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SEEDA SHARES COALFIELD VISION
12 December 2001
Breathing new life into the former East Kent Coalfield was the
subject of a major conference held by the South East England Development
Agency (SEEDA).
In organising the Coalfield Conference, the second jointly co-ordinated
with the Coalfields Communities Campaign (CCC), SEEDA is keeping
a promise to the people of East Kent.
At last year's conference, SEEDA Chief Executive Anthony Dunnett
undertook to report back in a year on the progress that had been
made. He made the same commitment at this year's conference.
"I'm pleased to say there is real progress to report,"
said Anthony Dunnett. "The success of the regeneration of
Tilmanstone Colliery, now virtually complete, and the continuing
evolution of the master plan for Betteshanger, both clearly illustrate
the confidence in the future that the regeneration programme is
bringing to the coalfield communities.
"Much of what is happening in Kent is acknowledged as a
role model for coalfields elsewhere and this conference will allow
all involved to share that good practice and be better prepared
for the challenges that lie ahead," Anthony Dunnett added.
This year's conference had the theme 'Sharing the Vision' and
was held at Aylesham Community Workshop Trust in the heart of
the former coalfield. The event brought together community representatives
and leading figures in delivery.
They were joined by key executives from the regeneration agencies
who outlined current developments in the colliery sites and communities
as well as giving details of funding opportunities that are available.
Much of the morning session was given over to Community Regeneration,
with examples of how communities have benefited - from Elvington,
Mill Hill and Betteshanger, Hersden and Aylesham.
The conference was opened by SEEDA Chairman Allan Willett CMG
DL and speakers included Chairman, Cllr. Bill Flanagan and Dover
and Deal MP, Gwyn Prosser.
Anthony Dunnett chaired the afternoon session, with English Partnerships'
Head of Coalfields Rob Pearson, CCC Director Stephen Fothergill,
and Cllr Peter Wells, Leader of Dover District Council giving
presentations.
Throughout the day, delegates were encouraged to make contributions
about their own experiences with community projects.
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