In pursuit of prosperity
Ollerton and Boughton still contains some of the most deprived areas in Nottinghamshire despite the ongoing efforts of the local economic forum.
At Ollerton And District Economic Forum’s annual meeting, the development manager, Mr David Heathcote, revealed problems faced by people living in parts of the district.
Mr Heathcote said there was a high rate of unemployment in areas, and some residents suffer from feeling worthless.
He said there was about an 11% unemployment rate in the most deprived areas — the Hallam Road and Retford Road housing estates in Boughton.
These two areas make up about two thirds of the overall population of Boughton.
Ollerton And District Economic Forum has been established for 15 years.
In his annual report, Mr Heathcote said: “It is sad to reflect that, after all this time, ODEF is still working in a community containing some of the most deprived areas in the county.
“Parts of Ollerton and Boughton suffer widespread unemployment and economic decline that continues to be the focus for a variety of regeneration initiatives and Government social interventions.”
The forum will receive £284,000 from the Big Lottery over three years for its Community Breaks project.
The project offers a support service for those who want work, improve their skills or find volunteering opportunities.
It provides access to personal development courses, opportunities to take part in community activities, volunteer recruitment help for groups, online access to advice and support services, social networking opportunities and access to computer training and low cost computers.
Mr Heathcote said: “The grant means some of the key issues affecting the lives of people living in Ollerton and Boughton can now be tackled and that some of the social consequences of worthlessness can be relieved.
“After a development period, the project progressed to a stage where a large number of beneficiaries were visiting ODEF and using the new services on offer.
“The purpose of the project is to help combat the effects of the widespread worthlessness suffered by those local residents living in the deprived areas of Ollerton and Boughton.”
As well as its economic regeneration work and public services, the forum has also carried out environment and conservation work, said Mr Heathcote.
It is using a £23,000 grant from the Alliance SSP market town’s challenge fund to open an eco-shop in the town.
He said the shop, initially staffed by volunteers, would promote local suppliers and retailers while offering advice and information on environmentally-friendly products.
Mr Heathcote said the forum’s most successful public service remained employment support.
The service finds jobs for people, helps businesses to recruit staff, and provides employment and training information and advice, basic skills training, first step computer training and personal development courses for young people.
Mr Heathcote said it had applied to the Coalfields Regeneration Trust for a £100,000 grant to pay for the service for two more years. A decision is expected this month.