Coalfield Communities Campaign Returns To Dover

More than 40 delegates from all over the UK came to Dover District Council on Friday (1 December) to discuss major issues affecting communities across the area at a meeting of the National Executive of the Coalfield Communities Campaign.

The Coalfield Communities Campaign is an all party association representing more than 80 Local Authorities in the present and former coal mining areas of England, Scotland and Wales. Since its formation in 1985, the CCC has played a pivotal role in promoting economic, social and environmental renewal of areas affected by mining job losses.

A wide range of issues were discussed at the meeting, including a report into coalfield regeneration, the way forward for the Campaign, the National Coalmining Museum, and issues around the Assisted Area Map.

Members of the local community were also invited to Dover Town Hall to meet members of the National Executive at a special reception event organised by the Chairman of Dover District Council, Cllr Pat Heath, on the evening before the meeting.

Cllr Frederick Scales, Deputy Leader of DDC and Cabinet Member for Economy, who addressed the meeting, said: "Dover District Council is fully committed to working with our partners to support local communities and ensure the economic future of the area, and we see the regeneration of the coalfield communities as a key aspect of this vision."

Cllr Stephen Manion, DDC Cabinet Member and representative on the CCC said: "There has been real progress within the former East Kent coalfields, with the Coalfield Communities Campaign actively involved in work to make progress for the future. We were very pleased to host the meeting and continue to work to support the CCC."