Valley ward plan
Introduction
Providing vibrant, connected and safe neighbourhoods is a priority for Rotherham Council and communities are at the heart of everything we do. We were elected as your Valley Ward Councillors to listen to your views and work with you to make a difference in the local community.
We know many of our residents are passionate about making their community a better place to live and we are here to work in partnership and make these improvements a reality. In order to develop this Ward plan we spoke to you to find out what matters the most. We did this through a number of events and just by speaking to you whilst out and about in the community.
The priorities laid out in this plan will contribute to three key outcomes which are set out in ‘Thriving Neighbourhoods’, our neighbourhood strategy for 2018- 2025:
- Neighbourhoods are safe and welcoming with good community spirit
- Residents are happy, healthy and love where they live
- Residents use their skills and assets to contribute to the outcomes that matter to them.
We’re now looking forward to working together to make these priorities come to life. The Ward plan will be updated regularly and placed on the Council website so everyone can see what’s being achieved in Valley. If you haven’t yet been involved but want to have your say, it’s not too late. Our contact details are included on our ward page.
The Ward today
Households
There are 13,210 residents and 5,429 households – the population has remained unchanged since 2011 which reflects a small reduction in housing stock.
Of these, 52% are owner occupiers, 40% live in social housing and 8% rent privately
7.5% of residents are from a BME community (2011), close to the Borough average of 8.1%.
Deprivation
Deprivation is much higher than the borough average. Most of East Herringthorpe is within the 2% most deprived areas of England, and Dalton and south Thrybergh are within the top 4%.
Health
People describing themselves as being in ‘bad’ or ‘very bad’ health is 9.1% (Rotherham 7.6%, England 5.5%
The figures for those having a limiting long term illness or disability is 23.3% (Rotherham 22%, England 17.6%).
Education
Primary attainment – i.e. at Key Stage 2/Year 6 in Reading, Writing and Maths – is slightly below the borough and national averages, the proportion attaining 5+ GCSEs including in English and Maths is close to average.
The proportion of people with higher level qualifications is below the borough average – similarly the proportion of those with no qualifications is above the borough and national averages
Crime and anti-social behaviour
Recorded crime anti-social behaviour in the ward are slightly below the borough average.
Ward priorities
For the municipal year 2020/21 your ward councillors have taken a look at refreshing the local priorities to help meet the needs of the community. After consulting with partners, internal colleagues and, most importantly, the community, the following priorities have been agreed
- Develop community engagement and community facilities
- Environmental/physical Improvements including community safety
- Enhance facilities and activities for children, young people and families