News

Targeted regeneration could be key to boosting coalfield communities

(16 May 2011)

Dr Mylène Riva and Prof Sarah Curtis co-authored a study on the health inequalities experienced by coalfield communities.

According to the research, coalfield communities are more likely to report having long term limiting illness (e.g. chronic arthritis, asthma, back problems) compared to other communities across England, but some communities have also fared better than others.
 
Identifying the areas that are most vulnerable can assist in regeneration efforts to address health inequalities directly.
 
Prof Sarah Curtis said:

“Coalfield areas vary considerably and it’s essential that government policy recognises the different levels of support that are needed and helps the areas with the greatest need.”

“Some mining communities have struggled and need more assistance, whilst others have fared quite well, demonstrating considerable resilience in the wake of the huge job losses that affected these regions.”

“A lot can be learnt from the success stories and regeneration schemes that have worked well.  It will be helpful to share knowledge about the conditions fostering that success.”

This study was in collaboration with researchers from Dalhousie University, Canada, and Teeside University.

Press Release: http://uk.news.yahoo.com/areas-suffer-years-pit-axe-231440369.html

Paper: Coalfield health effects: Variation in health across former coalfield areas in England