Delayed Meden Valley regeneration causing stress-related illness

The Meden Valley Making Places project, which aims to build 500 houses and refurbish 250 in former mining communities, began in March 2003. Regeneration work cannot start until the completion of four compulsory purchase orders issued by the regeneration agency.

English Partnerships this week admitted that these orders are unlikely to be completed for at least a further 18 months.

The four areas covered by the orders are Market Warsop, Warsop Vale, Pleasley and Mansfield Woodhouse.

Two weeks ago, a local MP told the House of Commons that the delay was causing concerns about tenants’ health.

John Mann, Labour MP for Bassetlaw, said the slow rate of regeneration was causing “stress-related” health problems in Meden Valley.

David Hughes, English Partnerships area director for the East Midlands, said: “We have served the CPOs as there have been delays in regeneration. There’s been friction in local estates as it’s taken so long to get to this point. I’m not surprised that there have been-stress related issues.”

Meden Valley Making Places is a partnership of English Partnerships, the East Midlands Development Agency and local councils.

Janet Bradbury, chief executive of Meden Valley Making Places, said: “We’re trying to progress the CPOs as quickly as possible. The number of objections to the CPOs is under 50. Any regeneration takes time and it does put stresses and strains on any community.”

“There are people who have lived in poor conditions for a number of years, and have suffered from antisocial behaviour. It’s inevitable that people will be feeling that they would like things settled.”

She added: “We’re doing demolitions in order to tackle the problems associated with voids such as vandalism.”