Wath 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 Wath 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 Wath. 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
The Wath ward lies to the North of the Rotherham Borough and includes the Town of Wath upon Dearne along with a small part of the neighbouring Town of Swinton and some of the new housing developments at Manvers. The 2011 Census highlights that 11,816 residents live in the Wath ward from 5,014 households. 64.8% of homes within the ward are owner occupied, 24.5% are social housing and 10.7% are privately rented.
The ward is home to a number of historical points of interest such as its pottery production both at Newhill and the world famous Rockingham Pottery in Swinton. Until the mid-19th Century the ward was also home to racecourse of regional importance. The ward has a strong industrial industry background both in coal mining and the railway industry. The ward is also home to a significant number of listed buildings and a large part of the town of Wath is designated as a conservation area.
Today the ward is centred around Montgomery Square where the wards main shops and services are located. The ward has a number of excellent community facilities offering services and entertainment opportunities to residents of the ward. The ward still hosts a weekly market in Montgomery Square. Community events are important in the ward with the annual May Day Music Festival, Wath Gala and Christmas Lights switch on events being the highlights.
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
- Tackling Crime and Anti-Social Behaviour
- Improving the Environment
- Improving Community Facilities and Community Activities
- Enhancing Children’s Play Areas, Parks and Pitches
- Explore opportunities to enhance Wath Town Centre
- Support the Covid 19 Pandemic Efforts