News: Rotherham is the blueprint for a new age of industrialisation

The successful regeneration of the former Orgreave site in Rotherham and the creation of the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) has been highlighted as a blueprint for a new age of industrialisation by the Chancellor of the Exchequer.

John Healey is the government’s chief financial minister and MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough. In his speech at the Labour Party Conference, he said that the site's transformation is "how Britain's industrial past is being remade now for the modern world."

Healey said: "My politics have been shaped by the industrial heartlands of South Yorkshire.

"And the most brutal day of that bitter miner's strike was at Orgreave. Today on the site of the Orgreave pit is Rotherham's Advanced Manufacturing Park, one of the most concentrated areas of innovation anywhere in Britain. It's where South Yorkshire's young people are now working with high-tech systems, making things their grandparents could never have dreamt of.

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"One of those young people is Shaun. Shaun's dad was a local miner, but there were no pit jobs for Shaun. So, he joined the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre. He joined as an apprentice. And so, while his dad mined the coal that kept Britain's lights on, above that same coal seem, Shaun is now working on high-tech research for the future of nuclear power.

"Our coal mines are not coming back. But this is how Britain's industrial past is being remade now for the modern world. It's how people are starting to tell each other stories of the future and not the past. And this is a story we can tell across the country.

"This is the new age of industrialisation. This is the new confidence in Britain, lit by this government, driven forward by business. So don't tell me it's not possible to create a new age of British industry. Don't tell me it's not possible to have good growth in every postcode. And don't tell me that people can't hope again."

Healey also confirmed a £300m investment in sites across the country from Rolls-Royce which includes the £21.3m expansion project at its Advanced Blade Casting Facility (ABCF) on the AMP in Rotherham.

In June, Rothbiz reported on the Northern Powerhouse Partnership (NPP) analysis of the AMP and Rotherham which showed that real gross value added (GVA) grew in the AMP area from £111.6m in 2004 to £369.8m in 2022, a 231% increase in real terms, the strongest of any area in the borough by a substantial margin.

Healey's speech started with banter with the Prime Minister watching on: "I know Manchester is a great city, just like Liverpool is a great city, but give me Rotherham any day of the week."

Images: Labour Party / YouTube

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News: Speciality Steel UK nationalisation - what happens now?

The Government's work towards the public acquisition of Speciality Steel UK (SSUK) is expected to take between four and six months, but Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds wants it to be resolved as quickly as possible.

The Government took the step as it found that the private sector proposal from the preferred bidder "could not provide the long-term stability, certainty and value for money that workers, communities and taxpayers deserve."

Reynolds told the House of Commons: "That bidder subsequently requested Government support to make its purchase of Speciality Steel UK possible. However, following extensive engagement between the bidder and its advisers, and having done all the due diligence and given the case the consideration that taxpayers would expect, the Government have decided that they cannot provide support on the proposed terms."

He added that the Government had "serious concerns about the proposed financing of it."

The company’s sites support over 1,300 jobs in Rotherham, Stocksbridge, Brinsworth and Wednesbury.

The public acquisition move means that a liquidation process has been postponed, giving the state a strategic control over the future of a business that it believes has a unique place in the UK’s steel ecosystem due to its specialist steelmaking capabilities.

The government will work with local leaders, industry experts, private investors, workers and other partners to consider what is best for the strategically important locations. Taking between four and six months, the work will look at "future industrial use, regeneration opportunities and the role that specialist manufacturing capabilities could play in supporting growth and our national resilience."

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The future of speciality steel production will be high on the agenda and the assessment will include the consideration of products, customers and markets if the business is to be run profitably.

The Business Secretary explained: "The work we can now do will have to look at the capacities, the potential for new investment that might be required, the product lines, where the customers are and so forth.

"The key issue — I am not sure if this has ever been put on the record in Hansard before — is homologation. That is the assets of these sites and the accreditations they have for such a speciality set of products. Those assets are incredibly valuable. Not many parts of the world can produce to the standard that we are talking about. We now have a process — I want that to be as short as possible — where we can assess that."

Reynolds also discussed the potential costs involved - from running the business in public ownership, and from the remediation and regeneration of the sites. He said: "If this were a matter of public ownership, we would have to pay off the creditors, reach an accommodation with them, acquire the assets, and then inject some working capital over a period of between one and three years. I would expect the cost of that to be about £350 million, and I would expect something comparable were the option to be regeneration and remediation."

The government already has the powers following its previous work on British Steel in Scunthorpe. The Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Act 2026 gives the government powers to bring critical steel manufacturing companies into public ownership when it is in the public interest.

Labour’s 2024 election manifesto pledged £2.5 billion to rebuild and modernise the UK steel industry, a commitment now being channelled through the National Wealth Fund. This is on top of £500m that was granted to Tata in Port Talbot under the previous Government.

The Business Secretary was also critical of the way the business was run as Liberty Steel. He told the house that the business only produced when the customer effectively supplied working capital. Reynolds called this "a highly irregular position, but one reflective of the opaque and byzantine financing arrangements under the previous owners. I believe the opportunity exists to operate a successful business in this space. There is nothing ideological about this; my ideal is for the business to be run in the private sector."

Many of the workers at SSUK have been furloughed and the plants have not been operating for several years.

Reynolds concluded: "I want to speak directly to the workers of Speciality Steel UK, who have been stuck on furlough, unable to do the jobs of which they are so rightly proud, through no fault of their own. I know that they feel ignored and let down by previous Governments, but as Business Secretary, I will not duck these difficult decisions, and neither will this Government. I will do all that I can to secure a bright future for you, your communities and your families."

Following the announcement, Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said that the government needs "to get on and nationalise the company.”

Images: SSUK

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News: Rotherham reacts to Government's plan to nationalise steel firm

The Government's plan to work towards the public acquisition of Speciality Steel UK (SSUK) has been welcomed in South Yorkshire.

Chancellor of the Exchequer and Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP, John Healey, said: "UK steel is vital for our economy and security. We produce some of the best steel in the world in South Yorkshire and it supports thousands of good jobs. Since the 2013 national steel summit in Rotherham, as a local MP, I’ve worked with steel company directors, trade union leaders and MPs of all parties to level the playing field for UK still firms.

"The company’s sites support over 1,300 jobs in Rotherham, Stocksbridge, Brinsworth and Wednesbury and have a proud steelmaking history, including the use of electric arc furnace technology. The sites could play a vital in role supporting the Government’s modern Industrial Strategy, having produced specialist steel for sectors, including aerospace, defence and advanced manufacturing.

"The Government’s work towards the public acquisition of SSUK will include considering a sustainable long-term future for SSUK as a speciality steelmaker, as well as opportunities for regeneration.

"The Government is delivering the UK’s first ever Steel Strategy, setting out a long-term plan to rebuild the sector, attract investment and position the UK as a world leader in clean, modern steel production.

"This includes taking bold action across the business environment: tackling electricity prices and carbon leakage, increasing the use of UK-made steel in government-supported offshore wind projects, and making it easier for firms to invest and grow in future-facing, decarbonised technologies.

"The Government is backing the transformation of the sector with up to £2.5 billion of support, alongside reforms to improve competitiveness, drive demand for UK-made steel and support decarbonisation."

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Sarah Champion, MP for Rotherham, said: "It is of course deeply disappointing that Speciality Steel UK remains in administration. I thank the Government for seeing the potential in this key industry. However, Rotherham steel workers deserve clarity about what the future holds and are, I know, keen to return to work as soon as possible.’

"The cycle of failed ownership has held Specialty Steel back for far too long. I’m relieved the Secretary of State recognises this is a business with huge potential as a world leader in specialist steel products, with a strong track record and a skilled, experienced workforce.

"I welcome the Government’s announcement that it will work with the Official Receiver, myself, local leaders and the South Yorkshire Mayor towards public acquisition, while assessing all options for the company’s future.

"Whatever ownership model is ultimately decided, Speciality Steel needs leadership with the vision and commitment necessary to enable the business to fulfil its potential.

“The Labour Government has demonstrated its commitment to the UK steel industry since its very first days in office. From its resolute action to safeguard raw steel production in Scunthorpe, to its landmark Steel Strategy, which sets out unprecedented backing for the industry, Labour has shown time and time again that it is on the side of British steel businesses.

"I am proud to see that same commitment and focus given to safeguarding Speciality Steels UK, to protecting jobs in Rotherham and to continuing our long history of steel manufacture into a prosperous, successful future."

"I will be following discussions closely and will always speak up for Rotherham steel workers."

Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council, said: “The Government’s intention to intervene, developing a plan to bring South Yorkshire’s steel sites into public ownership reflects the seriousness with which the government is taking the task of ensuring Rotherham steel production has a bright future.

“Workers in Rotherham and across South Yorkshire have shown remarkable resilience through a prolonged period of uncertainty. They deserve a sustainable plan that gives them confidence in the future, protects our industrial heritage and preserves the sovereign capabilities that are so important to the UK economy. That is the case that our South Yorkshire team, including Mayor Oliver Coppard and our colleagues in Sheffield, have been making to government over many months. 200 years of steel production in Parkgate will not come to an end.

“We have long argued that the capabilities, skills and infrastructure contained within these sites are of national importance. At a time of growing uncertainty around global supply chains and economic security, maintaining the UK’s ability to produce high-quality specialist steel is more important than ever.

“We will continue to work with Government, industry and local partners to secure the best possible long-term outcome for our communities and our steel industry.”

Images: SSUK

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News: Rotherham college to be part of new specialist centre for defence

The RNN Group has successfully secured a major national defence technology bid, in partnership with the UK Government, to establish a new Defence Technical Excellence College (DTEC).

Part of a £175m national investment in skills, the initiative is being delivered in collaboration with the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Education.

The RNN Group is made up of a number of campuses including Rotherham Campus, Dearne Valley Campus and University Centre Rotherham, and will now be at the forefront of strengthening the UK’s defence skills pipeline, supporting the development of advanced technical capabilities critical to national security and economic resilience.

The DTEC will focus on delivering high-quality education and training in key areas including digital technologies and advanced manufacturing, directly support the evolving needs of the UK defence sector and its supply chains, aligning with the ambitions of the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy which set out how government spending on defence can benefit local economies, from highly skilled engineering positions to apprenticeships for young people starting their careers.

A recently announced new £50m Defence Growth Deal is set to help defence companies and boost skills by expanding cutting-edge defence research in South Yorkshire.

By working closely with employers and partners, RNN Group will help develop a highly skilled workforce ready to meet future challenges.

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Jason Austin, CEO & Principal of RNN Group, said: “This is a significant moment for RNN Group and for the regions we serve; securing this bid demonstrates our commitment to supporting the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy through the provision of high-quality technical education.

“We are proud to work alongside the Ministry of Defence and the Department for Education to deliver a step change in how defence skills are developed.

“By collaborating closely with SYMCA and EMCCA and our local educational partners and institutions, we are ensuring the development of high-level skills in this area.”

RNN is one of 19 Technical Excellence Colleges that will begin delivery from April 2026, acting as hubs of excellence and working with other providers to raise standards across the country.

John Healey, Secretary of State for Defence and MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, said: "With vital investment, cutting-edge equipment and high-quality teaching, Dearne Valley College and Rotherham College can go on to build the workforce of the industries of the future – right here in Rotherham.

“Well done to the team at RNN Group, who deserve this well-earned recognition, and I can’t wait to see them go from strength to strength as a Technical Excellence College.”

RNN Group website

Images: RNN Group

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News: MP fully on board with Rotherham Gateway Station project

Local MP John Healey has added his name to the campaign to return mainline train services to Rotherham.

Rothbiz reported in October on Rotherham Council launching a campaign as part of a £300m regeneration project.

A long-standing supporter of the project, the MP for Rawmarsh & Conisbrough, joined to celebrate the major milestone of reaching 500 public pledges.

A 20-year masterplan for Rotherham Gateway Station at Parkgate shows how a transport improvement scheme can act as the catalyst for a much wider regeneration project supporting thousands of new jobs.

Rotherham Gateway will reconnect the town to the mainline rail network for the first time since the 1980s, delivering faster connections to major cities including Sheffield, Leeds and Birmingham, while unlocking new regional and national routes.

The scheme, which will complement the existing Rotherham Central station, also proposes a new tram-train stop, which will provide quick and convenient local connections, including to Rotherham town centre.

Representing a long-term investment in Rotherham’s future, the project is expected to create up to 1,000 jobs locally, with a further 8,000 across the wider South Yorkshire Investment Zone - delivering an economic uplift of over £100m through new employment opportunities.

Discussions are ongoing with the Department for Transport, which is currently reviewing the Outline Business Case. This follows the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority’s approval of £11.35 million to develop a Full Business Case.

The long-term ambition is to open the new station by the early 2030s at the latest.

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John Healey MP, Member of Parliament for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough and Secretary of State for Defence said: "I am pleased to join the many residents and local businesses who believe in Rotherham’s potential.

“Growth is at the heart of the government’s agenda, and the Gateway Station brings huge opportunity to the town to drive economic growth and bring much needed opportunities and investment into our region.

This is a project with strong local backing and clear economic benefits. I hope residents continue to support it so we can secure the improvements Rotherham deserves.”

Cllr Chris Read, Leader of Rotherham Council said: “Rotherham Gateway will transform our rail connectivity and could be the single biggest thing we can do to lift the future prospects of Rotherham’s economy.

“Gateway Station will act as a foundation for Rotherham’s wider regeneration, attracting renewed investment, supporting new housing and creating opportunities for local businesses to thrive.

“Beyond Rotherham, it will deliver lasting benefits for the region. Having seen the dedication, collaboration and hard work that has gone into making this project a reality, I’m delighted to see the support on the pledge page from so many local residents, businesses, community groups and politicians.”

Rotherham Gateway website

Images: RMBC

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News: MP shouting from the roof tops

John Healey MP has gone to new heights to urge Rotherham businesses to follow the example of one of the region’s most innovative manufacturers and embrace rooftop solar to cut costs and go green.

The call comes at the same time as plans are being developed for Whitestone Solar Farm on greenblet land in the area which would have an estimated capacity of up to 750MW.

Bluetree Group, based in Manvers, were one of the first major local businesses to fully embrace rooftop solar. Since Bluetree’s roll out, the company now generates around 20% of its electricity from solar panels.

Healey supported Bluetree’s planning application to install rooftop solar and visited the local business in June to see the progress of the installation. The Member of Parliament is now encouraging other local businesses to follow in the same footsteps and join in with the ‘rooftop revolution’.

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Local firms, Barnsley & Rotherham, and Doncaster, Chamber of Commerce, and energy specialists, came together at Bluetree Group to discuss the benefits of solar on rooftops and to learn from the local manufacturer’s proactive approach to becoming more sustainable.

The drive towards rooftop solar will support the government’s move towards clean energy, as well as helping to protect local green belt. By utilising rooftop space on factories, warehouses, offices and car parks, businesses will be generating renewable energy and powering local industries sustainably.

If local businesses embrace rooftop solar, South Yorkshire could position itself as a national leader in clean energy.

MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough John Healey said, “Bluetree have led the way in rooftop solar in the local area and this is the right time for local businesses to make the transition to green energy.

“This is an exciting opportunity for businesses to utilise their empty rooftops and contribute to Britain’s clean energy goals, whilst cutting energy costs and preserving local green spaces.”

Images: John Healey MP

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News: Manvers White Water Course project launched

A proposed new £14m water rescue training facility in Rotherham could also provide access to water sports and outdoor adventure.

Having been discussed for a number of years, an official launch recently took place for the White Water Course Project at Manvers Lake, where Sports Minister, Stephanie Peacock MP, got an update of the plans.

Manvers Lake is central to the massive Waterfront regeneration project which includes 450 homes, business parks, hotel, retail outlets and neighbourhood facilities. Operated by a trust, a boat club provides facilities for sailing, kayaking, windsurfing, and other activities, while the lake also supports open water swimming, fishing, and cycling.

The Manvers White Water Course is planned to provide a world class training facility for fire and rescue services and other emergency services that will also offer international-standard paddling facilities due to the unique dual water channels.

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Proposals involve a pump fed Whitewater Channel at North Bay for the combined use of recreation and flood rescue and training. A pumphouse will lift water at a rate of up to 10 cubic metres every second, 3 metres [10 feet] from the lake into a start pool out of which the water will flow down the course back into the lake.

The water is designed to flow at a variety of volumes and speeds from still to a torrent such that training and coaching of the Olympic sports of Whitewater Canoe slalom and Extreme slalom competition, can take place.

John Healey, MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, said: “This project will be a big boost for the Dearne Valley. It will create jobs, bring more visitors into our area and give our fire and rescue crews the proper training base they need. The Trust has worked hard to get to this stage, and there is real backing behind the plans. With the right support, we can get this built and delivering for our area.”

Ashley Metcalfe, CEO of Paddle UK, added: "It is a really exciting opportunity for white water paddling – from community paddling, to talent development and beyond. We have a fantastic opportunity to be part of the project and are very much looking forward to supporting Manvers Lake to fulfil our aspirations.”

Last year the trust secured £22,500 of feasibility funding for the project from The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA).

Manvers Lake website

Images: Manvers Lake Trust / Paddle UK

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News: MTL delivers on defence contract

Rotherham-based MTL Advanced, one of the UK’s largest contract manufacturing businesses, has formally handed over the first fully British-manufactured Mission Module for the Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV) programme to KNDS UK.

The firm, which operates a 387,000 sq ft facility at Brinsworth, was chosen in 2022 to supply armoured steel for the production of the MoD Boxer Armoured Vehicle Programme under a £-multi-million, multi-year contract. A year later it added to its current contract to supply armoured steel kits of parts for over 450 Drive Modules to KNDS’s fabrication line in Stockport.

The milestone marks a significant achievement for UK land defence manufacturing and represents the culmination of over two years of close collaboration between the two companies.

The handover ceremony took place at MTL Advanced’s Brinsworth headquarters in Rotherham, and was attended by KNDS Directors Tom Winney and Roland Hoegerle alongside the Secretary of State for Defence and local Rotherham MP Rt Hon John Healey.

This Mission Module is the first to be built entirely in the UK, from raw plate material through to final fabrication, and is part of MTL’s base order with KNDS for over 100 modules, a number expected to grow in the coming years. The order forms part of more than £40m in contracts awarded by KNDS to MTL Advanced to support the UK’s Boxer MIV programme.

Karl Stewart, General Manager at MTL Advanced, said: “This is an incredibly proud moment for MTL Advanced, our people, and the UK defence manufacturing sector. Delivering the first fully UK-built Mission Module demonstrates the strength of our partnership with KNDS and our capability to deliver world-class defence solutions. Our team has worked tirelessly to transfer the specialist knowledge from Germany to the UK, ensuring we can meet the highest standards required for this vital programme.”

MTL Advanced has been a key supplier to the Boxer programme for over 18 years, working with both KNDS (formerly KMW) and Rheinmetall. The company was the first UK business to qualify to the German Bundeswehr TL standards for processing armoured steel.

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The first mission module handover ceremony was followed by a tour of MTL’s facility which included a visit of the company’s award-winning Training Academy where 15-20 new apprentices start their engineering career every year. First Year Apprentices were given the chance to showcase some of their work to the Secretary of State for Defence and esteemed guests from KNDS.

Over 100 apprentices have now come through the doors of MTL's in-house Academy since it opened its doors in 2015 and the company’s home-grown talent has played a critical role in the company’s recent growth and success.

With now over 440 employees and annual sales expected to exceed £64m in 2025, MTL Advanced is recognised globally as a market leader in the processing of armoured steels and complex fabrications. The business has invested more than £15m in additional factory space and state-of-the-art equipment over the past two years, with further investments planned for late 2025.

John Healey MP, Defence Secretary, said: “It was great to speak with the brilliant apprentices at MTL Advanced and to hear how important local home-grown talent has been to the success of the business and the delivery of the UK’s innovative Boxer MIV programme. “In this new era for defence, we are proud to be backing British industry, British innovators and British jobs. Our Defence Industrial Strategy will help keep us safe and make defence an engine for growth in every region and nation of the UK.”

The Mission Module will now be integrated into the Boxer vehicles for the British Army, marking another step in bringing advanced armoured vehicle production fully back to the UK.

MTL Advanced website

Images: MTL Advanced / KNDS

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News: Defence Growth Deal for South Yorkshire

South Yorkshire is set for a boost through the launch of a £250m fund for Defence Growth Deals which will improve collaboration, foster innovation and create jobs in areas with untapped potential.

The Defence Industrial Strategy sets out how gonvernment spending on defence can benefit local economies, from highly skilled engineering positions to apprenticeships for young people starting their careers.

Initial analysis indicates there could be an additional demand of up to 50,000 defence jobs by 2034/35 with increases in defence spending. Defence Growth Deals will play an important role in capitalising on that skilled employment potential for communities across the UK.

South Yorkshire is one of five deals that will be backed by a total of £250m of defence spending over the next five years, underpinned by this Government’s historic increase in defence spending to 2.6% of GDP by 2027 and the ambition to hit 3% in the next Parliament.

They will forge long-term partnerships between national, devolved and local government, uniting businesses and research institutions to harness local expertise and resources in defence and the dual-use sectors. They will support the UK Armed Forces and deliver benefits for working people through the government’s Plan for Change.

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Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: "The Defence Industrial Strategy will make defence an engine for growth across the UK, backing British jobs, British industry and British innovators.

"Defence Growth Deals offer a new partnership with UK Defence to build on industrial and innovation strengths that regions already hold. Together we aim to drive an increase in defence skills, SMEs and jobs across all four nations.

"We want to make the UK the best place in the world to start and grow a defence firm and will put Britain at the leading edge of innovation."

The new fund builds on the success of the Plan for Barrow. The deals, created in partnership with industry, local government and other regional organisations, will see investment in that area’s sub-sector specialisms, harnessing their ingenuity and mass, while also launching specific interventions that help support that defence ecosystem and the places themselves, delivering long-term and sustainable regional growth across the UK.

South Yorkshire is identified as a key hub for the development and engineering of high integrity, precision materials for the defence sector, including at MOD-owned Sheffield Forgemasters.

The region is also home to the University of Sheffield’s world-leading Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) which has multimillion pound facilities on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham. A growing defence cluster is being bolstered by BAE Systems new artillery factory in Sheffield.

The strategy set out that in South Yorkshire, "we will further leverage the region’s strengths in the research, development and engineering of high-grade components and materials critical to the next generation of maritime, land and air capabilities."

South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, said: "South Yorkshire has always been at the forefront of our country's security. We supplied munitions in both world wars, we are the home of the Vulcan and we are helping to build the submarines of tomorrow at Forgemasters in Sheffield. Now, the government has asked us to do even more to keep this country safe as we face up to the challenges of an evermore uncertain future.

"The Defence Growth Deal we've just been awarded isn't just a critical part of the UK's new Defence Industrial Strategy, it's a vote of confidence in the work we do here in South Yorkshire, from quantum computing to material science. That deal will offer very real opportunities for companies across Barnsley, Rotherham, Sheffield and Doncaster. It will mean more secure, well-paid jobs and it will power the growth that will make us all better off."

Images: BAE Systems / Forgemaster

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News: Drone company showcases work with businesses and schools

Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP John Healey visited a pioneering drone technology provider based at Dearne Valley College in Rotherham to see first-hand how they are advancing drone solutions and inspiring the next generation.

Iprosurv works with businesses and organisations looking at drone solutions that help save time, resources, and energy.

They also work with local schools through their Drones in Education Programme which teachers the teacher to deliver the practical expertise needed to inspire and guide students. This initiative not only introduces students to modern drone technology but also opens up career pathways in a wide range of sectors including engineering, media, agriculture, surveying, public safety, and digital infrastructure.

Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP, and Defence Secretary, John Healey MP said: “It was fascinating to see and hear about the great work Iprosurv do with different schools, business and organisations locally and across the country.

“Drones have emerged as powerful tools across different sectors making it easier to survey large areas, inspect buildings and provide a crucial role in military operations.

“To have a leading drone company based on site at Dearne Valley College and working with local schools helps to showcase the possibilities of the technology and teach the next generation how to operate and use drones in the future.”

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Iprosurv was set up in 2014 and has grown to be a leader in drone technology as well as delivering STEM education in schools.

Iprosurv CEO Rebecca Jones said: “It was brilliant to welcome John to our training centre here at Dearne Valley College and share the work we’re so passionate about.

“At Iprosurv, we’re not just helping businesses and organisations work smarter – we’re opening doors and real career pathways for the next generation.

“Drones span so many industries and sectors, the career opportunities for students are significant. Our Drones in Education programme, developed alongside educators, gives students real-world, hands-on experience and a glimpse into future careers."

Iprosurv website

Images: Iprosurv

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News: Government cash could be used to help steel areas like Rotherham

The Government's Plan for Steel has been welcomed by local MP, John Healey, as it sets out how industrial heartlands like Rotherham could be protected for the long term.

Consultation is underway on the plan that looks at the long-term issues facing the industry like high electricity costs, unfair trading practices, and scrap metal recycling – to protect jobs and living standards in the UK’s industrial heartlands.

Up to £2.5 billion will be put towards supporting the steel industry, as per the manifesto commitment, including via the National Wealth Fund. This could benefit regions across the UK – like Scunthorpe, Rotherham, Redcar, Yorkshire, and Scotland – which have a strong history of steel production. It will be spent on initiatives that will give the industry a long future – such as electric arc furnaces, or other improvements to UK capabilities.

The Plan for Steel will look at ways to identify where there are opportunities to expand UK steelmaking to better support UK manufacturing, construction, infrastructure and growth – and secure UK jobs and livelihoods.

To make the UK competitive globally, the Plan for Steel will examine the electricity costs for steel companies and issues such as procurement and tarrifs.

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Improve our scrap processing facilities so they can best support the steel-making of the future. Liberty Steel's operations in Rotherham recycles and melts scrap steel in an electric arc furnace and the steel produced is used across the aerospace, oil & gas, automotive and motorsport industries.

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, said: "The UK steel industry has a long-term future under this Government. We said that during the election, and we are delivering on it now.

"Britain is open for business, and this Government has committed up to £2.5 billion to the future of steel to protect our industrial heartlands, maintain jobs, and drive growth as part of our Plan for Change."

John Healey, MP for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough, said that up to £2.5 billion would be spent on initiatives that will give the industry a long future – such as electric arc furnaces, or other improvements to UK capabilities.

He also highlighted the British Industry Supercharger which will cut electricity costs for steel firms and bring prices more in line with international competitors.

Healey said: "During the election, I said that steel can have a bright future and that I would keep up the fight for UK steelmaking. Under the new government we are delivering on it with up to £2.5 billion of funding.

“The announcement of a Plan for Steel is fantastic news for Rotherham and further afield across South Yorkshire, making clear that we are putting the full weight of government behind the industry to protect our industrial heartlands, maintain jobs and drive local growth.

“I will always champion our proud local history of steelmaking and I will continue to work with the Government to make sure the Plan for Steel delivers what is needed for steel workers and communities across our area.”

Images: John Healey

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News: Rotherham asylum seeker hotel for sale on Rightmove

A hotel in Rotherham that was used to accommodate asylum seekers has been put up for sale for £4m.

The Home Office has used hotels as temporary accommodation for asylum seekers as a short-term measure as the number of people entering the UK illegally or claiming asylum hit record levels. The previous government had plans to move people to parts of the UK’s asylum estate, including the Bibby Stockholm barge.

Rothbiz reported in 2023 that the former Rother Valley MP, Alexander Stafford had stated that the use of the Ibis at Bramley for asylum seekers was to end.

Specialist business property adviser, Christie & Co, is now advertising the Ibis as being for sale.

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The listing states: "This purpose-built hotel has 86 en-suite bedrooms spread over four floors. On the ground floor there is an open plan multi-functional space, which includes the reception area and a combined dining area for breakfast and dinner with a bar, featuring a pool table and a large screen TV (capacity approximately 50). There are also four well-equipped meeting rooms with a capacity of six up to 20 guests."

With a guide price of £4m, the particulars explain that the hotel is currently let to Accor UK Economy Hotels Limited for a term of 25 years from August 2000 with less than a year remaining. The current passing rent is £364,370 per annum.

Across the borough, the Home Office has confirmed this week that it will be terminating its asylum accommodation contract for the Holiday Inn Express at Manvers and will not be using the hotel for this purpose going forward.

Wentworth and Dearne MP, John Healey has previously raised the issue over the use of the hotel which he said was "utterly unsuited as accomodation for 130 asylum seekers."

Writing to Mr Healey this week, Dame Angela Eagle DBE MP, Minister for Border Security & Asylum, said: "We have carefully considered the representations and views from a range of stakeholders, and I am pleased to inform you that the Home Office will be terminating the contract with the Holiday Inn Express, Rotherham, and will not therefore be re-occupying the hotel."

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News: Defence Secretary impressed by Magtec's cutting-edge electric technologies for battlefields

The Secretary of State for Defence has visited Magtec in Rotherham to see the company’s cutting-edge hybrid drive systems for battlefield electrification, stealth mobility and improved sustainability.

The Rt Hon John Healey MP toured the company’s design and manufacturing facility in Templeborough and met with company directors, senior engineers and apprentices.

Magtec demonstrated the drivability of its hybrid MAN support vehicle for creating and distributing power networks across battlefields. It showcased its hybrid Foxhound vehicle for light infantry and specialist troop operations. The company highlighted its advanced capabilities for other defence applications, such as replacing big diesel motors with small silent technology. Additionally, it displayed its raft assembly for the UK’s largest fleet of heavy electric vehicles.

Magtec is a member of the British Army’s programme to develop technologies for battlefield electrification and deliver multiple technical and operational enhancements.

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John Healey said: “This is a deeply impressive company with the long established manufacturing skills and the creative flair to improve the battlefield performance and the environmental performance of military vehicles. I am proud to see such stand-out British engineering based in Rotherham.”

Mr Healey is Member of Parliament for Rawmarsh and Conisbrough and served as Shadow Secretary of State for Defence from 2020 until 2024. He was appointed Secretary of State for Defence in July 2024.

Andrew Gilligan, managing director of Magtec, said: “The Defence Secretary’s visit enthused the whole team and we were thrilled to have had the opportunity to show him around our facility. Magtec is a UK company at the forefront of electric technologies for the battlefields and disaster zones of the future, strengthening the UK’s sovereign capability and creating skilled jobs in South Yorkshire.”

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News: Safeguarding lifted on some axed HS2 routes, but Rotherham waits

Land in Rotherham outlined for high speed rail is still being safeguarded despite being "in the wrong place for any future routes."

The Government has announced that safeguarding of land and property across the majority of Phase 2a of HS2 (West Midlands to Crewe) has been removed, but safeguarding for Phase 2b (Crewe to Manchester and West Midlands to Leeds) will not be amended until summer 2024. This will allow for safeguarding that is needed for Northern Powerhouse Rail.

Local leaders in Rotherham say that land and property owners have had a "long shadow" of HS2 over them since the route was changed in 2016. The now scrapped M18 route east of Rotherham affected Wales, Aston, Ulley, Brampton-en-le–Morthen, Thurcroft, Bramley, Ravenfield and Hooton Roberts.

An update from HS2 Ltd said: "The Government has announced Phase 2b safeguarding will be amended by summer 2024, to allow for any safeguarding required for Northern Powerhouse Rail. It is expected that some areas in Phase 2b will continue to be safeguarded for other rail schemes, and safeguarding will be removed in the other areas."

The government announced in November 2021 that the HS2 Phase 2b Eastern leg would terminate at East Midlands Parkway and no longer reach Leeds through the communities in the east of Rotherham. A study into how best to take HS2 services to Leeds was announced but never really got underway before the Government launched its "Network North" document in October 2023.

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Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council said at the end of last year: “Communities like Bramley, Wales Bar and Aston are simply in the wrong place for any future routes between Sheffield and Leeds and it cannot be right that residents in those places are left in limbo.”

In September, Alexander Stafford, MP for Rother Valley raised the issue in the House of Commons, saying: "I know that the Government still want high-speed trains through the area, but the only financially viable way of HS2 getting to Leeds is by using existing track. Why is it taking so long to release the land when everyone knows and accepts that we will not be building a new track through Rother Valley to Leeds? Will the Minister release the safeguarding and release people’s homes?"

Writing to the Transport Secretary last week, Wentworth & Dearne MP, John Healey raised the issue of the threat of compulsory HS2 purchase, blight on property prices and a freeze on any other developments, adding that there was no reason to not lift safeguarding land restrictions for HS2 on large areas of land in Rotherham.

Healey said: "It was last summer when we were told by your Rail Minister that the Government's study of IRP (Integrated Rail Plan) links to Leeds meant that safeguarding restrictions would not be lifted because you were still looking to complete the HS2 Eastern Leg as had been "previously scoped" and you were looking to upgrade lines between Sheffield and Leeds.

"With HS2 now being scrapped beyond Birmingham the first part of the argument no longer holds firm and the second line of reasoning can be clearly dismissed by looking at a map to see that the community of Bramley, in my constituency, and those further afield in Rotherham, like Aston and Wales Bar, are nowhere near a new Sheffield-Leeds rail route.

"I would appreciate it if you could please provide me with the latest reasoning as to why the decision to lift blight in Rotherham has not been made.

"People deserve to live their lives without the worry of HS2 hanging over them and I would urge you again to lift the HS2 blight on our area and let people live their lives without this fear."

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News: MP backs plans for a new Rotherham mainline station

Local MP John Healey has backed bold plans for a new Rotherham mainline station.

Rothbiz reported last month on efforts to secure land at Forge Way, Parkgate.

This potential new station, developed by he South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) and Rotherham Council, alongside Network Rail, would see the reintroduction of mainline train services in Rotherham – including receiving direct London services for the first time since the 1980s.

The project was one of many contained in the "Network North" document, published by the Government when it axed HS2 going beyond Birmingham.

The total cost was listed as £107.6m in 2022. £99.5m for the station and £7.1m for the tram-train stop.

John Healey MP wrote to the Secretary of State for Transport last month to give his full support to the "visionary" plans and challenged Ministers to back their words with action.

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John Healey, MP for Wentworth & Dearne, said: “I’m giving my full support to this bold scheme to bring back mainline train services to Rotherham with a new station in Parkgate.

“Rotherham Council are working up a very impressive case for a major new transport hub in Parkgate, with a new station that provides for both mainline train services and to connect up with the Tram Train service already in the area. A new station in Parkgate is ideally placed to provide the greatest benefits of mainline train services for the town centre and the surrounding areas across the wider Dearne Valley region.

“I’m calling on Ministers to step up and match the ambition shown by Rotherham Council for our area by ensuring our scheme for a new mainline station is supported with the necessary funding needed from government to get this project done.”

In his letter, John Healey urges the Secretary of State to get behind Rotherham Council’s plans by ensuring the proper financial support required from government is given to ensure this scheme can be delivered without delay.

In the Network North document the Government states in their "commitment to the north" how they will take forward a £3billion plan to connect major cities in the North and this includes a commitment to: “Upgrade and electrify the line between Sheffield and Leeds. There is currently 1 fast train per hour taking 40 minutes; these upgrades will enable 3-4 fast trains per hour and include a new mainline station at Rotherham, which could receive direct London services for the first time since the 1980s.”

Healey has pressed the Government to provide more detail on this funding commitment, the process for how this support will be allocated and the timeframe for this to take place so the mainline station can be delivered.

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News: Latest on Rotherham hotels used for asylum seekers

The Government has announced that more than 50 hotels accommodating asylum seekers will be exited in the coming months.

The first 50 hotels across the UK will stop housing asylum seekers by the end of January the Immigration Minister has confirmed.

The Home Office has already notified local authorities, MPs and the accommodation providers, informing them that the first 50 hotels temporarily accommodating asylum seekers will be exited as part of the move to return hotels to their proper use by communities.

Rother Valley MP, Alexander Stafford stated that the use of the Ibis at Bramley for asylum seekers is to end.

The government said that initial efforts will focus on hotels that can be exited quickly. This announcement will help to relieve pressures on local services in the areas where exits are taking place, and provide a boost to the local economy.

These hotels will be gradually handed back to hoteliers by the end of January 2024, with the first of these expected to be exited in the coming days.

Asylum seekers currently accommodated in these hotels will be moving to other parts of the UK’s asylum estate, including the Bibby Stockholm barge.

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Wentworth and Dearne MP, John Healey has raised the issue over the use of the Holiday Inn at Manvers which he said is "utterly unsuited as accomodation for 130 asylum seekers."

Speaking after the latest announcement, Healey said: "Our Manvers hotel has been used by the Home Office as an asylum hotel for over 18 months now, despite repeated objections from Rotherham Council, local residents and me as their local MP.

"The hotel and the Manvers area are totally unsuited to house asylum seekers and I wrote again last month to the Home Secretary asking for clarification on whether or not the contract would be extended beyond October 2023. As I have still not had a reply, I am writing today to ask you to release our Manvers hotel in line with the previous commitments I’ve been given by Ministers that its use as an asylum hotel would be a on a “temporary basis”.

"I am also set to meet with the owners of the hotel next week to make clear to them that I remain determined to see the hotel back open operating as a hotel."

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News: New banking hub for Wath

Wath is set to get a new banking hub, the town's MP has confirmed.

In the north of the Rotherham borough, Wath was left without a High Street bank after two leading banks announced in 2017 that they were turning their backs on the town as part of closure programmes.

Following the previous closure of the Santander branch, CYBG PLC, the parent company of Yorkshire Bank (now Virgin Money), and HSBC, both announced that their Wath-upon-Dearne branches would close.

Branches have closed across the borough, and the UK, as the number of users fall as customers increasingly use other forms of banking such as online or via apps.

Now face-to-face banking is set to return to Wath with a Banking Hub. The hubs are dedicated places where communities can access everyday personal and business banking services, such as withdrawing and depositing cash easily, or paying in cheques, over the counter.

Representatives form the major banks, inlcuding Santandar, Virgin Money and HSBC, are available on different days but availability will vary for each Banking Hub based on local demand.

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Owned by Cash Access UK, funded by the banks, and run by the Post Office, they're a way of bringing back banking to the people and areas that need it.

Banking hubs are established by LINK who have identified need for access to cash and banking services to meet local demand, following bank branch closures in the community. The Post Office is then contracted to operate the Banking Hubs site and provide vital cash services to the local community.

John Healey, MP for Wentworth & Dearne, said: "There’s been a great strength of public support for my campaign to restore services over the past six years since we were left without any bank branches in the town.

"I’ve been working hard to make the case for a Banking Hub in Wath, including getting assessors out to see the need for themselves.

"The announcement will be welcomed by many residents who only bank in branch and can’t go online as well as our local businesses who need somewhere to go to access funding and deposit cash.

"The banking hub will now be delivered by Cash Access UK. Over the next few weeks, it will begin to engage with the local community and to start looking for potential sites."

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News: Budget brings surprise £20m for Rotherham regeneration

The government has announced that Rotherham will receive £20m for regeneration in The Budget. It comes after earlier bids for funding for the schemes were turned down twice.

Rotherham Council has previously been successful in securing almost £40m from the Levelling Up Fund (LUF) to help improve the Leisure Economy and Skills in the borough and Rotherham Town Centre but its Dinnington and Wath bid was not selected in either pervious rounds of the Government's £4.8 billion competitive fund that is being invested in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK.

But now Budget documents explain: "The Budget also announces over £200 million for 16 regeneration projects in England. These projects have been assessed as high quality and will commence delivery later this year. Investment has been targeted towards the left-behind places in the Levelling Up White Paper or projects that are under £10 million to ensure quick delivery and a good spread of funding across England."

£19,990,111.00 is being awarded for the "Principal Areas of Growth" bid with the Government saying that they would focus only on bids from England and from the ‘regeneration and town centre’ theme because funding is coming from DLUHC budgets rather than cross-departmental LUF budgets.

The Rotherham bid was around creating a new mixed-use development in Wath town centre, as well as delivering significant improvements to Dinnington High Street and market.

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Alex Stafford, MP for Rother Valley, said that £12m would be heading to Dinnington and that provisional work will include clearing the burnt-out buildings, investment in the outdoor market and the creation of a new commercial square with the aim to enhance the shop and food offer in the town and improve public realm and connectivity.

The MP said: "I have been campaigning to revitalise Dinnington High Street since before I was elected, and it is great to see that after decades of neglect, Dinnington will get the money it needs and deserves.

"Following the failure of the Levelling Up Fund bid, I made it my mission to go directly to those who control the levers of power and make the case, and I am so pleased that this campaign has worked.

"I have raised the rejuvenation of Dinnington High Street over 40 times in Parliament, organised a parliamentary petition signed by more than 2,000 residents, and even held a dedicated debate in Parliament to fight the case for our town. I have even brought the Prime Minister himself to Rother Valley.

"Special thanks to all those who made this possible including the Dinnington St John's Town Council, the Dinnington Land Trust and Dinnington Ward Councillors who have also been working tirelessly for our area.

"This announcement today proves that funding is available for "shovel-ready" projects across Rother Valley and South Yorkshire. Rotherham council must ensure that a vision and plans are in place for all our communities so that they can take advantage of the opportunities to receive the funding needed to revitalise their areas."

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council said: "The surprise announcement in the budget today that the government has decided to fully fund our Levelling Up Fund bid for Wath and Dinnington is great news. It means that we have been successful with all three of the bids that the Council put forward, and it is a welcome change of plan after the recent announcement that the Government would not consider it.

"I’m glad that suggestions the bid was somehow faulty have been corrected today, recognising the huge amount of effort and expertise that went into their preparation. Residents in both communities will rightly be looking forward to seeing these investments realised; improvements to Dinnington markets and the surrounding area as well as a new library in Wath.”

John Healey, MP for Wentworth and Dearne confirmed funding for Wath. He said: "This makes good on the mistake Ministers made before when they ruled out good bids like ours because Rotherham had a successful round one bid before.

"The application process has been massively frustrating for the public and local businesses that were involved in the consultation on the bids and Rotherham Council’s team who worked so hard to prepare it.

"For the last 13 years the Conservatives have stripped money from our local services and left us to battle it out for the scraps with other areas.We need an end to this type of contest where communities are made to bid to Ministers in Whitehall."

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News: Rotherham hotel to continue to house asylum seekers for another year

A hotel in Rotherham is to house more asylum seekers after signing an extension to its deal with The Home Office.

Local MP, John Healey continues to point out that the Holiday Inn at Manvers is "utterly unsuited as accomodation for 130 asylum seekers" and has written again to the home secretary voicing concerns.

Known as the Holiday Inn Express Rotherham – North, the 130-bed hotel was a key development within the £100m+ Waterfront development at Manvers. The £9m development opened in late 2009 as the Park Inn by Radisson.

It has been used previously as a temporary home for asylum seekers fleeing the Taliban in Afghanistan and the franchisee was then contracted by The Home Office who planned to move asylum seekers already in Rotherham from the Ibis Hotel at Bramley, with further arrivals from May 2022.

Despite the government saying that this would be a temporary measure, the Wentworth and Dearne MP has learnt that the Home Office has extended the exclusive contract with the Holiday Inn at Manvers for another year, until October 2023.

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Healey said that, again, no consultation had taken place and outlined that the hotel is miles away from many support services.

John said: "When I met the hotel owners in the summer, I made clear the strength of local feeling over getting the hotel back open to the public. They confirmed in that discussion, and again now when they told me about the extended Home Office contract, that “the longer-term plan is to operate Holiday Inn Express, Rotherham very much as a hotel facility and support tourism in the area."

"They have also given a clear undertaking to invest in refurbishing the hotel prior to re-opening it as a Holiday Inn Express again. I am determined to hold them to this."

The MP wants to see a review of the contract after six months, a requirement that all local authorities take part in a national dispersal programme and additional funding for the area. His main call was for the government to "get control of the crisis of migrant crossings on the channel."

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News: Rotherham levelling up bid submitted

Rotherham Council has submitted a bid in the delayed second round of the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

Last year, Rotherham Council submitted three bids to the Government's £4.8 billion competitive fund that is being invested in infrastructure that improves everyday life across the UK.

Whilst the bids based on the town centre and the leisure economy were successful, and secured £40m for the borough, a bid based on Wath and Dinnington being designated as areas of growth in terms of new housing and employment, was knocked back.

Rother Valley MP, Alexander Stafford, has confirmed that a bid has been resubmitted. He said: "This is our second bite of the cherry in Dinnington and, after a concerted effort from Dinnington borough and town councillors and me, it reflects the needs of the community. It is an ambitious plan to overhaul our high street and markets and breathe life back into our town centre."

In Dinnington the borough council's first bid sought to secure £9.2m to carry out interventions that have a total cost of £14m.

The bid included new residential and retail with space for an indoor market. The outdoor market would be upgraded and sited within event space and upgraded public realm.

Feedback from Round 1 related to match funding and work has continued with the private sector.

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The second bid is also to support £14m "to improve the markets, deal with blight and encourage business growth within our local economy."

In a letter to Sharon Kemp, the chief executive of Rotherham Council to formally endorse the bid, Stafford recognised that "robust discussions" had taken place with local leaders during the preparation of the bid but added: "I am confident that the bid put forward, after much work and collaboration, would provide a solid foundation on which to drive further improvement and redevelopment in the coming years and meet some of the objectives of the local plan."

Wentworth and Dearne MP has been critical of the government as its website for applications only become available some six weeks after it was supposed to launch.

Greg Clark, the newly appointed Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said: "I am determined to press full steam ahead with levelling up communities across the United Kingdom.

"The Levelling Up Fund can provide the investment needed to make a project that communities have been dreaming of for years a reality.

"So I’m delighted to open applications for the second round of the Levelling Up Fund and I’m looking forward to seeing proposals that will make a positive impact on people’s lives."

In a change to the application process, MPs in Great Britain will now be able to provide support to two bids that benefit their constituencies in this round, rather than a single one. This recognises the fact that many MPs’ constituencies cover more than one council area.

The second round will look to build on the success of the round one, which saw £1.7 billion awarded to 105 successful projects across the UK.

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