Rotherham is in South Yorkshire and is perfectly placed in the centre of the UK with excellent transport links in all directions. At the intersection of the M1 and M18 motorways, it is served by an extensive network of rail and bus services, and it is within easy reach of Leeds, Humberside, Manchester, East Midlands and Finningley airports. The quality of life in Rotherham is good, and the cost of living is significantly less than the UK average. House prices are reasonable, and are far more affordable in Rotherham than the national average. The Town has successfully re-invented itself since the decline of its traditional industries, and inward investment is at an all-time high. Major companies like T-Mobile and Powergen, and call centres such as Ventura, have moved here. International companies like Toyoda Gosei have also made the town their base. The borough covers an area of 118 square miles, of which 70% is rural. The population is 248,176, with 3.1% being from ethnic-minority communities according to the 2001 census. The nature of the population is changing, with the number of people in the borough aged over 60 steadily growing. Educational attainment is improving year by year, and this is a record year for both GCSEs and A-levels. The good reputation means that people living in neighbouring authorities now choose to send their children to school in Rotherham. School buildings across the Borough are being transformed with the help significant funding. The proportion of people from Rotherham entering and graduating from higher education has risen at a faster rate then elsewhere in the UK in recent years, with more than 1,000 graduates each year from the Borough. Rotherham has a wide range of leisure and sports facilities and the area is a haven for walkers - one of the biggest walking festivals in the country is staged here each year. There are numerous historical attractions, including the spectacular ruins of the Cistercian Monastery at Roche Abbey, the world famous Rockingham Pottery collection, and the award-winning Clifton Park Museum which has had a multi-million pound refurbishment. The science and adventure park Magna, set in a former steelworks, has won numerous awards and accolades for innovation, and attracts thousands of visitors. The Borough also has a Civic theatre, Arts Centre and Gallery, and Youth and Dance Theatres. About UsAs a Council, in just over three years, we have changed from being an introspective and arguably underachieving organisation rated as weak in the CPA 2003 round, to being rated as good (score 3) and improving strongly (score 4) in CPA 2005. We have many effective partnerships, a "mixed economy" of service provision that capitalizes on the strengths of the private and voluntary sector providers and a strong performance framework that ensures we (and our partners) stay focused on our priorities. We are assessed as delivering good value for money, over 30% of our key performance indicators are top quartile nationally and we are amongst the best in the country for efficiency gains. Our strategic priorities are framed around five strategic themes: Rotherham Learning - Rotherham people will be self-confident and have a sense of purpose. They will aspire and develop to achieve their full potential in their chosen careers, work, leisure and contributions to local life. Learning and development opportunities will be available and accessible to all. Rotherham people will be recognised as being informed, skilled and creative, innovative and constructively challenging. Rotherham Achieving -Rotherham will be a prosperous place with a vibrant, mixed and diverse economy and flourishing businesses. Inequalities between parts of the borough and social groups will be minimised. There will be an excellent town centre known for the high quality design of its public spaces and buildings, specialist and quality shops, markets and cultural life for all age groups. Rotherham will be accessible from other areas and will have a wide choice of integrated transport options available. Villages and rural areas will be revitalised to provide high quality of life amongst Rotherham's beautiful countryside. Rotherham Alive - Rotherham will be a place where people feel good, are healthy and active, and enjoy life to the full. Health services will be accessible and of a high quality for those that require them. Rotherham will celebrate its history and heritage - building on the past and creating and welcoming the new. People will be able to express themselves and have opportunities to be involved in a wide range of high quality cultural, social and sporting activities. The media, arts, literature and sport will flourish. As a society, we will invest in the next generation by focusing on children and young people. Rotherham Safe - Rotherham will be a place where neighbourhoods are safe, clean, green and well maintained, with well-designed, good quality homes and accessible local facilities and services for all. There will be attractive buildings and public spaces. Communities will be peaceful but thriving, relatively free from crime and the fear of crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour. Environments, people and businesses will be protected and nurtured. Children will be safe from harm and neglect. A preventative approach will be taken to minimise crime, accidents and hazards; and to further strengthen and thus safeguard all Rotherham citizens. Rotherham Proud - Rotherham people, business and pride in the borough are at the heart of our vision. The borough will have a positive external image and its people will be renowned for their welcome, friendliness and commitment to the values of social justice. Active citizenship and democracy will underpin how Rotherham works. Achievements and diversity will be celebrated. Rotherham will be caring place, where the most vulnerable are supported. It will be made up of strong, sustainable and cohesive communities, both of place and interest and there will be many opportunities for people to be involved in civic life and local decision making. The means to do this will be clear, well known and accessible. Rotherham Fairness - All individuals in Rotherham will have equality of opportunity and choice. Rotherham will provide open and accessible services. We will treat each other with fairness and respect, and our diverse needs and strengths will be understood and valued. Rotherham will actively challenge all forms of prejudice and discrimination and ensure that all the priorities encompass and equalities approach. |