Town Council at the Maltby Stute to review the internal damage and to try and find a way forward to protect the facilities for the community.

The MP said: "I am very disappointed by the proposed sale of the Stute, which is why I have tabled this motion in parliament. However, I am hopeful that a new path can be forged with mutual cooperation to protect the site for future generations.

"I believe CISWO should be the Stute's guardian and safeguard it accordingly as a valuable community asset, that is vital to the prosperity of Maltby. I therefore ask CISWO to work with the Maltby Miners Welfare & Recreation Protection Group and other similar organisations to protect the Stute.

"I will continue to advocate for the Stute and support any and all groups that are also fighting for its protection. I am still hopeful a constructive resolution can be found and that is why I have tabled this parliamentary motion."

CISWO has given assurances that the recreation ground and pavilion will continue to be available for the community.

Images: Google Maps

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News: Wath Hall campaigners close in on funding target

A local group is close to reaching its funding target so it can acquire the former Wath Town Hall in Rotherham and use it as a community hub.

Rothbiz reported last year that Rotherham Council had been presented with a option that would enable the building to be used for the benefit of the local community by a community interest group.

The proposal was unanimously approved and Wath Hall Preservation Society Ltd, a single purpose vehicle, and Wath Hall Ltd, current custodians, have been working hard to put together a business plan and funding bids alongside efforts to raise the required cash.

The core building is a Georgian mansion, which can be traced back to its construction in the 1770s. The Town Hall has been a Council owned property for over 100 years, firstly as the Town Hall for Wath Urban District Council and latterly as a branch office. It closed in 2011 and in 2015, the Council declared that the hall was surplus to requirements and its future became uncertain.

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Closing in on £90,000, the group has extended its share off until July 7. Reaching the target will provide the match funding to secure an extra £90,000 as the purchase and a basic programme of repairs to start to bring the hall back into use will cost at least £180,000.

Pledges of around £60,000 were initially made by philanthropic individuals towards the cost of purchase and on Tuesday the total had reached £86,750 through a community share offer.

Securing the property is the next stage in a long term plan to enable its development and restoration as a sustainable heritage centre, creative business hub and community facility.

The funding would also be used for essential repairs to enable the building to be partially brought back into use with creative business units and community rooms available for hire, mainly in the 1960s extension.

A future second phase is planned, to commence the major restoration works, requiring further capital grants. This could include the restoration of the former council chamber space, as it would have been in the 1920s.

Wath Hall website

Images: Wath Hall Ltd

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News: Historic hall to make way for Bassingthorpe road improvements

The strategic importance of improving the infrastructure around the proposed Bassingthorpe Farm development is deemed by Rotherham Council to outweigh proposals to save a historic village hall.

The controversial development site is heading to the market with the landowners looking for commercial partners to help bring forward 2,400 dwellings and 11 hectares for employment use. As part of the Local Plan core strategy that was adopted by the Council in 2014, the 215 hectare area close to Rotherham town centre has been removed from the Green Belt and designated as a Strategic Allocation and the main location for new housing, employment and retail growth.

One of the issues to overcome is the viability of the whole development. Previous work has shown estimated delivery costs of over £350m with the infrastructure needed to bring forward houses, associated retail and employment uses estimated at over £50m.

This week, councillors and commissioners approved the option to demolish Greasbrough Public Hall with the cleared site set to be retained in Council ownership for the delivery of a highway improvement scheme.

The hall, which dates from 1925, was declared surplus to requirements by the Council in 2014. It was formally closed as a Community Centre and the building has remained vacant ever since.

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In 2016 the Council invited interest from all parties for either a freehold purchase, taking a commercial lease or any group wishing to take a Community Asset Transfer Lease under the Council's adopted policy.

One interested party was Greasbrough Public Hall Community Trust (GPHCT), a local community group formed for the purpose of trying to save the hall and bring it back into meaningful community use. The property has suffered from vandalism and theft since it was closed.

However, the process was halted when the Council's own Transportation and Highways Team highlighted that the site was required to facilitate a highway improvement scheme at the junction that fronts the hall. The junction at present is a miniroundabout and is described as a severe congestion hot spot at peak traffic flow times. The junction was also recommended for improvement as part of the Bassingthorpe Farm masterplan.

Damien Wilson, strategic director of regeneration and environment at Rotherham Council, explained: "In terms of strategic requirements, the need to improve and enhance the access arrangements at that junction overides the need for the community hall at this stage."

A Council report said that it was "unknown during the initial marketing of the hall of the scale of the intervention that was required from the Council to fully alleviate the existing congestion at the junction, taking into account the additional traffic flow that would come from the new residential development at Bassingthorpe Farm."

Local ward councillors and members of the trust made representations before the decision to demolish the hall was made. The demolition work is expected to cost £75,000 and the stone façade of the building is set to be salvaged.

There is the prospect of using levies as a result of the Bassingthorpe development towards a replacement community facility, but it was stressed that this would be based on the viability of the scheme.

Images: Greasbrough Public Hall Community Trust

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News: Liberty House welcomed in Rotherham

The announcement of investment and new jobs from the new owners of the speciality steel making sites in South Yorkshire has been welcomed.

An official handover took place this week after international industrials and metals group, Liberty House formally completed the £100m deal to acquire the Speciality Steels division of Tata Steel UK.

John Healey, who is standing again for the Wentworth & Dearne constituency which covers the Aldwarke plant, said: "It's great to see the sale go through. For the first time in years, Rotherham steelworkers and their families have some hope for the future.

"Liberty House has pledged the investment, jobs and marketing that can continue specialty steel's success. They're aiming for more jobs, fresh overseas markets, expansion of the Thrybergh bar mill and to boost steel-making in the main Rotherham plant.

"I will carry on working to back the new owners and the workforce, and keep on the Government's case about support for our UK steel industry. Liberty is backing British steel-making, and Government must now play its part on energy costs, business rates, skills funding and a strong buy-British bias in big Government projects."

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Sarah Champion who is bidding to remain the MP for Rotherham, added: "I am delighted and relieved that Liberty House recognises the potential of speciality steel in our region. The fact they are planning to expand operations and invest in more jobs proves their long-term commitment and is most welcome.

"Today's news is testimony to the years of campaigning and negotiations by workers, unions, local Labour MPs and Tata Steel.

"Going forward, we still have much to fight for to allow the steel industry to flourish. Two years after we got the Secretary of State for Business to attend our steel summit in Rotherham, the Government is no further on with resolving their high energy prices or unfair business rates - which means British steel can’t fight on a level playing field. We need free, but crucially, fair trade to markets such as the EU and USA, as well as being robust on anti-dumping from China and Russia.

"Our steel industry deserves more than warm words from Government. We need real action."

Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the steelworkers' trade union, Community, said: "The completion of the sale will bring some welcome certainty to a workforce that has faced a tough time over recent months and years. It's testament to the skills and commitment of the steelworkers and the trade union leadership within the business that Liberty has taken on Speciality Steels and given it new hope. This also demonstrates that with the right vision there are opportunities for the UK steel industry to grow. We will continue to work closely with Liberty House in the coming months to ensure that their growth plans and investment deliver the new jobs and the sustainable future for the business that is promised.

"To support and guarantee the success of the business, all parties in the general election must demonstrate a commitment to a joined-up industrial strategy, which will create the environment where Speciality Steels and other steel businesses can thrive. That's why we will continue to speak up for steel communities and to campaign to Save our Steel."

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News: Tata Steel union workers back pension proposals

Union members at Tata Steel sites in the UK, including in South Yorkshire, have voted to accept a proposal to close the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS) to future accrual.

The Speciality Steel sites in South Yorkshire are set to be sold after Liberty House closed a deal with Tata Steel UK to acquire the business for a total consideration of £100m. The new owners will need to honour the new pension arrangements as part of the deal.

Last year, the Government launched a consultation on changes to the pension scheme - the huge pension liability with a reported £700m deficit that was seen as a deal-breaker for prospective buyers of Tata Steel's UK assets.

The consultation followed intense discussions between Tata Steel, the UK government, the pension scheme trustees and regulators to find the best option for members of the scheme.

Eight months after Tata announced their original intention to sell its UK steel assets, the firm made a commitment to secure the future of jobs and production at Port Talbot and other steelworks across the UK.

The ballot paper set out that the company's proposals to secure a sustainable future for the UK business. Key elements include £1 billion of investment over ten years, a commitment to running the blast furnaces at Port Talbot, an employment pact offering protection against compulsory redundancies, and the introduction of a Defined Contribution Pension Scheme, with maximum employer contributions of 10%, following the closure of the BSPS to future accrual.

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The assurances are conditional on a sustainable solution for the BSPS, Tata Steel UK remaining solvent, and no industrial action in connection with the proposal.

Trade unions also secured a guarantee from Tata that commits Liberty House to honour the new defined contribution pension arrangements. This means that under a new owner, union members in Speciality Steels would be entitled to the same pension arrangements as members in Tata Steel UK, with employer contributions of up to 10%.

Members of the Community Union voted 72.1% to accept the proposals, with members at Unite, 75.6% in favour. GMB members voting yes came in at 74.0%.

Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of Community, said: "This result provides a mandate from our members to move forward in our discussions with Tata and find a sustainable solution for the British Steel Pension Scheme.

"Steelworkers have taken a tough decision and have shown they are determined to safeguard jobs and secure the long-term future of steelmaking. Nobody wanted to be in this situation, but as we have always said, it is vital that we now work together to protect the benefits already accrued and prevent the BSPS from free-falling into the PPF [Pension Protection Fund]."

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News: Tata sale welcomed

The £100m deal between Liberty House and Tata Steel UK for the Speciality Steels business has been welcomed.

Following a period of due diligence, the sale agreement has been signed and covers several South Yorkshire-based assets including the electric arc steelworks and bar mill at Aldwarke and a mill in Brinsworth, both in Rotherham, and the steel purifying facility in Stocksbridge in Sheffield.

John Healey MP, whose Wentworth and Dearne constituency includes the Aldwarke site, said: "It's great news to get the thumbs up from the Tata board for this sale. It should be a big step in securing steel-making in South Yorkshire for the long-term. Liberty House have pledged the investment, jobs and marketing that can continue Specialty Steel's success.

"2016 was an awful year of job cuts and uncertainty in Tata but the sale agreement means steel-workers and their families can start to see light at the end of the tunnel during 2017.

"Now I urge both Tata and Liberty to work flat out, with the unions, to complete the sale and restore confidence in our Rotherham and Stocksbridge steel plants.

"We will also press the Prime Minister make good on her promise of a new industrial strategy. It's high time that Ministers followed their warm words with action to help our UK steel industry on energy costs, business rates, skills funding and a strong buy-British bias in big government projects. This would be a clear signal to the world that UK steel has a strong future, whatever the economic uncertainties that Brexit brings."

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Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of Community, the steelworkers' union said that the sale was "a welcome step forward in securing the future of the Speciality Steels business but added: "However, this is not the end of the process and there is still work to do before the sale is completed. Community has been campaigning for months for longer-term certainty for these highly skilled jobs and we will now engage more directly with Liberty to understand their plan for the business.

"The steelworkers concerned produce some of the world's most advanced steel products and we will need to be convinced this sale is in their best interests. We also need to see the government do more to help support the future of Speciality Steels and create an environment in which the whole UK steel industry can survive and grow.

"We are continuing to ballot our members in Speciality Steels over the future of the British Steel Pension Scheme and proposed alternative pension arrangements, which, should our members vote to accept the proposals, would transfer over as part of their terms and conditions once a sale is completed."

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News: Tata Steel proposes changes to pension scheme

Tata Steel UK has reached an agreement with trade unions and will start consultation with its employees on a proposal to close the British Steel Pension Scheme to future accrual.

The Indian-owned steel maker has also announced outline plans to invest £1 billion in its remaining UK assets - which is unlikely to include the Speciality Steel sites in South Yorkshire.

Earlier this year, the Government launched a consultation on changes to the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS) - the huge pension liability with a £700m deficit that was seen as a deal-breaker for prospective buyers of Tata Steel's UK assets.

The consultation followed intense discussions between Tata Steel, the UK government, the pension scheme trustees and regulators to find the best option for members of the scheme.

Eight months after Tata announced their original intention to sell its UK steel assets, the firm has now made a commitment to secure the future of jobs and production at Port Talbot and other steelworks across the UK.

The new announcement follows the announcement at the end of last month over exclusive negotiations between Tata Steel and Liberty House Group regarding the sale of Tata's Speciality Steels division, which includes facilities in Rotherham.

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Previous proposals to amend scheme benefits in order to avoid entering the PPF would be difficult to deliver. The Pension Protection Fund (PPF) is the safety net that provides compensation to members of eligible defined benefit pension schemes when things go wrong.

Tata Steel will begin a consultation on the closure of the BSPS to future accrual, replacing it with a defined contribution scheme with maximum contributions of 10% from the company and 6% from employees.

The scheme has 130,000 members. Of these, 14,000 are active (i.e. they are currently employed by Tata Steel or another sponsoring employer of the scheme), 32,000 are deferred (i.e. no longer employed by Tata Steel but below the scheme's normal pension age and with a pension not in payment) and 84,000 are pensioners.

A statement from Tata Steel said that: "The company and trade unions have also agreed on the principle that subject to the structural de-risking and de-linking of the British Steel Pension Scheme fund from the business, Tata Steel UK will continue the existing blast furnace configuration in Port Talbot until 2021."

It could see a comprehensive ten year £1bn investment plan to support steel making at Port Talbot and across the UK which has been welcomed by unions that, at the same time, stated that the move to close the BSPS will clearly be of serious concern to all members. A ballot is proposed in the new year.

Roy Rickhuss from steelworker's union, Community, said: "Reaching this stage of the process is a credit to the hard work of our members who never gave up the fight to "Save Our Steel" – it was their jobs on the line and it has been their campaign that has brought Tata to this position.

"This is not the end of the process and it will be for all our members to now vote on this proposal. We will continue to work closely with Tata and all levels of government as we seek to build a sustainable future for Britain's steel industry.

"We recognise that today's announcement does not cover the Speciality Steels business in South Yorkshire or the SAW mills in Hartlepool. We will continue to work hard with the companies involved to secure the investment necessary to ensure those businesses grow and that our members are protected."

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News: Tata deal welcomed but calls made for audit

Sarah Champion MP has welcomed the announcement over exclusive negotiations between Tata Steel and Liberty House Group regarding the sale of Tata's Speciality Steels division, which includes facilities in Rotherham.

Liberty House and Tata Steel announced yesterday that a letter of intent has been signed and that they expect the £100m acquisition to complete early in the first quarter of 2017.

Reacting to the announcement, the Rotherham MP said: "It is welcome that negotiations for the sale of Speciality Steels have reached this important stage. Speciality Steels is a strong business with huge potential.

"This announcement marks the beginning of an extremely sensitive period for the business as negotiations proceed. Tata have engaged positively with employees and with trade unions during the process thus far and I hope that they will continue to be closely involved and consulted regarding any potential deal.

"Whist this announcement is of course good news, we must ensure that the Government remains committed to supporting our steel industry and that they act to ensure its long-term viability. Some progress on this has been made, but this momentum must be sustained.

"Steel remains a vital strategic industry and I hope that the Government will work with Tata and Liberty House to support Speciality Steel and ensure a viable future for steel in the UK."

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The news has also been welcomed by the steel unions such as Community which has worked with Liberty House Group at steel sites across the UK.

Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of Community, said: "After months of uncertainty and delay from Tata, this will be welcome news for the thousands of steelworkers whose jobs depend on the success of this business.

"The number one priority for Community will be ensuring that Liberty have a proper plan to protect jobs and provide the long term investment necessary to grow the business. Crucial to this plan will be ensuring that the business' loyal workforce have a pension plan that provides dignity and security in retirement.

"This is a positive step for the UK steel industry; however there remain huge challenges which government must address. Energy costs, business rates, and procurement rules continue to put British businesses at a disadvantage. Community will continue with our ‘Save Our Steel’ campaign and will work with government and steel producers to secure a long term future for this vital industry."

Unite national officer for metals Harish Patel said that "the devil will be in the detail," adding: "Today's announcement is welcome as we can at last see some movement towards certainty for our members - our key concerns are job security for the workforce; the future of the British Steel pension scheme; and what the investment plans will be from the Liberty House Group going forward.

"Of course, the devil is very much in the detail which is why we will be asking Tata Steel to ensure that we can conduct independent due diligence on its proposals."

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News: South Yorkshire steelworkers wait on sale

Steelworkers in Rotherham and Sheffield are being left in the dark as discussions continue over the sale of Tata's Speciality Steels business, unions say.

At the end of March, the Indian-owned steelmaker concluded that it was exploring all options for portfolio restructuring including the potential sale of Tata Steel UK, in whole or in parts. Following a board meeting in July, the steelmaker decided on a separate process for the potential sale of its Speciality Steels business, which until recently employed over 2,000 people at sites like Aldwarke in Rotherham and Stocksbridge in Sheffield.

Tata confirmed the progress of its divestment of the Specialty Steel business and the pipe mills in Hartlepool in its financial results for the quarter to June 30 and it was revealed in September that two bids had been submitted for the speciality steel business in its entirety, including the two businesses in Rotherham (at Aldwarke and Brinsworth Strip Mill).

Senior officials from Community have spent the past week meeting with members at the steelworks and have now called on Tata to come clean on the state of their sales process and let their loyal workforce know what their future will hold.

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Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the Community union, said: "While so much focus is on the sale of Tata's Strip business and the uncertainty surrounding the pension scheme, Community will not allow Speciality Steels to become the forgotten part of the steel crisis. With over 2,000 direct employees and many thousands more in the local supply chain, this business is of huge importance to the South Yorkshire region.

"When Tata announced that they wanted to sell the business, we called on them to act as a responsible seller. The continued lack of information about that process and the worry this has caused amongst their loyal workforce is highly irresponsible.

"Community has always said that we will play our part as a responsible stakeholder in helping safeguard the future of the business, but having committed to involve the trade unions in the sales process, Tata have yet to share details of potential buyers. Speciality Steels has every chance of a bright, profitable future, but this will only be possible if Tata ensure a new owner is able to invest in the business and build a positive relationship with the workforce.

"The months of uncertainty and delays must end today. Tata must come clean about the state of the sales process and fully involve the trade unions in helping to build a new future for this vital industry and its highly skilled workers."

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News: Volunteers rewarded as new stadium facilities set to open

The award-winning Rotherham United Community Sports Trust (RUCST) is close to completing its new state of the art facility at the AESSEAL New York Stadium.

The Trust is relocating from Mangham House on the Barbot Hall Industrial Estate which has been its home ever since the club's departure from Millmoor in 2008.

Opened on site of the former Guest & Chrimes foundry on the edge of Rotherham town centre in 2012, the £20m stadium was built with a number of units and space for commercial and community uses and to host a variety of events.

The new facility will extend over three floors. Three classrooms for educational provision will have the latest educational equipment enabling the students to study to their full potential.

A health / activity floor will have two reaction walls, gym equipment such as kettle bells, vipr bars and medicine balls. Along with this, it will have multi-functional gym exercise equipment, sprung floor and a mirrored wall for dance sessions.

Office space will include 17 desks to accommodate both RCUST staff and community coaches in a hot desk style along with meeting areas and kitchen facilities.

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For the recent home game with Nottingham Forest, head of community, Jamie Noble, surprised a number of volunteers from ACL Limited with a special upgrade into the plush surroundings of the hospitality lounges. 

ACL is based on Tenter Street and specialises in suspended ceilings and partitioning for a range of construction projects. It has played a major role in helping to install the ceilings at the new community offices, and Jamie was delighted to show his appreciation for all their hard work. 

Noble said: "Many of the volunteers were Rotherham supporters, and regularly attend games, so we thought we would give them a nice surprise for all their hard work.

"This project could not have been completed without the help of many people – including many volunteers who gave up their time for free. 

"We were delighted to offer this package as gesture of our appreciation to ACL and we hope they had a great night watching the Millers."

An open day at the new "Goal Zone" facility at the stadium is being held on October 5. Gym classes at the new community facility are also set to start next week with dance and yoga classes also planned.

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News: Steel pension problems remain

Proposals from Tata Steel to amend pension scheme benefits in order to avoid entering the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) now appear as if they would be difficult to deliver.

Earlier this year, the Government launched a consultation on changes to the British Steel Pension Scheme (BSPS) - the huge pension liability with a £700m deficit that could be a deal-breaker for prospective buyers of Tata Steel's UK assets.

The consultation follows intense discussions between Tata Steel, the UK government, the pension scheme trustees and regulators to find the best option for members of the scheme.

At the end of March, the Indian-owned steelmaker concluded that it is exploring all options for portfolio restructuring including the potential sale of Tata Steel UK, in whole or in parts. Following a board meeting in July, the steelmaker decided on a separate process for the potential sale of its Speciality Steels business, which until recently employed over 2,000 people at sites like Aldwarke in Rotherham and Stocksbridge in Sheffield.

Last week representatives of Community, Unite and GMB met with Tata Steel management in London to discuss the ongoing situation with the BSPS.

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The consultation was seen as the first step in a potential unprecedented change to regulations which would enable the scheme to modify its benefits enabling it become self-sustaining and remain outside of the Pension Protection Fund (PPF) - the safety net that provides compensation to members of eligible defined benefit pension schemes when things go wrong.

The PPF updated its guidance last month, working to ensure employers do not "dump" schemes in the PPF.

The unions now say that during the meeting, Tata made it clear that the previous proposals to amend scheme benefits in order to avoid entering the PPF now appeared as if they would be difficult to deliver.

A joint statement said: "This leaves the BSPS facing the very real possibility of being dumped entirely into the PPF as part of Tata's plan to divest its UK assets.

"All trade unions involved have previously made it clear that such an outcome would be unacceptable.

"Tata management expressed a desire to explore other options for the BSPS, however the unions are clear that no such further discussions can take place until Tata clearly sets out its long term commitment to the UK industry.

"It has been over five months since Tata first announced its desire to sell its UK operations and yet steelworkers and their families are even less clear about their future now.

"The delayed sales process, the prospect of Tata remaining and now the proposed merger with ThyssenKrupp have all served to create uncertainty for Tata's loyal workforce and the wider industry.

"The unions made it clear that through these actions Tata has lost the trust and confidence of the workforce and therefore the company must clearly and urgently set out its intentions and its plans to act as either a responsible owner or seller."

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News: Steelworkers want answers

Steelworkers from Rotherham met with representatives from other Tata Steel UK sites in London yesterday to consider issues relating to the ongoing sales process.

The Indian-owned steelmaker concluded in March that it is exploring all options for portfolio restructuring including the potential sale of Tata Steel UK, in whole or in parts. Rothbiz yesterday reported on the muddying waters of the sale process which ranges from selling all of the UK assets together, selling individual units, to Tata remaining in the UK.

Sky News went further and reported that KPMG, engaged by Tata Steel as advisers to the sale process, is understood to have been asked to contact prospective bidders for the Speciality Steel business in South Yorkshire and the pipeline tube operations.

Over 60 reps gathered at the TUC's Congress House to hear from Community's general secretary, Roy Rickhuss and to agree the union's position on a number of issues.

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Following the meeting, Community's reps unanimously agreed the following statement which has been sent to Tata Steel management:

Community, the steelworkers’ union, has serious concerns about the integrity of Tata Steel’s sales process. Almost three months have passed since the announcement that Tata intended to sell their UK assets, yet if anything steelworkers and their families are now less certain of their future than ever. Employees, customers and suppliers all deserve to know Tata's intentions. Without all of those groups the steel industry cannot hope to have a successful future.

Tata made it clear they no longer wanted to keep their UK businesses. The UK Government stressed the need for Tata to act as a responsible seller; however it is now unclear whether Tata intend to sell the business at all. Since that first announcement, the trust and good will of Tata’s loyal workforce has been pushed to the limit. If Tata do indeed intend to retain the business, then they need not only to make this clear to their loyal workforce, but also lay out their long term plan for investment in steelmaking. Were Tata to remain, they would have a long way to go in regaining the confidence of steelworkers. Amidst this uncertainly, there also remains the hugely important issue of the pension scheme to be resolved.

It is simply unacceptable that our members are expected to learn more about this process from the media than their own employer. Today workers are reading in the media that Tata are now willing to accept bids for separate parts of the business, despite previously committing to selling the whole business as a going concern. Further to this, some media reports have suggested that Tata does not consider any of the bids that have been submitted to be credible. However the independent steel experts, Syndex, have examined the bids and found a number to be potentially financially robust and credible for the long-term. We believe the next stage of the process should be for bidders to submit to Tata their full and detailed plans for the business. If Tata are continuing with the sales process it is vital they provide bidders with the information and support they need to develop the best possible proposals to safeguard our industry.

The British steel industry is bigger than any one company or government, and as the guardians of the industry we call on Tata to recognise their moral and social responsibilities. Community will continue our "Save Our Steel" campaign, meanwhile Tata and the UK Government must get their act together to end this insufferable period of uncertainty and ensure a future for UK steelmaking.

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