Column: More opportunities for people in our area is one of my main priorities
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Since my election in 2019, restoring Dinnington to its former glory has been close to my heart – after all some of my family come from the area.
Perhaps the most obvious recent change for many has been the restoration of the direct bus service
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Hide Adto Maltby. This announcement was the culmination of many years of work by local councillors and I to get these services returned, and welcome the boost to transport, shopping and jobs.
Both areas, as well as Thurcroft, Hellaby, and Laughton-en-le-Morthen, will now have direct access to their local amenities as well as Sheffield – opening up new opportunities across Rother Valley.
Giving more people more opportunities has always been one of my main ambitions.
Just last week, I held one of my regular jobs fairs, hosting dozens of businesses come to advertise vacancies as well as jobseekers and pupils from local schools.
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Hide AdThroughout the day, hundreds of people came through the doors, with many of them finding vacancies that were right for them.
Getting local people good, well-paid local jobs has always been at the heart of my ambitions for our area.
Perhaps the biggest change of all is yet to come. The £12 million I secured from the Government will do wonders for the old market area on our high street, transforming the area to build a space for us all to work, eat, or shop.
The Prime Minister’s announcement, just over a year ago, has been a real boost to the local economy with several new businesses expressing interest in setting up in the area including a micro pub.
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Hide AdWhile progress has been slow so far, I expect work to begin later this year.
The lack of a high street bank is often raised with me, from businesses especially. Local Dinnington ward councillors and I have finally managed to secure a banking hub for our high street.
I am told the lease is nearly finalised and I am assured that banking services should return to Dinnington within a year – an important step towards a fully functioning, self-sustaining high street.
Nevertheless, there is still much more to be done, such as my campaign to reopen a police base on the high street.
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Hide AdWith policing powers being transferred to the Mayor in May, I will continue to press for this vital project to go ahead to improve safety and security, in Dinnington and the wider area.
Just as spring flowers need nurturing to bloom, I will always do everything in my power to make sure Dinnington’s revival blossoms and flourishes.