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Developing Coalfields Communities examines the impact of the UK government's investment in Warsop Vale, a village in Nottinghamshire, UK, which has starkly emphasized the negative consequences of coalfield decline. Based on over 100 in-depth interviews between 1998 and 2003, the report provides a revealing insight into the often frustrating but ultimately fruitful attempts by residents and professionals to ensure government policy worked to the community's advantage. The report: adopts a rarely-used longitudinal approach to understanding the effects of community decline and regeneration; provides a novel and much-needed assessment of the impact of government regeneration measures at the level of community; and emphasizes crucial lessons for best practice regarding the development and empowerment of de-industrialized communities. (REPORT)
List of contents
Introduction: a plague on all their houses; 'A community close to death' (1893-1992); Vital signs (1993-95); Stopping the rot (1996-97); Breathing new life? The Coalfields Task Force report and the government's response (1998); Making a difference? (1999-2001); Back from the brink? (2002-03); Conclusion: case notes and prognosis.
About the author
David Waddington is a Reader in Cultural Studies at Sheffield Hallam University. He has published extensively on industrial relations in the mining industry and the fate of coalfield communities following the 1984-5 miners' strike. He was also part of a team of academics from Sheffield Hallam University's Centre for Regional, Economic and Social Research (CRESR) which was commissioned to carry out research on behalf of the Coalfields Task Force.
Summary
In 1998, following a sobering report by the Coalfields Task Force, New Labour unveiled a £350 million package of measures to remedy coalfield deprivation and social exclusion. This book examines the impact of this investment in Warsop Vale, a village which has starkly emphasised the negative consequences of coalfield decline.
