As part of its ongoing work to support regeneration for the future, representatives from Dover District Council attended a key meeting of The Alliance, formally the Coalfield Communities Campaign, on 3 July. At its Annual General Meeting, The Alliance changed its name to the Industrial Communities Alliance (ICA). This organisation will now lobby on behalf of coal mining, textile and steel industries.
Dover District Council has been a member of the CCC/Alliance for more than 9 years and is pleased to continue to support the work of the newly formed ICA.
The Alliance was 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/Alliance has played a pivotal role in promoting economic, social and environmental renewal of areas affected by mining job losses. The ICA is now working to continue and expand upon this work. It will be working on the following objectives: responding to the recession; promoting manufacturing; regional development; regeneration; education and skills; addressing health inequalities; and lottery funding.
Cllr Stephen Manion, DDC Vice Chairman, who was elected on the ICA National Executive on behalf of DDC: "There has been real progress within the former East Kent coalfields, with The Alliance actively involved in work to make progress for the future. We are very pleased to continue this good work and to support the new Industrial Communities Alliance."
