MP Plants Millionth Tree in Yorkshire for UK Coal

KEVIN Barron, MP for Rother Valley, made a special visit to the site of UK COAL’s £100m Waverley community in the heart of South Yorkshire recently, to take part in a symbolic tree planting ceremony with school children and young people from Sheffield and Rotherham.

The event marked another step in the regeneration of the 300 hectare site where 34,000 trees in total are being planted. Each tree has been named after the child who planted it, making them a permanent part of the re-birth of Waverley and giving them the chance to see their tree grow for years to come along with the new community surrounding it.

Joined by 20 children from Sheffield City School and youngsters from Orgreave and Aston youth community groups, Mr Barron planted his own tree - the millionth to be planted by UK COAL on Yorkshire soil - before being given a tour of the impressive Waverley site, which covers an area bigger than Sheffield City Centre.

The visit was a great opportunity for Mr Barron to gain a real insight into the 20 year master plan for this exciting project for South Yorkshire, which is the biggest and most ambitious in UK COAL’s history.

The new Waverley community will create a bustling town of 9,000 people, living in green and pleasant surroundings. Around 4,000 new homes will be built, along with shops, restaurants, schools, leisure facilities, health and community centres and parks. Waverley will also play a major part in the redevelopment of the surrounding well-established communities of Catcliffe, Treeton, Orgreave, Woodhouse Mill and Handsworth with its Advanced Manufacturing Park and Highfield Commercial district bringing jobs and skills to the region for the benefit of local people.

Mr Barron, who has a keen personal interest in the redevelopment of the former coke works after spending 23 years working in the coal industry himself said: "What is taking shape at Waverley is extraordinary. This development is a fantastic asset not just in terms of the AMP but in terms of the opportunities it will bring to South Yorkshire. By generating thousands of new jobs and homes Waverley is creating a 21st century South Yorkshire and paving the way for the future. Like a true phoenix rising from the ashes, it will be a place that people can use and enjoy for years to come and this fantastic new community should be wholeheartedly encouraged."

Sue Anderson, director of management operations for Harworth Estates, the property arm of UK COAL, added: "UK Coal is committed to involving the local community in the redevelopment of Waverley creating a sense of community spirit and giving everyone the opportunity to be part of the area and its bright future. We were delighted to have Kevin Barron take part in today’s tree planting activity and for him to see first hand what a real difference Waverley will make to the future of South Yorkshire."