Warsop A parish profile September 2012 Big Warsop Parish Profile 2012 p1 Introduction This profile document is being produced to contribute to the information necessary for the Big Local Trust’s requirement to establish an informed pathway to the allocation of the “Big Local” fund, awarded to Warsop by the Big Lottery. The other documented components in the pathway will be a visioning document and a project delivery plan. The profile information will be in three parts. The first part will include qualitative commentary on core profile categories giving insight into factors that affect everyday life but may not be able to be captured in figures and will show some interpretation of bare statistics. The second part will be a collection of statistical information which summarises the large amount of data available at ward and postcode level for the parish as a whole. Thirdly, by appendices, full statistical ward summaries will be provided. Because so much information is available and it is not possible to transmit graphs (pictures) etc in any quantity, this electronic document will summarise their content and make clear where full documents are available. A “master” hard copy with all documentation and A3 maps will also be produced. Also, an overview of the profile and the vision of the Big Warsop Partnership are combined on a DVD which has been widely distributed in Warsop. A copy is kept with the master documentation for record purposes. Sources of information Statistical information will be drawn from ward profile documents, collated by Mansfield District Council. The information within these is derived from a number of sources, local and national, such as the Office for National Statistics. Executive summary Warsop is a semi rural parish with a population of approximately 12,000, divided between five separate communities. The pleasant environment and recent up lifts in the quality of housing stock somewhat mask the underlying problems demonstrated in statistical evidence of adverse health, education and employment issues that affect all of the parish. Like many communities, improvements in the quality of life that flow from basic needs, such as employment , being readily available, are slow in the present recession and more difficult because of the access problems inherent in semi rural life. Surveys, conversations and engagement with the residents over a three year period however demonstrate resilient communities with common interests concerns and hopes. Big Warsop Parish Profile 2012 p2 So, although the five communities rightly value their own identity there are unifying issues that are evident and can be further explored which will be of common benefit and when addressed positively, significantly add to the quality of life for all. Across all of the communities there are numerous examples of how volunteering has benefitted society. With a background of facility provision through Miners’ Welfares and a range of community buildings local people have a history of “pitching in” to provide services to meet local needs in addition to those provided by statutory bodies. Although modern day life does not foster volunteerism as much as in former times, there is still a huge contribution to local life in Warsop in this respect. The business audit will give more detail on the economic health of the parish but can be expected to generally show that, as a small town, Warsop does not have capacity to support large business or industry especially in the retail sector. It does however have a significant number of local businesses meeting local needs offering a wide tapestry of expertise which may be a valuable resource when looking at how to address training and enterprise needs in the future. Through a variety of engagement mechanisms over a three year period to seek the views on local priorities and how the Lottery’s award could be most usefully employed, themes have come forward that demonstrate this common interest. • Meeting the needs of young people, wherever they live within the parish and across all age groups is the most commonly cited theme. • Following this, the need for training opportunities, for all age groups in the present economy is identified as an urgent priority, enabling residents to be as work ready as possible. • Quality of life for older residents is also recognised by a significant number of those asked to comment and the needs of this group are seen to be met from both the statutory and local voluntary sectors. • Issues also recognised through the findings were good healthcare for all (especially older people) protecting the local environment, and supporting where possible, local businesses Vision for the future It is hoped that the information contained within this profile document sufficiently captures the facts about and the mood of Warsop to enable a vision to be forthcoming which will inform a creative delivery plan for the Big Local Partnership to implement over the forthcoming years. Big Warsop Parish Profile 2012 p3 1 Describing Warsop Warsop is a civil parish in the District of Mansfield in Nottinghamshire, England, located on the outskirts of Sherwood Forest. According to the 2004 census population estimates it had a population of 12,365. The parish formed an urban district in Nottinghamshire until 1974. It retains a council, as a successor parish. The parish includes Market Warsop, Church Warsop, Meden Vale, Warsop Vale and Spion Kop. The District and County Councils are present in their role as service providers in their statutory and discretionary roles e.g education, health, highways, housing, leisure etc. There are four District councillors, one County Councillor and Mansfield Constituency for Member of Parliament changed to include Warsop at the general election of 2010. A semi rural area, Warsop prospered during the times of extensive coal mining in Nottinghamshire with the industry providing work and social activity and facilities. Employment, social activity and local retail business are now poorer for the demise of the industry. As in many non urban areas, the lack of effective transport routes hampers economic growth and social activity. Warsop’s five settlements (see map P 19) each have their own identity as well as a joint togetherness as a parish and there are strong community groups and volunteering activity throughout. The parish holds an annual carnival and there is an annual pantomime production. There are a host of interest and voluntary groups. 2 Commentary on core profile categories People The full demographic profile is captured in the 2011 ward profile documents. The numbers of population are quite stable with a “churning” effect of approximately 65-70 people per 1000 population so with a population of 12,000, 7 – 800 residents are constantly moving in and out. Like Mansfield, Warsop has a very small ethnic minority population. The general trend shows slightly more residents aged under 20yrs, fewer residents of working age, and slightly more residents at 55yrs+ than the district average. There are less higher grade and management workers and more skilled and semi skilled manual workers than the district average. Natural and built environment The semi rural nature offers plenty of local green space and Sherwood Forest is on the doorstep. There is a keen interest in the local environment shown through the formation of “friends” and “footpaths groups. Playing fields are provided through Mansfield District Council, The Fretwell centre, and CISWO Big Warsop Parish Profile 2012 p4 Community Cohesion Views on cohesion are captured in the 2011 ward profile documents Roughly two thirds of residents regard Warsop as a close knit community with over 80% saying that it is the type of place where people are willing to help their neighbours. Housing Quantity, type and tenure are given on page 5. There has been recent and significant replacement of dilapidated terraced properties in Market Warsop and Warsop Vale where new build properties are currently available 70% of properties are in council tax band A making house purchase comparatively affordable. Jobs Economic activity is captured in the 2011 ward profiles. Warsop Carrs and Netherfield have the most unemployment and Market Warsop the most self employment. There are four business incubation units provided by the District Council at Burns Lane which at present time are under occupied. Recently refurbished office spaces have become available on Sherwood Street in Market Warsop Local advice on Employment and training is given through an outreach service, Family Employment Initiative (FEI), currently funded until March 2012. There is significant interest in the redevelopment of the Welbeck Colliery site and the project is being taken forward by NCC Councillor John Allin. Local Businesses The local web site, “Warsop web” lists over 150 local businesses. An audit of local businesses is being undertaken in Summer 2012 with full results available in December Education and schools. The local family of schools is comprised of the following Secondary: This is an average-sized school compared with other secondary schools. It was placed in special measures in March 2011. The proportion of disabled students and those who have special educational needs is significantly higher than the national average, but the school is currently reviewing its procedures for identifying which students have special educational needs and/or disabilities. The proportion of students on school action plus’or with a statement of special educational needs is much lower than the national average. Nearly all students are from White British backgrounds. The proportion of students known to be eligible for free school meals is slightly above the national average. Big Warsop Parish Profile 2012 p5 The school has been in a partnership with a local outstanding school since shortly before the school was placed in special measures. The headteacher was appointed at that time and an executive headteacher oversees both schools. Plans are well advanced for the school to become a supported academy in September 2012.