Doncaster

Introduction

Doncaster Borough has a population of around 290,000 (2006 estimate) and covers some 224 square miles. The borough includes the town of Doncaster (population 129,000), and a number of former mining settlements such as Thorne, Bentley and Rossington.

The area was hard hit by the decline of coal mining, which resulted in pockets of unemployment and derelict land. However in April 2007 Hatfield colliery near Thorne reopened after 13 years, creating some 250 jobs.

Traditional manufacturing industries such as heavy engineering and textiles, once large employers, have declined significantly.  This has been partly offset by the creation of a substantial number of jobs in new call centres in the town and in the Dearne Valley.  The opening of the new Robin Hood Doncaster/Sheffield Airport at Finningley in April 2005 has also brought new jobs.

Road links are good; Doncaster is on the AI (M), the M18 and M180 pass through the borough and the M1 and M62 are close by. Intercity rail links are excellent; Doncaster is on the East Coast main line and there is a 24-hour rail service to Manchester Airport. 

Recent visits

Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP (Regional Minister, Yorkshire and The Humber), 14 March 2008 - attended the Doncaster Business Crime Conference

Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP (Regional Minister, Yorkshire and The Humber), 28 March 2008 - visited Doncaster

Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP (Regional Minister, Yorkshire and The Humber), 16 April 2008 - met with Yorkshire and Humber Chamber of Commerce

Iain Wright MP (Communities and Local Government), 6 May 2008 - visited Strategic Housing Initiatives in Doncaster

Rt Hon Caroline Flint MP (Communities and Local Government), 9 May 2008 - attended 'The Future of Housing' conference in Doncaster

Rt Hon Rosie Winterton MP (Regional Minister, Yorkshire and The Humber), 12 May 2008 - attended the Partnership Member of the Year awards

John Healey MP (Communities and Local Government), 20 May 2008 - visited Doncaster

Jim Knight MP  (DCSF), 4 June 2008 - visited Toll Bar Primary School and Campsmount Technology College

John Healey MP  (Communities and Local Government), 23 June 2008 - visited areas affected by flooding in 2007

Rt Hon Ed Balls MP (DCSF), 27 June 2008 - visited Hayfield School, Doncsaster

Ivan Lewis MP (DoH), 21 July 2008 - attended the Dignity Tour in Doncaster

Iain Wright MP (Communities and Local Government), 23 July 2008 - visited proposed Eco-town site in Rossington

Demographics for Doncaster

Mid-2007 Population Estimates

Figures updated annually. Last update August 2008. Source: Office for National Statistics.

Children and Learners

Over £484,000 has been allocated for the development of extended schools for 2007-08. 

Health and Well Being

As part of a £30m investment by Doncaster Primary Care Trust and Doncaster Council under new partnership arrangements with the private sector, the new £5m Vermuyden Centre recently opened in Doncaster.  The Centre serves 15,000 patients, has its own pharmacy and out patient suites as well as a customer service department and a library.

Crime

• Doncaster has been named as one of 40 priority Respect Action Areas in England, for being a council who has a strong record in tackling anti-social behaviour. The Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) is also backing the scheme with £6m of funding in 2007-08 for parenting classes in the 40 areas
• in June 2007, the Safer Doncaster Partnership launched the country’s largest ever SmartWater initiative. SmartWater is a colourless and odourless liquid with a unique DNA style chemical formula which can be applied to all types of household items. The liquid glows under an ultra violet light, identifying stolen items and the handlers of the stolen goods. There is a commitment to deliver SmartWater free of charge to 20,000 homes across Doncaster by March 2008
• almost £277,000 has been allocated for Doncaster for 2007-08 from the Basic Command Unit Fund. This will provide resources which can be targeted locally to most effectively tackle crime and its causes, such as drug abuse

Transport

• £6m has been allocated for Integrated Transport and Maintenance in the 2008-09 Local Transport Plan settlement, announced in November 2007
• construction of a new park and ride site at Parrot’s Corner, Doncaster commenced at the end of July 2007 and opened in September 2008. The park and ride site forms part of the A638 Quality Bus Corridor which is to receive Government funding of £15.3m.  The Bus Corridor scheme is due for completion in March 2009

Regeneration

• nearly £11.1m has been allocated for 2008-09 under the Supporting People programme which offers vulnerable people the opportunity to improve their quality of life by delivering high quality and strategically planned housing-related services which complement existing care services
• £1.1m has been allocated to Doncaster’s Children’s fund for 2008-09 to help support five to thirteen year olds at risk of social exclusion, with a further £1.1m for two further years 2009-10 and 2010-11
• 22 Sure Start Childrens' Centres from phase 1 & 2 with enhancements planned for those centres in phase 3. The total childrens' cerntre capital and revenue funding for 2008-09 is just under £4.3m

European Funding

• nearly £7.4m has been awarded to the Doncaster Waterfront Regeneration Project
• £800,000 has been allocated to the central Doncaster Environmental Improvement Programme.
• nearly £1.4m was awarded to the £4m Leading Edge Technology Solutions Programme (LETS), which enables businesses to use 3D and 4D technology in all areas of their operation from product development to sales and marketing