Levelling Up Secretary, Michael Gove, was given a guided tour of Edlington, a town in Doncaster, as local officials advocated for its much-needed restoration and regeneration.
Michael Gove, who holds the portfolio for Levelling Up, Housing, and Communities, visited Edlington on Monday (17 July), accompanied by Don Valley MP Nick Fletcher, Edlington Mayor Joan Briggs, and town councillor Steve Reardon.
The group highlighted the town’s challenges and called for urgent action to revitalise and regenerate the area.
The allocation of the third round of Levelling Up Funding, aimed at reducing disparities across different regions in England, is yet to be determined by Mr. Gove later this year.
Edlington, a town with a rich mining history, has faced rising concerns over crime rates, leading to its designation as the most dangerous town in South Yorkshire, according to police statistics.
MP Nick Fletcher has been vocal in his criticism of Mayor Ros Jones, accusing the council of neglecting Edlington for successive decades.
During the visit, Fletcher emphasised his determination to advocate for Edlington’s improvement, stating that the town has long been taken for granted and that this must change. He called on the council to take responsibility for the town’s current situation and expressed dissatisfaction with the treatment Edlington has received in comparison to other areas within Doncaster.
Fletcher, as the MP, has relentlessly lobbied and pressed Ministers and Mayors to secure better support and resources for Doncaster, particularly for the people of Edlington, who deserve a brighter future.
The visit and the officials’ call for regeneration hold significant importance as they seek the crucial Levelling Up Funding to address the pressing needs of Edlington and pave the way for its much-needed rejuvenation.
Simon Young started working for City of Doncaster News in 2022. Simon grew up in Scawthorpe and always had a fascination with ‘City Life’. He always thought he would have to move away to experience that, but that’s no longer the case.
