Agenda item

The Chair gave an update to the Panel in respect of the Image of Rotherham Scrutiny Review which had been undertaken jointly with members of the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel.

The Review had commenced in February 2010 and had been chaired by Councillor Boyes, with support from Councillors Austen, Swift, Havenhand and Hamilton and a number of co-optees.  Councillor Austen had now taken over the role of Chair following the retirement of Councillor Boyes.

She reported that the review set out to look at five key areas:

• The Town Centre
• Industrial History of Rotherham
• Community Cohesion
• Perception of Crime
• Perception of the Council

As part of the consultation the following took place:

·        Key members of the Council were interviewed

·        Looked at good practice in other authorities

·        Strategic Plans and Policies were considered

·        People who live and work in the Borough were consulted

She detailed the following as issues which had been highlighted as being the way forward:

• To create an image which includes the towns and the rural parts of Rotherham
• Maximise the use of the words “green generating and growth
• Minimise stereotyping
• Industrial History – celebrate what is good about the town
• Reducing the barriers and changing perception to anti-social behaviour
• Community Cohesion

She confirmed that the first draft of the review would be presented to the Regeneration Scrutiny Panel in September/October, which members of this panel would be invited to attend.  It would then be presented to PSOC in October and Cabinet in November.  Responses from Cabinet would then be reported back in early January 2011.

The Cabinet Member for Community Development and Engagement then gave a presentation in respect of “One Town One Community”.

He drew specific attention to:

• Why the One Town One Community started
• The need for the image of Rotherham to be one image
• How to spread the message
• Internal and external message
• Work undertaken with the Chamber of Commerce
• Other groups to work with to help promotion
  • Voluntary Community Sector
  • Women’s Groups
  • Police – Community Safety
  • Fire and Rescue Service
  • Health Service
  • Arts and Culture
  • Sports Clubs
    • Rotherham United
    • Rotherham Rugby Club
    • Rotherham Cricket Club
    • Formula One – Dinnington

o                                                       Schools

o                                                       Street Scene

o                                                       Boston Castle

o                                                       Clifton Park – Rotherham Show

·        Changing people’s discussions and debates

·        Celebrating Diversity

A discussion ensued and the following issues were discussed:

• Reference was made to the work being done in the town centre with young people by Oracle Training and it was suggested that more providers should get involved such as RCAT.  This may be a way to engage young people and get their perception on the town which could then be fed into the review.
• A comment was made that there was no engagement by the Council with the rural communities.  It was felt that this was a contributing factor to why they did not associate themselves with Rotherham.  It was suggested that the Area Assemblies be given the responsibility for collating community events to ensure that there were representatives from the council in attendance.  It was agreed that this be included on the agenda for the next Area Assembly Chairs meeting.

Resolved:- (1) That the content of the review be noted.

(2) That an item be included on the next Area Assembly Chairs meeting regarding future responsibility for Area Assemblies in respect of Community events.