Pit village schemes 'a success'

England's former coal mining areas are a success story of physical renewal and economic growth, a report by the Audit Commission says.

The commission has conducted a review of 10 years of regeneration in places afflicted by pit closures, examining 34 English local authorities.

It also says that local authorities deserve much credit.

But in its report, the spending watchdog says some problems still affect residents of the coalfields.

In the report, called a Mine Of Opportunities, the Audit Commission said progress has been made on greening mine-workings, building new homes, roads and commercial sites, and creating jobs.

But it also says councils in the coalfields must gear up to support residents by addressing endemic problems of bad health, poor school results, poor motivation and low skills.

"Substantial improvements have occurred in the coalfields through a combination of national and local actions - regeneration works"
Michael O'Higgins, Chairman of the Audit Commission

Some councils are tackling these issues but the rest need to follow suit, the report adds.

The commission says that the job of regenerating the coalfields is not complete and that they remain among the most deprived districts in England.

It says national support for regeneration in the coalfields is still needed, particularly in addressing health, education and skills and other barriers to full participation by local people in the labour market.

Problems remain

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.

"It is only by connecting the full range of services provided by local organisations that the complex and deep-seated social problems facing these areas can be tackled."

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