Written question asked by Lord Lofthouse of Pontefract (Labour), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Sainsbury of Turville (Labour) on Thursday, 20 July 2006.

Coalfields: Regeneration

Question: What progress has been made by the Skillsbuilder programme of the Coalfield Regeneration Trust to secure new jobs for the miners formally employed at the Prince of Wales colliery, Pontefract; and what funding is proposed to facilitate the regeneration of that former coalfield site.

Answer: Skillsbuilder was a programme developed around the Prince of Wales colliery closure. Training supported by a wage subsidy was provided to enable miners to transfer their skills to the constructionand engineering sectors, gaining industry standard qualifications and employment. Up to March 2006, 538 former miners had moved directly into new jobs. The regeneration of this site is being developed by UK Coal (site owners) and Wakefield Metropolitan District Council as part of their ““Five Towns”” regeneration programme. A master plan for the development of the site, which includes housing, industrial job creation, sports and leisure facilities and public amenities, is at an advanced stage of preparation and discussion, with all parties concerned pulling together in a venture to create a gateway to this strategically located area of West Yorkshire.

Secondary information