PROJECTS in Mansfield, Ashfield and Bolsover have been praised for their work in regenerating the area after the mass closure of pits.
The Audit Commission report — a 10-year review of regeneration in mining areas called A Mine of Opportunities — says schemes to breathe new life into coalfield areas have been a success.
The report welcomes partnerships between local authorities t
o address the problems, but warns that the 'social legacy' of pit closures still remains.
Chairman of the Audit Commission Michael O'Higgins said: "Substantial improvements have occurred in the coalfields through a combination of national and local actions — regeneration works.
"But there is still more to do and local councils and their partners need to prepare for a new phase of regeneration.
"While continued national funding is important, the remaining problems in the coalfields around education, health and low employment expectations will require innovative actions by councils and their partners."
The report mentions the Mansfield and Ashfield Regeneration Route and the successful partnerships between councils which enabled the road to be built.
EntrepreneursIt further praises the benefits of the 'joint council approach' by Mansfield, Ashfield and Bolsover district councils, such as the Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI), where Government funding has been used to help entrepreneurs in setting up new firms.
Audit Commission inspectors also highlighted the work of Ashfield District Council and Nottinghamshire County Council in regenerating the district by working together to tackle housing, the physical environment and unemployment.
And the development of the Sherwood Business Park, near Annesley, was cited as a key initiative for creating new jobs.
The watchdog organisation was also impressed by regeneration in Bolsover because it has led to an increase of 19 per cent in the number of jobs.
The work of Meden Valley Making Places to improve housing in partnership with Mansfield and Bolsover district councils was also given as an example of good practice.
And John Devon, chairman of organisation The Alliance, which represents authorities in traditional industrial areas, said: "This report shows that with the right levels of investment and support, coalfield areas can successfully regenerate but it also shows that the job is not yet finished."
The full article contains 377 words and appears in Mansfield Chad newspaper.
