Minister told old grammar school in Maltby opens in winter

Dehenna Davison MP visited Maltby and Dinnington to see “first-hand” the progress at the old grammar school and the high street, respectively.

She met the Rother Valley MP Alexander Stafford (Conservative), and they were accompanied by Maltby and Hellaby councillors, namely Cllr Simon Ball, the leader of the opposition group in Rotherham council, and Cllr Adam Tinsley (Maltby East).

Rotherham Council (RMBC) announced the start of the work in Maltby only in late March but according to Mr Stafford, the centre is due to open in winter.

Mr Stafford said: “I am delighted to welcome Minister Davison to Rother Valley today, it is great to see Government Ministers back the work I have been doing and the funding I have been fighting for to help level up Rother Valley.

“I am delighted that the Government will be supporting the Maltby Grammar School redevelopment project to the tune of over £4 million as well as their £12 million commitment to Dinnington. We will finally see redevelopment on the high street so no more burnt-out and damaged buildings!

“We have an ambitious plan to rejuvenate Dinnington town centre and create a vibrant and bustling market place, free of eyesore buildings and properties. I am incredibly proud of our area and I cannot wait to see this exciting development get underway.

“It has been a long fight and I very much thank Dinnington St. John’s Town Council and its Chairman Dave Smith who has fought tirelessly with me to secure this funding.”

Ms Davison also visited north Sheffield to find out more about the £24.1m plans to regenerate Stocksbridge.

Stocksbridge was chosen to be one of the 101 towns to develop a Town Investment Plan and has been awarded the investment through the Government’s Towns Fund programme to deliver ten key projects for the town.

Ms Davison met the Co-Chairs of the Towns Fund Board, the Penistone and Stocksbridge MP Miriam Cates (Conservative) and Yuri Matischen during her visit to South Yorkshire and was updated on progress and the next steps in the plans for Stocksbridge.

A key part of the Stocksbridge Town Deal is the plan to redevelop the Manchester Road area where survey work has also started this week.

Miriam Cates MP said: “This investment is a fantastic opportunity and so important for Stocksbridge, we were delighted to be able to talk through our plans and vision for the town with the minister who has a real understanding of what we are working to achieve.

“It is great to have her support for our projects and we’re looking forward to inviting the minister back to Stocksbridge when work gets underway in the coming months.”

It is reported that the town centre regeneration plans will deliver a brand new library and community hub on the current library site with a new workspace and a learning area for adult education.

Other projects across the town will deliver brand new sporting and recreation facilities and investment in walking and cycling trails. A new hydrotherapy pool at the Stocksbridge Community Leisure Centre is planned as well as a local hopper bus service for the local community.

Doncaster, Rotherham and Barnsley (Goldthorpe) are all receiving money from the scheme.