4th July 2008 - Linda visits Rawmarsh to see European funding at work

Rotherham-based Euro-MP Linda McAvan was in Rawmarsh last night to see for herself how local people have harnessed European funding to improve the area, with a new landmark road sign welcoming people to the town.

Ms McAvan had been invited to visit by local councillor Shaun Wright and others involved in securing the new sign at the end of Warren Vale Road. The sign is made of Rotherham Red stone and was part-funded by EU Objective One money.

The sign was designed and installed by the Groundwork Dearne Valley Trust, in partnership with Rotherham Council’s Pathfinder Team and Streetpride.

Cllr Shaun Wright said;

"I'm delighted with the new sign, and really pleased that Linda was able to come to Rawmarsh to see it for herself. Local school children and residents have been involved in the design process for quite a long time now and it's great to see everyone's work coming to fruition."

Linda McAvan MEP said;

"More than a billion pounds of EU funding has been invested in Yorkshire and the Humber region since 2000, and much of that has been spent locally in South Yorkshire, creating thousands of jobs. The new sign is a bit like the tip of the iceberg. Projects like this one in Rawmarsh not only help to smarten up the local environment but also help to bring people together to improve their neighbourhoods - and that must be a good thing."