Making the Difference

The Coalfields Task Force publishes Making the Difference: its recommendations on how to deliver a prosperous future for coalfield communities. The report attributes economic problems in the Mansfield and Ashfield area to its isolation, the reliance on historic mineral railway lines and to transport, sites and premises infrastructure being inferior to prosperous areas. Rainworth Bypass, Pleasley Bypass and the Mansfield Ashfield Regeneration Route (MARR) are identified as key to improving the east-to-west links between the A1 and M1. MARR is put forward as one of seven regeneration routes across the UK which would stop economic growth bypassing the towns and have a major significance in opening up employment sites in the coalfields areas. Junction 29a of the M1 at Markham Colliery is also identified.