This is how 'most deprived' Doncaster estate is being turned around

Volunteers are joining together to improve St James estate, near Doncaster town centre, ranked 55th of 32,000 places across Britain in recent Government deprivation statistics.

And local organisations are running schemes to help residents into work and to help with costs such as furniture.

St Leger Homes manages Doncaster’s council housing. Its housing and customer services director, Steve Waddington, admits the estate faces challenges relating to poverty, but says hundreds of residents think it is improving and the picture is more complex than Government deprivation tables imply.

He said: “People living here and the wider Balby Bridge area care passionately about their neighbourhood – and there is a real desire to deliver positive change.

“A survey we conducted last year showed that over 250 local residents believed the area was getting better and we will always help wherever we can to make a difference.

“We are proud to be playing a part to help deliver those improvements alongside partners. We have the 11th lowest social housing rent in the country. We have increased the number of local housing officers giving support locally, including a new Income Management Officer and Tenancy Sustainability Officer.

"Our innovative World of Work scheme helped 139 people last year who were desperate to get into work with tailored employment advice and training. We also operate a 24/7 concierge service in the area allowing tenants to contact Doncaster Council’s Alarm Receiving Centre at any time with any concerns that they have and have increased CCTV coverage to help tackle antisocial behaviour.

"Our Garage 32 recycling scheme also continues to help provide furniture and other items to local people in need – last year it gave vital support to 115 tenants who were unable to furnish their properties. We also give a voice through tenants and residents group and our new High Rise Forum.”

He said they would continue to work with tenants, residents and partners to bring improvements wherever possible, particularly through a new dedicated housing team based in a shop on St James Street at the heart of the community.

Coun Chris McGuinness, Doncaster Council’s cabinet member for communities, said the estate had its challenges but progress was being made, with council teams working with a range of community groups and organisations to offer support for families joining them and residents on community-based projects.

He said: “Volunteers have pulled together and undertaken activities such as litter picks and planting previously unkempt areas into wildflower zones to improve the area. During the Covid-19 pandemic we have been providing essential help for the vulnerable residents. We do have systems in place like CCTV and our strong multi-agency working which enables swift action to be taken where issues around anti-social behaviour and criminal activity is found.

“We are doing all we can to create a thriving Doncaster town centre and are delivering major infrastructure projects and regeneration programmes across the borough which support economic growth, investment, jobs and prosperity for all Doncaster residents. We are refreshing our Urban Centre Masterplan and establishing an Economic Recovery Plan which will see us realise our ambitions and help us through these most challenging of times.”

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.